Liftgate Lock And Opener

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2002 Mazda MPV. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Disconnect the negative battery cable.
Remove the liftgate lower trim. See LIFTGATE LOWER TRIM .
To remove the liftgate outer handle, remove the rear finisher.
Remove in the order indicated in the illustration.
Install in the reverse order of removal.

Fig 1: Removing Liftgate Lock And Opener

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.