How do I replace a cracked liftgate spoiler?

Tiny
BRICECI
  • MEMBER
  • 2012 MAZDA 5
  • 2.5L
  • 4 CYL
  • 2WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 10,000 MILES
The spoiler on my liftgate is cracked. I'd like to replace it but am not clear on how to remove the old one and secure the new one.
Friday, December 29th, 2023 AT 12:50 PM

12 Replies

Tiny
KEN L
  • MASTER CERTIFIED MECHANIC
  • 47,602 POSTS
Sure, there looks like there are two mounting nuts on either side and then it slides backwards off of the liftgate. Here are the instructions below. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Friday, December 29th, 2023 AT 4:49 PM
Tiny
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I appreciate the quick response, but I'm interested in the piece that goes right below the window on the outside. It has the Mazda logo and houses the switch to open the gate plus the license plate light. Sorry, the first attempt to upload the photo did not work.
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Friday, December 29th, 2023 AT 4:55 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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No worries, this piece bolts in the from behind, you will need to remove the inside panel to access the mounting hardware. The panel will have screws and push clips to hold the panel onto the liftgate. If you have problems please upload an image so I can walk you through the steps.
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+1
Saturday, December 30th, 2023 AT 11:46 AM
Tiny
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We got a cold snap, so I left everything alone, but trying to reassemble the liftgate with the new part, I"m running into trouble. I need to remove the reverse lens assembly (from the liftgate) in order to get the piece in question back into place. The only help I can find online addresses the blinkers/brake light assemblies which are mounted on the body, not the reverse assemblies on the liftgate. Thanks in advance.

Brannon
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Sunday, January 21st, 2024 AT 3:29 PM
Tiny
KEN L
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Sure, here is how to remove the reverse light bulbs. Check out the images (below). Let us know if you need anything else.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:23 AM
Tiny
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Thanks, Ken. I'm actually trying to remove the entire lens, not just change a bulb. The trim piece with the logo on it goes just under the reverse lens and isn't flexible, so to get it in place properly, I'll need to pull at least one, but probably both, lens assemblies. You can see the lenses in this photo outboard of the license plate on both sides, below the fascia piece that I'm replacing. Thanks again,

Brannon
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:27 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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That bolts in from the rear, you will need to remove the door panel. Can you upload images of the new piece? You should be able to tell from that.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:35 AM
Tiny
BRICECI
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Yeah, I've got everything apart, the old piece removed, and all visible fasteners on the back of the lens exposed. There is one grub screw, and one 10mm nut that goes onto a stud, but the lens is solidly held in. It feels like perhaps there is adhesive, but I"m afraid of putting too much force on it for fear of breaking something. On the outer edge of the lift gate, it looks like there are tabs that may help hold the lens in place, but again, I'm struggling to get any for to release or loosening of the lens.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:39 AM
Tiny
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The lens lives here.
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Monday, January 22nd, 2024 AT 10:42 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Gotcha, the inner door panel will need to be removed have you taking it off yet? Here is a generic guide to help you step by step with instructions in the diagrams below to show you how on your car.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/door-panel-removal

Check out the images (below). Please let us know what happens.
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Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 AT 10:04 AM
Tiny
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Hmm. I'm talking about the lift gate, not the door. There is a reverse lens assembly on the lift gate that I need to remove.
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Tuesday, January 23rd, 2024 AT 10:40 AM
Tiny
KEN L
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Gotcha, the door was the only example they were giving me, sorry. Yes, to remove that lens I believe you need to remove the inner door panel. They don't show me anything else on this repair. If you can upload images of around the lens I can see if there are any exterior screws that can help.
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Wednesday, January 24th, 2024 AT 9:42 AM

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