Safety Warning
DIY auto repair can cause serious injury, fire, or vehicle damage. These guides are for informational purposes only. Always follow OEM torque specs, wear PPE, and consult a certified mechanic if you are unsure. You are solely responsible for your safety.
Opening the trunk lid/tailgate
The tailgate/trunk lid can be opened in two ways:
- the switch on the tailgate/trunk lid
- the button on the remote control.
As a reserve alternative where appropriate the tailgate/trunk lid can be opened with a key in the lock cylinder on the tailgate/trunk lid.
Applicable to the S80/S60:
The lock unit to the trunk lid and the associated switch are directly connected to the rear electronic module (REM). When the switch is actuated the rear electronic module (REM) checks the status of the lock system and activates the lock unit if opening is to be permitted. The trunk lid is not opened if the speed of the vehicle is higher than 7 km/h (5 mph) or if private locking is activated.
The lock unit for trunk lid has no "unlocked" mode. When the lock unit is activated it disengages the catch in the body and the trunk lid can be opened. When the trunk lid is closed again it is locked.
When the trunk lid is to be opened the lock unit is supplied with power for approx. 0.7 seconds. Following which a check is made on whether the trunk lid is open. If this is not the case then a new attempt to open the trunk lid is made. If there is no indication that the trunk lid is open after two attempts then a diagnostic trouble code (DTC) is generated in the rear electronic module (REM).
Applicable to the V70/XC70/XC90:
The lock unit in the tailgate is locked and unlocked by the rear electronic module (REM) together with the side doors. The handle on the tailgate is mechanically connected to the lock mechanism. The tailgate can be opened using the button on the remote control even if the rest of the vehicle is locked. In order to open the tailgate the button on the remote control must be pressed twice within 3 seconds.
If the button on the remote control is pressed a message is sent from the remote control. This message is received by the upper electronic module (UEM) which checks that the key belongs to the vehicle. If this is the case then the upper electronic module (UEM) sends a request for lock motor activation to the rear electronic module (REM).
If the vehicle has been locked and the tailgate/trunk lid is unlocked using the remote control then the LOCK button on the remote control must be pressed in after the tailgate/trunk lid is closed. This is so that the central locking has locked status and the alarm is activated.
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- • You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- • Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- • The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- • You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- • You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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