Volvo XC90 Sticking tailgate handle fix/mod

The Mk1 Volvo XC90 has a few design flaws, but one of the more common ones is the tailgate handle. It tends to lose its 'spring', or simply get stuck in the closed position.
You can replace these, but the design flaw will still be there. This mod helps prevent the issue reoccurring and - if you already have tools - can cost less than £4 to fix!

[@mschjone]

Chris Jackson, I watched this video a few weeks ago. Ordered the 4mm stainless rod from Amazon. Last night followed this step by step and the result was a perfectly operating handle. Took me about 2 1/2 hours (took my time and had fun with the project). You saved me a lot of money (not having to order the complete assembly) and time (your excellent step by step video). The clothes pin spring was a brilliant idea. This was a fabulous tutorial of how to fix this problem. Thank you!

[@jamesa5980]

I like it when TH-camrs actually solve real world issues. I like it best when they articulate clearly the steps they have gone though and do so clearly, concisely and I like it even better where some novel ingenuity has been brought to bear in the process. Bravo!👏

[@felixbrandestedt]

Just wanted to thank you for taking the time to explain this and posting the video.

[@FredericMayrand-d8x]

Worked like a charm with these instructions thank you! Note that I used a 4mm carbon fiber rod i had vs the 316 stainless steel. Don’t know if it will be as durable but for now works great

[@faustp23]

Thanks, I have that same issue but it's winter and I don't have a place indoors. The bar substitute is great, I kept thinking what to use. **this is a follow up to my original message. I ordered all the items and everything was available, I watched a few videos on how to make a spring...LOL

[@mackottaway5477]

Absolute legend! Thank you so much for the guide. I am by no means usually good when it comes to mechanical issues, but this helped me fix this problem all by myself, with a decent portion of elbow grease.

[@mahon257]

very helpful thanks. lucky enough to have a lathe.. so added a circlip to each end of the rod.. to stop it sliding sideways. its like creamy butter now! top job.

[@liquidvw]

Great video. Thanks. I used two springs vs one. The latch works better than new now.

[@DunnDealPromotions]

Thank you. So simple, but saved me a bit of hassle. Thanks

[@PhilipL-xk7uy]

Thanks so much! Really great video with clear explanation, I followed it step by step and got a perfect result. The only thing I did differently was that I used the spring from a rentokil rat trap as I didn't have a suitable clothes peg.

[@JasonGardnerUK]

Great video, thanks for sharing! This job is now on the to-do list.

[@djadjazloj]

Just bought a V70 with the same problem. This saved me 160£. Thank you!

[@davidknox2205]

Good stuff replacing the bar. I'm going to try that!

[@rosshart8184]

just bought a 2006 with this issue, grate video just ordered the bar, look forward to the challenge

[@arnoldasgerulaitis6883]

My wifes Volvo xc90 2006.same problem.Good information thank you!😊

[@octvia1975]

Great video

[@AnderssonChr]

Thanks for the video, it was very helpful. I appreciate it!

[@StuckInPeg]

I gave ours a shot of rustproofing spray and it's working now...

[@mjandet]

Thank you! Messed up the microswitch abit,? but just have to hold in the handle a sec longer and it works.

[@TheMcNeillsonWheels]

Handy! Thanks!