It's pretty common on p3 wagons for the tailgate actuator cable to brake (around the yellow clip in the photo above) and although the actuator pulls the cable, the outer sleeve moves too so it doesn't actually pop the lower latch.

The picture you've posted is only the lower half, Volvo sells it as a complete assembly with lock/actuator and lower latch.

Try this trick for opening the tailgate.

https://youtu.be/PRIUBEqEgAA

Thanks @timbo

Unfortunately, that's the video I already watched and there hole it shows on the latch isn't accessible on mine. It seems they have a different latch mechanism.

If you look at the photo I posted there appears to be 2 holes on the top, either side of the slot. These are not holes as far as I can tell, they are filled with plastic or even metal. Either way, there is no access through them. I have been unable to find any way to unlock the latch manually.

Any one have this same latch and been able to unlock it manually from the inside?

You could try a small drill otherwise you have to wrestle the whole tailgate trim off, undo the mounting screws for the latch assembly and carefully wrestle the tailgate past the latch assembly without completely destroying it.

    timbo

    You could try a small drill otherwise you have to wrestle the whole tailgate trim off, undo the mounting screws for the latch assembly and carefully wrestle the tailgate past the latch assembly without completely destroying it.

    Ugh! Bloody typical. Any ideas where to drill? There isn't exactly a great deal of area accessible to drill into.

      How old is the battery? When our battery was on the way out we had problems with the tail gate. Replaced battery and hasn't happened again.

        Ramrodfunk

        How old is the battery? When our battery was on the way out we had problems with the tail gate. Replaced battery and hasn't happened again.

        If only it was that.

        Battery is less than 12 months old. Reading 12.4v with ignition off, increasing when running.

          Ongoing tailgate issue. So, after hours trying to unlatch it manually I've come to realise my vehicle doesn't have a latch that allows that. 

          I believe I found the problem (see pic) but still have no way of manually unlocking the tailgate.

          I somehow managed to get it to open ever-so-slightly but the latch mechanism would not unlock enough to open it. If I have to drill out cut it out then so be it, beforehand, anyone know if the latch from later model P3's will fit?

          Any ideas?

          Latch part number 31253450

          {"embed-error":true}

          4 months later

          i2020 I pushed a hole through with a screwdriver, around the area with the barcode sticker, the plastic is very thin. From there I was able to easily manipulate the sprung wire that operates the latch.
          As shown in the photo about, the cable is still disconnected as the connection on the latch is broken, however, I am not prepared to spend approx $800 for a new latch.
          POT still opens from fob, handle and dash, and closes electronically from the tailgate button.

              patchyfog Thanks for your help - am not real keen on having to butcher the rear panel to get access plus new latch seems extrotinate, so be it!

                  i2020 yeah I made a mess of the interior panel trying to get it off. It's still not sitting right. As a result, I have marked the interior panel so that if it goes again I'll just get a hole saw and drill through, then get a cover plate to fit the hole.

                    10 months later

                    Hello @patchyfog

                    I would like to ask you please for help. Few days ago my trunk is stucked (V70 2008 P3 D5)

                    II have exactly the same problem, I have watched all the videos about problems with opening my tailgate. Same problem as you had - no emergency opening hole in the latch.

                    If i understand correctly, i should make a hole according to your picture and there is hole in lock system for opening the boot by some special tool?

                    PS: Currently I am unable to open the tailgate - not working from keys, dashboard or hand.. nothing :/ I just hear clicking, and after unplugging the grey connector, same issue with opening only the top part of the tailgaite without opening the whole backdoor.

                    Please, could you describe the process step by step for me who is not so technically skilled? ( Do you also please have diameter/location (in centimeters XYZ axel) where I should make the hole from inside in the tailgate?

                    Thank you so much for your help and support !
                    Best Regards
                    Bj.

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