Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2005 Mercury Montego, 2005 Ford Freestyle, and 2005 Ford Five Hundred. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the rear lamps. For additional information, refer to EXTERIOR LIGHTING .
If equipped, disconnect the rear parking aid electrical connector.
Remove the 5 rear bumper cover scrivets from liftgate opening.
Remove the 2 rear bumper cover pin-type retainers from the bottom of the beam.
Remove the 2 bolts from the bumper cover-to-bumper cover mounting reinforcements.

NOTE: The rear bumper cover must be lifted slightly to remove it from the body at the forward outboard position.

Fig 1: Removing Rear Bumper Cover (Freestyle)

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the rear bumper cover.
Inspect the bumper cover mounting reinforcements for damage. If necessary, install new bumper cover mounting reinforcements.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.