To all who have sent me birthday greetings it was quite unexpected THANK YOU!
Update! Car still in garage, suspected rotor arm as well as fault with air bag lamp! Found the tutorial VERY helpful RSPI.
However, can anyone be kind enough to explain in [simple English please]! how to replace tailgate struts as my present ones keep failing in cold weather and do not wish to 'brain myself! I already have replacement struts in my possession, many thanks to you all.

 

Here is a video by IPD on the subject(but Rspi's is better).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xHBcuzI-4kY

OPPS, sorry about the wrong link. corrected.

 

 

Thank you once again for your advice, most helpful and will be attempting this at the weekend, more than helpful!

 

I didn't watch the videos but I know you really need someone to hold it up while you do the struts. I cheated and wedged it open all the way with a 2 X 4 but there's always a chance you'll bump it or jar it loose and the hatch will come down on you. Be careful either way.

 

thank you for advice Kiss a frog, there will be two of us so hopefully no-one will get decapitated!

 

You might still want to have something handy just in case you get stuck as it can get heavy for the other person. Two people is the best and safest though.
Other thing is to wear a glove on the hand holding the strut when you're prying at the retaining clip with a screwdriver in the other. You can guess how I know that one.
Also put a small dab of grease in the ball socket if it didn't come with some.

 

I used a standard height step ladder on mine, then used a telescoping shower curtain rod I use as a prop rod when repairing cars with failed hood struts to hold the lift gate a little higher. It is adjustable, which was nice for lining up the strut cup with the ball. Just twist the curtain rod to make it a little longer or shorter, whatever is needed, so they line up.

 

I typically have a couple of those around the house for various tasks (besides painting); they work great for holding up tired tailgates, among other things..

 

Talesin: "The dip beam has 'expxired' on right hand side headlamp and I am not sure if to gain access I have to remove the 3 metal clips on the front of the glass unit or if access is gained at the back of the h/lamp unit itself? I do not want to start removing things just in case I cant get them back together again!"

There is a round cover on the back of the headlight assembly you need to remove to access the headlight socket. The bulb gets turned about 90 degrees to release. Do not touch the bulb with your fingers. The oil from you fingers will soften the glass once it heats up and the bulb will blow out in short order. If you do touch it, us a glass cleaner to wipe it down and try again.

This video shows the round black cover but that single wire headlight bulb isn't the kind my 850 takes. Mine uses a 9005 or 9006 depending on if it's high or low.
So when he talks about the "clip" the clip is metal and it's the retainer for the style of bulb like an H3 shown in the video.

(Models with two headlight bulbs only)
1. Turn the plastic cover counter-clockwise and remove it.
2. Turn the bulb and connector (one unit) 1/4 turn counter-clockwise and remove.
3. Disconnect the wiring from the bulb unit.
4. Connect a new bulb unit to the wiring without touching the bulb itself.
5. Re-insert the bulb unit into the headlight housing and turn 1/4 turn clockwise until the unit seats properly. The bulb has three guide lugs to ensure proper positioning.
6. Reinstall the plastic cover.

 

Thank you once again Kiss4afrog, unfortunately, I think my beloved Volvo has now expired, lost all drive this morning, this is the 3rd gearbox that has expired on me and is no longer viable to get another one, so it's the scrap heap in the sky I'm afraid, NOT a happy bunny
:-(

 

I feel your pain :-(