2008 S40 Electric trunk release operates one day and not the next! Actually sometimes it works fine for several days and then for love or money will not open. When the pad above the licence plate is pushed it always make a soft wirring sound whether of not the trunk unlocks. Sometimes a have hit the trunk lid near the back and it will unlock, but more than 50% of the time I try that it will not. I have tried WD40 into the lock and checked for any obstructions. I have changed keys and the remote will always unlock the other doors OK. The emergency pull will open the trunk OK also. I have thought this is a temperature related problem as its been so cold here recently, but now I don't think so as it will still open sometimes and sometimes not no matter what the temperature is... I even tried warming the back of the trunk lid beneath the liceince plate with a hair dryer! It opened once that way...but not again. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

SOURCE: trunk will not open with or without key

hello theres really not many choices if you have a trunk key it should work if not and the inside trunk release isnt working either you could try to get at the lock setup from the back seat take your lower seat out remove the lower holding bolts slide up off the top lock setup see if theres enough room to work from there to pop the trunk open with a flash light and a screwdriver if not your going to have to pop the lock cylinder at your trunk once its out you can get a aftermarket replacement under $ 20 goodluck please rate

SOURCE: Volvo s40 rear doors wont open inside or outside

There is a child safety switch on the rear latch assembly that prevents opening from the inside handle. This switch may be on. Check your owners manual for more info.

Bret
RepairPal.com

SOURCE: 2002 Volvo S60 AWD Fuel door won't open

It more than likely may be the fuel pump. My girlfriend recently had the same problem with her S60 I came across a recall for the fuel pump. I took it by the dealers and they took care of it free of charge. The only negative thing I guess is that they kept it for a few days. 

SOURCE: cannot unlock trunk

Did you ever find the solution to this problem...we have the same problem.

Dai Boyce

• 288 Answers
• Posted on Jan 15, 2011

SOURCE: Hi, I bougth my new Volvo

If it is the same as the 2007 model.
The top of the key is a small slide switch.
You slide it and pull a vanity key out.If the glovebox has been locked it also possibly locks the boot with the same switch.
You will probably need to put key in glovebox lock and turn counter clockwise.
That key is to lock the seats to stop anyone getting into the boot via the fold down system as well.

Hope this helps.