1998 v70 tailgate

Hello,
The wife's 1998 v70 tailgate has become difficult to close. Prior to
this problem, the tailgate would latch/lock with minimal effort. Now,
we have to slam it hard in order for it to stay latched shut (i.e., if
I push down, it will latch but with some play...if I grab the tailgate
handle and slam it, then about 1 out of every 4 attempts, it will catch
and stay shut with no play).

There is not anything debris that I can tell to be interfering. The
inside door trim is loose, so I ordered a repair kit, but that does not
appear to be affecting the ability to close shut.

I've attempted to google the issue and have seen some issues that are
close (recommendations being to blow air and relube), but have not yet
found anything specifically describing the issue...the other posts seem
to involve the latch not releasing or the handle mechanism not working,
all of which work in my case).

Anyone else experience this issue?

TIA.
Dave

 

Stupid answer but has the receiver worked lose and just needs a tighten up.

 

I had a similar problem.
Pop out the plastic covers on the floor gaining access to the latch bolts.
Loosen the bolts (TORX) and move them towards the rear of the car and
tighten.
Try closing the tailgate.
Repeat until it closes easily.

Good luck.

 

Nothing is loose that I can tell.

 

I will try that.

 

You can put a screw driver in the lock receiver to imitate the receiver,
this was you can check to see if its the receiver or the tailgate lock is
the problem.

 

Carololine - I lubed the lock receiver last night and it does appear to
be working fine, but the problem persists. I ran out of time last
night before I could test moving the bolts (as suggested in another
message), but will try that today/tomorrow.

TY