Having carried out this task for the 2nd time this morning, it has become apparent that the FAQ tips provided can, and most likely will cause breakage of the trim piece in front of the tailgate release lever. Bill Peyton who kindly submitted the FAQ post states that this is likely to occur. The replacement cost being $11US.

THERE IS A BETTER WAY.

The following applies to a 93 940 wagon, and I would think, to all 700 & 900 wagons.

You will need a small to medium flathead screwdriver & a torx screwdriver found in Volvo tool kits.

A CAUTION before you start. When steps 1 to 4 are completed it will be time to remove the trim. This MUST be done by sliding the complete trim including the brake light upwards to disengage the 4 fragile plastic tabs that secure the trim at the top. Failure to slide upwards will cause them to break.

Step 1. Open the tailgate fully.

Step 2. Remove the plastic surround which is part of the housing for the lever which opens the tailgate from the inside. This surround is held by 9 shallow 1"(2.5cm) long plastic lugs. The centre of these lugs is found at-

TOP EDGE ie edge closest to glass. (3 lugs in total)

One lug can be found 2 3/4" (6cm) in from each side. The third lug is in the middle, 6"(15cm) from the edge.

SIDES

One lug on each side 1 1/2" (3.5cm) down from each top corner.

BOTTOM (4 lugs in total)

One lug can be found 1 1/2" (3.5cm) in from each side. The other 2 are to be found 4 3/4" (11.5cm) in from each side.

Start at the top right corner by sliding the flathead screwdriver between the carpet trim and the plastic surround 2 3/4" from the side. Push the screwdriver in firmly and gently twist at the same time. You will feel the lug come free. Repeat this process at the centre of each lug.(measurements given are the centres). The surround will come free.

Step 3.

Move to the bottom of the tailgate. With a 1/4 turn the 4 plastic fasteners

can be removed.

Step 4.

With the plastic surround removed in step 2, this has revealed 2 torx head screws. Remove them. The only thing holding the complete trim now are the fragile plastic tabs at the top. You must support the trim while you disconnect a power supply on the right hand side. This can be done with one hand. Once this is done it is time to gently push the complete trim up towards the glass to disengage the 4 fragile tabs at the top. The trim is very light and will now come away.

With the trim removed it is a good opportunity to apply Loc Tite to the 3 screws that hold the wiper motor in place. They have a tendency to work loose. You will also find a small phillips head screw between the opening lever and the latching mechanism at the bottom of the tailgate. This can work loose. Tighten but do not overtighten. As it is housed in plastic, Loc Tite is not recommended. A spray of lithium grease to moving parts is also a good idea.

On reassembly do not forget the need to reconnect the power supply to the window heater.

Hope this is of use to someone.

Brickboard is a great help for the many Volvo owners living in a small village called Greenpoint. This village is on the east coast of Australia just south of a larger town called Forster. It is a privilege to do something in return.

Take care,

John H from DOWNUNDER