I have a 2015 XC60 T5 (Premier). We started having issue with unlocking the tailgate a few months ago.

Initially we noticed that it took a few squeezes on the button of the tailgate before there was a click and the lock opened. Over time it's got worse. Now, it takes nearly a minute of trying before it unlocks. There's a button to unlock the tailgate near the driver's side but clicking it too does not produce the click any longer. Sometimes it feels that starting the engine and clicking on any unlock all locks button on the driver's side a few times helps with unlocking the gate. So, because the issue is intermittent, I think the problem is not the button in the tailgate handle, not in the electronic lock component, but rather in wiring that could be damaged. I found a video and a technical bulletin suggesting to cut the ground wire leading to the tailgate and connect it directly, because VOLVO is not using the body as the ground, due to fiber components and instead is using a wire, which eventually burns the contacts in the connector. It sounds reasonable and I'm willing to give it a try but I'm struggling to open that cover to access the connectors.

Anyone had this issue or ever was able to pop the cover?

Here's a snippet from the Technical bulletin and the full PDF is attached as well. It is for a different model, but the problem sounds very similar.

 

Did you ever solve this? I have the same problem, and I'm also having trouble getting the ceiling trim off without breaking anything. And I don't know if the XC60 is going to be set up the same as that XC70. I also read somewhere about wiring problems beneath the front passenger seat having something to do with this...

 

Yes, ended up replacing the lock.

 

By lock do you mean the latch that keeps it closed or the handle with the micro switch? I just tried replacing the latch and it didn’t help. I might try the handle next…

 

So, did you finally figure out your issue after replacing the latch? I'm looking at buying a used XC60 and the owner says it the tailgate won't open.
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Haven’t tried yet. Right now we mainly just load through the doors, and if we need to get something through the tailgate there’s a small hole in the latch so it can be opened from inside with a small screwdriver. I should probably try the microswitch and return it if it’s not that.

 

I have the same issue with the lock on my volvo xc60 2015, I spent 30mins trying to remove the roof panel, as the video shows, only to find out that the connector is located just inside the small hatch down left in the trunk that you can easy open without any tools.I just struggle to find the correct cable before I cut it. (Not sure its the same color for xc60 as it is for xc70). I'll post an update if Im successful.

 

Let us know if it works. I finally replaced the whole handle including the micro switch on the tailgate, and now that opens when I click it with my fingers. However, it seems not to lock consistently. Sometimes the car is locked but then without the keys I can still open the tailgate (although it sets off the alarm). And when driving I hear it clicking open and closed and the status on the dashboard shows open. But other times it’s completely locked. At least I can then open it by clicking the switch with my fingers while pulling open the tailgate like it should normally open. The key fob and dashboard button don’t seem to do anything. I’ll probably take it into the shop at this point to get it to lock better unless anyone has a suggestion from here.

 

Added some extra tape to the spring pushing the opening button
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Looks like more tension on the cable than it is, but seems to work flawless, past couple of days

Btw my car-fixing skills are zero to none, but happy I had to courage to try
gl everyone!

 

So did you cut/redo one of the wires like with the XC70 diagram? Did it help? I already replaced the whole tailgate handle/switch, but wondering if messing with the wires would make it lock consistently and make the fob and front button work.

 

I DMed you, can send some pictures of the process! My experience is that the boot unlock every time you press the unlock from the outside button now, as before the “repair” I had to press 30-100 times before it maybe responded once.

EDIT: I normally don’t use the other buttons to open as I load/unload strollers every time I use the car, but surely it will fix the issue with those other two you mentioned as well

 

Thanks, and thanks for the photos. I’m not actually having any trouble unlocking anymore. Replacing the handle (including the micro switch) took care of that. But now I’m having the opposite problem. I often can’t get it to lock. Normally closing the tailgate should automatically lock it, but most of the time now it won’t latch closed. So it bounces up and down a bit as I drive. When it does occasionally latch closed then when I lock the car it will also be locked and when I press the tailgate handle it will click open with no problem.

So I’m wondering if rerouting that wire like you did will help my opposite case at all…