Intermittent "TAILGATE OPEN" message

[dilkens]

My 2001 XC70 has the tailgate wiring in the right hinge but it is covered and not readily accessible. I'm getting the same intermittent Tailgate Open message.

[Astro14]

No one said it would be easy to get to the wiring harness...but that's where you should start...in the hinge, where it's been flexed thousands of times, and it's likely broken...

[elmwoodblues]

Ok, our problem is not so bad in that the gate opens, but won't lock. I took the trim off and everything seems smooth, no binding; however, when i replace the 10amp fuse in the rear box and work the fob, i hear it short out and then see the broken fuse. With nothing but a basic 12v tester, can anyone recommend my next move? I will be looking at the wiring that routes thru the hinge on the driver side in the meantime...

ps I noticed the small oval cutout just right of center, on the crease below where the licence plate bottoms out. Is there a keyway in there? If there is, I may bail on the whole problem and simply work the gate that way, as the backup that should have been there all the while!