Just purchased a used volvo and have been troubleshooting some problems. The rear wiper was working with the driver side lock but when I went into the passenger side tailgate and secured a cylinder (that had wires) to the hatchback door (so it would stop rattling) the rear wiper started working. Interesting.
Now I only have three problems left to solve...
1. The passenger side rear lock doesn't work with the other locks.
2. Opening the driver side and passenger side locks with the key is very difficult. There could be corrosion inside the door. Could someone lead me to a site or info on how best to remedy this problem.
3. Both back windows have excessive rust (holes). I have scraped them and sealed the outside hole. How can I stop this rust? Where is it coming from. The wheel or the outside of the window.
Thanks!

I have a 1990. The flush rear window don't rust as easily as the earlier models do, but the wires running through the tailgate hinge go out on all year models I think after only 5-6 years of use. You have to prop the tailgate on a ladder, remove the hinge one side at a time and replace or splice (would be very difficult, there is no room to work, etc...) the wires running though the hinge. wiper and electric lock wires run though, both have probably lost insulation and are shorting, hence you get one when you try to do the other, etc... I got my last set of wires for around $15 a side I think from RPR volvo in california. Do one side at a time! You proably need helper for this. heat up the headliner and it should stretch enough to come off frame--pull headliner fabric toward corner to get enough slack to remove liner at corner. That's the toughest part to explain.

I'd suggest getting new tailgate wires (probalby best to do both sides, butyou can usually see the damage without even taking anying off, just lift the gate and look under the hinge).

Good luck.