Lift-gate panel removal

2012 MAZDA CX7
73,000 MILES • 1.0L • 4 CYL • 2WD • AUTOMATIC
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BODOTDOT
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I have a rear license plate attached with two bolts. One of the bolts sheared off due to rust. I've tried drilling it out, but failed at that. I need to get at it from behind, which means I need to remove the plastic liftgate panel. How do I do that, and will I destroy the attachments in the process?
May 8, 2019 at 2:09 PM
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JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Welcome to 2CarPros.

Here are the directions for all parts of the lift-gate trim. The attached pictures correlate with the directions.
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LIFTGATE LOWER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove the liftgate upper trim. (See See: Trunk / Liftgate Moulding / Trim > Removal and Replacement > Liftgate Upper Trim Removal/Installation)

2. Remove the liftgate side trim. (See See: Trunk / Liftgate Moulding / Trim > Removal and Replacement > Liftgate Side Trim Removal/Installation)

3. Pull the recess toward you, then remove it.

picture 1



4. Remove the fasteners.


picture 2



5. Pull the liftgate lower trim toward you, then disengage the clips A, B and pins C from the body.

6. Remove the liftgate lower trim.

7. Install in the reverse order of removal.


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LIFTGATE SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
LIFTGATE SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Remove the liftgate upper trim. See: Trunk / Liftgate Moulding / Trim > Removal and Replacement > Liftgate Upper Trim Removal/Installation

2. Remove the fastener.

picture 3



3. Pull the liftgate side trim toward you, then disengage the clip A and pin B from the body.

4. Remove the tab C, E and clip D.

5. Remove the liftgate side trim.

6. Install in the reverse order of removal.


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LIFTGATE UPPER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION

1. Pull the liftgate upper trim and detach clips A and B, pin C.


picture 4



2. Remove the liftgate upper trim.

3. Install in the reverse order of removal.

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Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Joe
May 8, 2019 at 6:14 PM