Liftgate Light Removal/Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2017 Mazda 3. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE:

Fogging or dew condensation may occur on the inside of the liftgate light because of a natural phenomenon occurring as a result of a temperature difference between the interior and exterior of the liftgate light. However, it has no effect on the light performance because the phenomenon is resolved when temperature inside the liftgate light rises after the back-up light turns on or a period of time has elapsed.

Disconnect the negative battery cable. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY CABLE DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the following parts:
1. Liftgate upper trim (See LIFTGATE UPPER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Liftgate side trim (See LIFTGATE SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Liftgate recess (See LIFTGATE RECESS REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Liftgate lower trim (See LIFTGATE LOWER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Liftgate garnish (See LIFTGATE GARNISH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the connectors.

Fig 1: Locating Liftgate Light Connector With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the nut.
Insert the remover tool into the service hole at the position shown in the figure.

Fig 2: Locating Liftgate Light Service Hole
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the remover tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and detach the service hole cover tab from the bracket.

Fig 3: Locating Service Hole Cover Tab
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the service hole cover in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure while detaching the guide.

Fig 4: Removing Service Hole Cover Tab From Bracket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the remover tool into the gap between tab (1) of the bracket and liftgate light.

Fig 5: Locating Liftgate Light Bracket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing tab (1) of the bracket in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure using the remover tool, pull the bracket to detach tab (1) of the bracket from the liftgate light.
Insert the remover tool into the gap between tab (2) of the bracket and liftgate light.

Fig 6: Locating Liftgate Light Remover Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing tab (2) of the bracket in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure using the remover tool, pull the bracket to detach tab (2) of the bracket from the liftgate light.
Insert the remover tool into the gap between tab (3) of the bracket and liftgate light.

Fig 7: Locating Remover Tool In Between Bracket And Liftgate Light
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing tab (3) of the bracket in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure using the remover tool, pull the bracket to detach tab (3) of the bracket from the liftgate light.
Insert the remover tool into the gap between tab (4) of the bracket and liftgate light.

Fig 8: Removing Liftgate Light Bracket
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While pressing tab (4) of the bracket in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure using the remover tool, pull the bracket to detach tab (4) of the bracket from the liftgate light.
Detach all the tabs of the bracket from the liftgate light and remove the bracket from the liftgate light.
CAUTION:
- When removing the liftgate light from the liftgate, the liftgate light could contact the liftgate and damage it. Apply protective tape to the liftgate before removing the liftgate light from the liftgate.
To prevent scratches, apply protective tape to the position shown in the figure.

Fig 9: Locating Liftgate Light Protective Tape
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
CAUTION:
- When removing the liftgate light from the liftgate, the liftgate light could fall off and be damaged. When removing the liftgate light from the liftgate, hold the liftgate light on the lens side with a hand.
Remove the liftgate light in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure.

Fig 10: Locating Liftgate Light Pin, Hook, Stud Bolt
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the grommet.

Fig 11: Removing Liftgate Light Grommet
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install in the reverse order of removal.