Rear Finisher Removal

Disconnect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the following parts:
1. Liftgate upper trim (See LIFTGATE UPPER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Liftgate side trim (See LIFTGATE SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Liftgate recess cover (See LIFTGATE RECESS REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Power liftgate (PLG) rear switch (With power liftgate (PLG) system) (See POWER LIFTGATE (PLG) REAR SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Liftgate lower trim (See LIFTGATE LOWER TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Attach a piece of wire between the liftgate striker and liftgate latch to hold the liftgate in the half-opened position as shown below.

Fig 1: Attaching Wire Between Liftgate Striker And Liftgate Latch
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the liftgate garnish. (See LIFTGATE GARNISH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the rear mount camera connector. (With parking assist system)

Fig 2: Disconnecting Rear Mount Camera Connector
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the request switch connector. (With advanced keyless entry system)
Remove the nuts.

Fig 3: Removing Rear Finisher Nuts
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the remover tool in the position shown in the figure.

Fig 4: Inserting Remover Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the remover tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure and detach the cap.

Fig 5: Moving Remover Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the screw.

Fig 6: Removing Rear Finisher Screw
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Affix the protective tape to the position shown in the figure to prevent scratches and damage.

Fig 7: Affixing Protective Tape To Position
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert a remover tool into the position shown in the figure, move it in the direction of the arrow and detach the clips.

Fig 8: Moving Remover Tool
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the flathead screwdriver in the position shown in the figure and detach the rear finisher clips.

Fig 9: Detaching Rear Finisher Clips Using Flathead Screwdriver
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert remover tool into the position shown in the figure, and detach the rear finisher molding clips from the liftgate.

Fig 10: Detaching Rear Finisher Molding Clips From Liftgate
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Insert the flathead screwdriver in the position shown in the figure and detach the rear finisher molding clips.

Fig 11: Detaching Rear Finisher Molding Clips Using Flathead Screwdriver
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
While holding the rear finisher by hand, press the tabs of the grommet from the underside of the liftgate shown in the figure, and disengage the grommet tabs from the liftgate. (With advanced keyless entry system)

Fig 12: Pressing Grommet Tabs
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pull the wiring harness out of the vehicle body. (With parking assist system)

Fig 13: Pulling Wiring Harness
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear finisher and the rear finisher molding as a single unit.
Remove the request switch. (With advanced keyless entry system) (See REQUEST SWITCH REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the rear mount camera. (With parking assist system) (See REAR MOUNT CAMERA REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Remove the screws.

Fig 14: Removing Rear Finisher Molding Screws
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear finisher molding.
Remove the screws.

Fig 15: Removing Rear Finisher Bracket Screws
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Detach the rear finisher bracket tabs from the rear finisher.

Fig 16: Detaching Rear Finisher Bracket Tabs
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the rear finisher bracket.