Panic - tailgate wouldn't close.

[Stuber]

DADDY kool it's very similar to K9plus1 who posts on page 5 I think. Hope it works for you

[chrissando]

I have this same issue on my right tailgate strut. My car has the electronic tailgate.

Volvo wanting £160 diagnosis fee and no indication of a gesture of goodwill.

I have found replacement strut online but my question is will my car recognise the new strut if I replace myself? I know the onboard computer does have software updates and I didn't know if a new strut would work after a straight forward replacement.

[gharper73]

I've got the same issue with my MY20. Tailgate no longer closes without assistance. I've tried silicone spray and it helped temporarily but then wears off.

We're driving to France in a couple of weeks so I booked into the Volvo dealer. Didn't want to risk not being able to close the boot whilst away.

They want £180 to perform a diagnostic (I told them I think I already know what the issue is). Then I assume they'll tell me that the RH strut (or both) need replacing. Unfortunately we're a year out of warranty.

Would be interested to hear how much people were charged for replacing the struts and if your dealer charged for a diagnostic test!

[Felindre]

This charging for 'diagnosis' even when it's a blindingly obvious mechanical problem is a real con. MECHANICS, the real ones, always used to diagnose as part of the fix.

[JFDIT]

If they're not prepared to make a contribution to the replacement cost I'd take it to any garage to have new ones fitted. Or do it yourself, pretty simple job.
You can buy the replacement struts for the cost of the diagnosis.

[gedger]

Volvo dealers seem very keen to try and charge this diagnostic fee. When my car broke down and fixed at the roadside the support chap said you must take it to a Volvo dealer for a full diagnostic, guess what, yup, they tried to charge me for the diagnostic even though the car was only a year old. I soon put they straight but the fact they even tried was very poor.

When I had a VAG car they did sometimes charge for a diagnostic but it was always taken off the bill if you had the work done which seems much fairer approach.

[Alexandrovich]

gedger is absolutely right about it being only fair, if diagnostic charge is made, then it should be deducted from the bill, if work is carried out.

[Chris John]

If they're not prepared to make a contribution to the replacement cost I'd take it to any garage to have new ones fitted. Or do it yourself, pretty simple job.
You can buy the replacement struts for the cost of the diagnosis.

Have you changed the actuators then?

[JFDIT]

Chris John, No, I've never changed them. However, each strut has a ball joint at each end secured with a spring clip. Removal of a rubber bung provides access to the wiring connector. Simple plug n play. Reckon even a Halfords spotty yoof could manage it.

[Chris John]

Chris John, No, I've never changed them. However, each strut has a ball joint at each end secured with a spring clip. Removal of a rubber bung provides access to the wiring connector. Simple plug n play. Reckon even a Halfords spotty yoof could manage it.

The trim needs to be taken off the tailgate to get to the connectors. What if the new ones are in the closed position can you just pull them open because the tailgate will clearly be open?

Does the length of stroke need to be adjusted?

May seem like a Halfords “spotty yoof” (I’m sure they’ll appreciate your comment!) job but realistically it’s not as simple as you make out