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 Tailgate
V70 (08-) up to and incl. structure week 2010 45-
V70 (08-), as well as from structure week 2010 46-
The tailgate can be opened in three ways:Β
- via the handle on the outside of the tailgate
- via the button on the remote key
- via the switch on the Light switch module (LSM).
from 2008- before structure week 2010 46-Β
The tailgate can be unlocked using the switch on the Light switch module (LSM). When the switch is pressed in, a signal is transmitted to the Central electronic module (CEM) which activates the locking/unlocking motor. When the lock is unlocked and the handle pressed in, the catches release from the striker plate in the body and the tailgate opens. The handle on the tailgate affects the catch in the tailgate lock unit mechanically via a wire.
from structure week 2010 46- 2008-Β
The tailgate/trunk lid can be "unlocked" separately using a switch on the light switch module (LSM). When the switch is pressed in, a signal is transmitted to the central electronic module (CEM) indicating that the tailgate/trunk lid must permitted to be opened using the switch in the handle on the lid.
The locking/unlocking motor in the tailgate lock unit is directly connected to the Central electronic module (CEM) and Power Operated Tailgate Module (POT) (option).
The switch in the tailgate's handle is directly connected to Keyless vehicle module (KVM) or Power Operated Tailgate Module (POT).
The tailgate does not open if private locking is activated.
When the lock is unlocked and the handle is pressed in, the lock catch releases from the lock brace and the tailgate opens.
When the switch is activated, and the tailgate/trunk lid is locked, a message is sent to Keyless vehicle module (KVM) that activates the antenna in the tailgate and searches for a valid remote key with keyless function. If a valid remote key is found, Keyless vehicle module (KVM) sends a signal to Central electronic module (CEM) which unlocks and releases the motor.
For V70 before structure week 201046, there is a switch in the tailgate's lock unit, which indicates whether the tailgate is locked or not. If the lock in the tailgate is activated twice without the switch in the lock unit indicating that the tailgate is locked/unlocked, a DTC is stored in the Central electronic module (CEM).
The button on the remote key can be used to unlock the tailgate even if the rest of the vehicle is locked.
The tailgate cannot be unlocked if the vehicle speed is greater than 7 km/h (5 mph) or if privacy locking is activated.
Use the Manual With the Right Hardware
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When to See a Mechanic
Stop DIY work and contact a certified mechanic immediately if any of the following apply:
- β’ You smell fuel, burning insulation, or see smoke.
- β’ Brakes feel soft, pull hard to one side, or make grinding noises.
- β’ The engine overheats, stalls repeatedly, or misfires under load.
- β’ You are missing required tools, torque specs, or safe lifting equipment.
- β’ You are not confident in the next step or safety outcome.
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