My raw video with replacing the tailgate lift motors on my 2012 Volvo XC60 T6. Sorry it's not formatted or made tidy ;-) Hope you still find it useful.
You sir, are a star! Thank for sharing! My Volvo’s struts look the same but wasn’t sure if electric or hydraulic. Mine’s are also squeeky and they drop back a few inches, almost like there’s not enough power to hold the tailgate up. I should probably replace them
Used this video tonight, great work James! My tailgate finally opens and closes again properly. For others, I’m in Australia, got the parts from the same supplier. Tasca parts in the USA. $500 inc shipping to Australia. Genuine Volvo parts. Shipping did take a while Extra tip, spray the rubber grommets on the strut wiring loom with silicon spray before inserting, it makes it much easier to get them in. The struts have LH and RH embedded into the plastic so you can’t mix them up The little wire clip that you pry back with a screwdriver when removing the old strut may need a little persuasion sometimes. 3 of the 4 old clips came out good but 1 was destroyed in the process but it’s headed for the bin anyway so no problem. The new struts just push straight into the ball joint I will also need the software update from the dealer to get the tailgate to open a bit higher, but after a year of struggling to open at all, it’s no problem (hopefully). Overall I’m a very average person and this took me less than an hour to complete start to finish thanks to this video Thanks again to James
Glad you found it helpful. I had no idea this video would get so many views. I actually only put it up to help one person who asked, and there you go, seems like a common issue. You are spot on with your comments, the silicone spray is very helpful. Try to keep the parts packaging when you go to get the software upated, it can be helpful for the dealer to see they are original and the numbers on the packet to source the software. Thanks for taking the time to comment.
Thanks for the video! The struts on my 2012 XC60 have been playing up for months, often stopping while shutting or opening. Usually pressing the button again was sufficient but then one day it wouldn't shut, I tried a few times and the strut actually buckled under the strain. This left my boot stuck up in the air so I had to get the broken strut off so I could lock the car up for the night. This video came to the rescue as I removed the strut by torchlight as night fell. There were a few steps that in reality were a bit more difficult than this video implies (or they were for me...). Removing the light cover from the trim was quite difficult when you don't know where the clips are behind the trim, but if you're patient and keep working round with a soft blade until you hit them you should be able to prise them out without breaking them. The trim has clips around the inside edge that are quite easy to locate and pull out without doing any damage, but I found the large clip in the centre of the trim very difficult to remove - again stay patient and work around it methodically and you should get it out with damaging it. I then discovered that the plastic on the back of the trim to which the various clips are attached had come away from the trim itself (it is only stuck in place through heat impressions) so I re-secured this with some Bostik. Getting the actual struts off was not as straightforward as in this video - the clips don't just pop off, I had to mangle them quite a bit to get them out using a screwdriver. Maybe there is a knack to it. I imported the new struts from Tasca for a very reasonable price compared to what my local garage quoted me. Putting the new struts on was a doddle. A quick test and the tailgate is working smoother and quieter than when I bought the vehicle! Then just a case of putting everything back together which was straightforward. Whole job spread over two evenings was only about 2 hours, but would have been longer without this video no doubt! Thanks again.
Thanks for the feedback Simon. I agree some of it may be a little tricky. I did try to point out the areas I found a challenge but obliviously didn't strike the same ones as you. I didn't have too much trouble with my clips (they were disposed of anyway as the new struts had their own). All good information for others and hopefully helpful to save a few dollars. Did you find the height of the tailgate opening has changed? Mine doesn't open quite as far now and I believe the car needs a software upgrade to reprogram for the new strut travel distance - which I'm yet to visit Volvo to do.
@@jamessaunders6439 yes, you're right. The tailgate doesn't open as far and requires a little push if you want head clearance. Good to know this is something Volvo can fix. Wonder whether they will charge for this.
Ah well, don't quote me just yet on the fix. My research says they should be able to (I've also commented below on this with another reply). Ha ha, yes, from my experience, I would expect them to charge for this software update unfortunately.
This was super helpful! Have a ‘13 xc60 and mine seized up on me when I had pushed up too hard on it. I ordered after market ones on eBay that I believe aren’t genuine but I installed them with the help of this video guide and they work great. Tip: make sure you plug in parts till they “snap” in. I had plugged mine in and sealed up all the door only to find it did not work and started to panic. Took it a last and yeah, it just needed to be plugged in all the way on right strut. Good luck!
@@twanminh1306 I still do. I have now had them for 2.5 years and they’re doing awesome. I will say this- if you’re having any issues with the button going all the way up I ended up replacing the actuator switch inside as it has worn out over time and use. Now I just hit the button and it goes all the way up (not a strut issue at all). After market struts are amazing! Very easy to install as well. Just be careful with the upholstery clips (they tend to break easily. I found replacement (BMW) ones at auto parts store.
Thanks! I put this up to help one person a while back. There must be a lot of people with this issue it seems. Thanks for the feedback! Cheers from Tasmania.
Thanks Christoper. Originally I put this video up to help one person that emailed me about doing this as the Volvo service price was crazy. I had no idea there would have been so much interest. The video is basic, with little editing as it was supposed to help one person, so if you (or anyone) has questions I'm happy to help. Thanks for your feedback, I appreciate it.
Super helpful, thanks. Now that you mention I think because I give the plate number it gives the date the car was licensed not the year of the car. I will order the parts. :)
No worries, just remember (as mentioned below) the new lifers don't open the tailgate quite as far - it doesn't bother me much but I'm going to get mine fixed shortly (hopefully) as a Volvo dealer needs to update the car software for this.
Hi guys, thanks for viewing my video. It was put up to help someone that had the same issue and wanted some tips from what I did, so it's not polished and not meant to be. Happy for likes and dislikes, but if I do get a thumbs down then please let me know why. I'm open to advice and might learn something. Cheers James
Hi James...Thanks for the video, I have been looking for this for a while. I have a 2011 Volvo XC60 with the same problem but the parts number that you have is for 2012 +. I haven't been able to find the correct part number for my car. Any suggestions or do you know if these struts will work? Thanks in advance Denis
G'day Denis, yes these are for the 2012 XC60. There is a good chance that they are different for your model. If you can send me your VIN number I have software that can lookup the original part numbers for your model. Also, some online parts stores will actually ask you for your VIN number so they can confirm the part is correct for you.
Today I recieved my second hand lift motors (with 1 year warranty) I was a bit worried because this came from a XC60-2014 and my car is a 2013. Also the numbers did not match between 2013 and 2014 construction year. Lucky they did function as new! Had also the problem the tailgate did not open at max....found a solution for this. When in open position, you mannualy push the tailgate open to your desired opening...then push for 10 seconds on the closing button and after this you push once again on this button. Now the new opening distance is memorized!!
Good to hear mate. Yes, the setting of the height via the button is normal functionality for all factory motors. (As per the manual). In your case, the second hand motors are able to do this as they are 'original'. However, new parts like I used, that I suspect have been modified to remove the issue, will still need the software update to allow them to open all the way. The internal stepper motor seems finer and therefore I suspect the software adjusts for the year model. So yes, second hand ones from approx same year should function like the original. Anyone buying NEW replacement parts will need the software update to restore 'normal' functionality. Glad you are sorted.
Hello! I have replaced the struts on my xc60 after my old ones kept dropping back a few inches but now the tailgate won’t open fully; it stops around the same angle as the old ones did. I tried resetting the position as in the manual, i tried resetting with a VIDA tester but still unsuccessful. Would you have any ideas on how to fix the issue?
Hi, yes this is expected. As in my update below, to regain the extra height the software needs to be updated - the one thing you cannot do unfortunately. Once done, they will open further and travel faster.
Update: I've finally taken my Volvo into the dealers to get the software updated so the tailgate lifters will now open all the way. It took two attempts as they had issues at first and questioned me if they were legitimate parts - even though I gave them the part numbers. I had the packaging the lifters came in, so on my second visit they have updated them successfully and I now have the extra few inches. So, if you do this yourself and want the software update - try to keep your packaging ;-)
Hi Tony, no you must ensure you get the correct ones for each side, the left and right have their own part numbers and you need to get the right ones. For my 2012 XC60 they were part numbers 31479628 and 31479627. They weren't cheap - total order cost me $498USD delivered to AUS.
yes, sounds like a familiar story mate. Good luck with it. There were other sites that listed them too, even ebay had some at one stage. Tasca were the cheapest at the time. Just make sure you get the right part number, sometimes they are superseded (mine were) so get the latest release
James Saunders i have exactly the same Volvo as you man. Bought struts from Tasca yesterday for $570 AU delivered, my dealer asking $1600, what a joke. Thanks a lot James , you saved a lot of money for good people. 🙏
Hi Max. The replacement struts (you need to do both ) will function but will operate slower and not open as far. The newer struts appeared to have more steps to open, possibly makes them stronger. That's why I would do both struts to ensure the open 'pulses' match the opening for both. I did eventually go back to the dealer and have the software updated for the new strut part numbers and they then operated like normal. (I did mention it below somewhere). Cheers James
Hi Greg, I'm going to say both need to be done based on what I saw. When I replaced the 'old' ones I noted that the motors appeared to be different, they took more 'pulses' to open the same distance, which indicate to me they were geared lower and stronger than the original ones. Replacing one may work, but if I am right then they will open at different rates and fight each other. The new rate of opening was why I had to go back to the dealer and have the code updated for them, as the new ones opened lower and slower before the update. Mixing models could get interesting.
is it recommended to replace both motors at the same time? I have the same vehicle, with the same issues you have with the lift gate. I noticed on the drivers side some liquid oil coming out of the motor and planned to only replace the one.
Jeremy Wasilewski Hi Jeremy, I’m not a mechanic but all my reading has suggested that both should be done. In my case I thought the left unit had failed but it wasn’t until I used Vida that I saw the right unit was throwing codes and at fault. The left unit was likely complaining due to the extra work it was doing. Also, the new replacement parts open but default to a lower height. I’m yet to go to Volvo to have the POT code updated for the new lifters (to increase the opening) as my dealer has been less than helpful in the past.
I just replaced one of the motors (they tested with two new, but didn't make a difference) and have the same issue with the tailgate not opening to its maximum. The mechanic has contacted Volvo about it, but hasn't received an anwser yet.. Did you ever get yours to open all the way up?
My own research shows the new struts need more 'pulses' to open. I think the old car settings have a maximum number of pulses allowed and they stop when they hit that. I researched this by using my own VIDA diagnostic tool. While I can see the issue I cannot reprogram the setting and I think this is something that a Volvo agent will need to do via a software update to the car. (Possibly the POT module) I am going to ask them at my next service.
Thank you for the response. I just had my second motor replaced yesterday, as the technician received word from Volvo, that borth motors need to be replaced at the same time and a software update would also be required. This lines up well with your own research, so you're most likely correct about this :) Also, the tailgate lift works perfectly now!
Does anybody know if there is a difference between the left and right struts? I can get a left for half the price of a right so am considering buying two lefts?
HI Joe, looking at mine, If I was to try to use the Left one in the Right position I can see the cable would likely be pinched and likely not fit at all (as upside down) - it would be upside down in order for the ball connections to work. I'm 99% confident that you need to stick to the left and right part numbers for your model. Never easy with Volvo!
James Saunders thanks. Ah I see now, looking at photos of the opposite hands next to each other - if the ball ends are both facing inwards like how they would during fitting, the cables both exit at the same angle/direction, if I tried to flip the left onto the right the cable would exit in the opposite direction from where it should. I could correct this by manually twisting the actuator til the ends faced the right direction as well as the cable but then one side would always be 180 degrees out of sync with the other? Would be interesting to know how 180 degrees of rotation of the actuator translates to linear movement - I’d guess a few mm?
couldn't get carpet cover off. There is something in the middle which holds still on to it. How did u manage to get that off?? Thanx for advice in advance🤔
Hi, Im not sure what you mean by carpet cover. On my model I mentioned all the screws/bolts holding things on in the video, the rest was just a matter of using a pry tool and a bit of 'gentle' force ;-)
Roar Andersen Hi, I found several locations online that sold the parts. The best deal for me with shipping to Australia was with Tasca car parts. Cheers James
Hello, do you still have your XC60? I also have one from 2013 and I can buy a second hand set of lift motors. I suppose the part numbers are left: RD31479627 and right: RD31479628? Now my question..are those number marked on the seperate lift motors? Thanks!
Hi there, yes I still have my XC60 and still going well. I just had a look and can confirm the numbers are written on the individual motors. It looks like the side is also specified, e.g my left motor number is 31479627 LH, and the right hand one has RH. Goodluck
Hi I think I have the same problem, 2012 -2011 build xc60 the tailgate doesn't always open or close. If I do the same, do you think the dealership will charge for the software. I took the car to the volvo dealership 6 months to get a quote and diagnose the problem. They said they could not diagnose what it was and could start by replacing the button that activates the close and charged me for the time.might send you my Vin to work out the parts I need if thats ok
Hi, yes I do think they will charge for the software update as it takes a tech a few minutes to download the software and apply it to the car. Really should only take half an hour I suspect. I'm happy to plug your VIN in for part numbers if you want to provide it, I suspect it will be the same par as mine. It is very odd they cannot diagnose this, as failing lifters are pretty obvious if it is struggling to open.
@@niksakoutis9399 hmm that is odd. I’ve only seen that when something gets in the way of closing. Mine normally always closed ok as it had the weight of the tailgate to help close, e.g boot liner etc. It was on open the lifters didn’t have enough power to do the job.
@@niksakoutis9399 ha ha. I hear you. Hope I don’t see that, but I have a huge list of things fixed in mine. Windscreen leak, air con compressor, vacuum pump, fuel pressure sensor, pcv valve, gear knob fault, top engine mount, thermo fans, tailgate lifters… that’s off the top of my head. It’s been quite a project for me. I love the T6 but I’m sick of replacing parts. Hopefully that’s it for a while!
@@jamessaunders6439 yep, forgot about that, we replaced the windscreen and the vacuum pump as well. My priority at the moment is the tailgate motor and the instrument cluster. can I pm you the vin.
This video is very helpful. One issue I've run into is while the cover is loose all around the edges it is still connected in center about where the release button is located. I'm afraid to apply more pressure for fear of breaking something. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks
G'day Bob. Some of the clips do hang on a bit. If you have removed all the screws and fittings I show in the video (button, light, latch sleeve and handle), and it is the same style of volvo xc60, then it really should come away with a bit of coaxing if you work around the trim and pull it away. There is always a chance a plastic clip could break I'm sorry to say, but they are designed to let go. Goodluck!
@@jamessaunders6439 Thanks James. I was able to "coax" it off without breaking. The liftgate is opening fully and closing except for the final pull to latch completely once it's closed. I guess it's off to the dealer for the software update.
@@bobhenderson9920 Hi Bob, sounds like it is close. It might be a matter of adjusting the bump stops, I mention them briefly in the video. They can affect the closing and stand-off of the tailgate. Just a guess but worth a look if you haven’t already. Good luck!
Hello James I hope this message gets through. I am actually living in France and they have a system here where you put in you plate number and the make and model of your car comes up. The issue is that the struts that come up are the non electric ones, just the supports. The struts on my car look a lot like yours but I want to make sure. Here’s the VIN YV1DZ8256C2246664 Thanks again for you help, D
Hi Denis, yes message received! I've entered your VIN into the Volvo VIDA software I have and it is reporting back as a XC60 with Model year of 2012. (Your build date can still be 2011) Engine is a D5244T15, transmission is TF-80SC-AWD. I can also confirm that the original part numbers for your left and right tailgate drive units are 31386705 and 31386706. If you search for these on the web (e.g. TASCA parts) you will see they are likely replaced by newer part numbers due to revisions to fix the issues etc. The important thing is to say that they replace these part numbers and you should be fine.
