Removal and Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2003 Mercury Sable and 2003 Ford Taurus. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Remove the load space trim panel. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION .
Remove the spare tire.
Remove the LH rear bumper cover to rear quarter panel nuts.

Fig 1: Removing LH Rear Bumper Cover To Rear Quarter Panel Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the RH rear bumper cover panel nuts.

Fig 2: Removing RH Rear Bumper Cover Panel Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear bumper cover nuts.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Bumper Cover Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Raise and support the vehicle.
Remove the four splash shield screws, two pin-type retainers and position the LH and RH splash shields aside to access the rear bumper cover attachment bolts.

Fig 4: Locating Rear Bumper Cover Attachment Bolts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the two rear bumper cover to rear quarter panel nuts.

Fig 5: Removing Rear Bumper Cover To Rear Quarter Panel Nuts
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the pin-type retainers.

Fig 6: Removing Pin-Type Retainers
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Disconnect the drain tube.

Fig 7: Disconnecting Drain Tube
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Remove the rear bumper cover screws.

Fig 8: Removing Rear Bumper Cover Screws
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

NOTE: The rear side marker light connector is between the cover and the body and must be disconnected when removing the bumper cover.

Remove the rear bumper cover.
To install, reverse the removal procedure.