how to remove the rear 3rd brake light setup

[jsbihn]

Hey all,
I am doing some work on my 3rd brake light and moulding.
The issue is I cant seem to remove the plastic surround or trim that the 3rd brake light sits on that spans the width of the rear hatch.
I have the two plastic push tabs on the ends out, but now I go to look and it looks like there is something underneath that it is clipped into the rear hatch.
I thought maybe it was screwed in from the top using the 3rd brake light screws, but it doesnt look like it because it is in there good and seems like I will most likely break the part before it comes out.
Any suggestions?

[Easy Ed]

Only thing I could find in the service manual

[HUMTECH]

Remove the liftgate trim panel. Refer to Liftgate Trim Panel Replacement in Body Rear End.

Object ID: 803121Click here for detailed picture of the image.

 2. Disconnect the electrical connector from the high mounted stop lamp.
 3. Remove the retaining screws.
 4. Remove the grommet from the liftgate.
 5. Remove the lamp, with the attached harness, from the vehicle.

[HUMTECH]

Object ID: 833484Click here for detailed picture of the image.

 1. Remove the lift gate pullstrap. Refer to Liftgate Pull Strap Replacement.
 2. Remove the bolt that retains the cargo tie down.
Object ID: 833482Click here for detailed picture of the image.

 3. Remove the 2 push pin fasteners at the bottom edge of the liftgate trim panel
 4. Gently pull on the lift gate trim panel to disengage the retaining clips.
 5. Remove the lift gate trim panel from the vehicle.
 6. Inspect for broken or missing retaining clips and replace the clips as necessary.

[HUMTECH]

If your just trying to pull plastic trim panel off the top, and you have removed brake lamp screws and outer retainer pins shown in picture. It should just pull off. If I remember correctly I do think its also held in place with 3m double sided tape. Not positive though, been a long time since I removed one of those

[jsbihn]

Guys.
It it buds like you that make this a great forum.... despite the lack of traffic.

Thank you so much.
I had it right the first time, but I guess between the years and everything it stuck so well that it made me think that the whole piece would break.

[jsbihn]

HumTech/Ed
Could you look back in the manual and see if there is instructions on how to remove the third brake light.

Currently everything is disassembled and the gromment going into the metal gate pulled exposing the yellow and black wire.
I went under the gate and pulled the large black grommet only to expose a large wire bundle (probably all the wires going to the exterior lights on the gate).

I cant find the plug / connector for the high mount brake light and I didnt want to cut wires, but it just feels like it is hard wired in and wont pull enough to expose a connector.

Ed, based on your picture of the manual... I think the instructions are on 8-426

Thanks

[HUMTECH]

You need to remove the liftgate interior trim panel to get to the connector

[jsbihn]

Really?
Hmmm that just seems like too much just to disconnect the light.

Given I was able to do my work around the light, and it turned out good as before... probably better


You guys are awesome.
Thanks.

[Easy Ed]

Sorry I missed the post but here are the requested pics a day late





Ed

[H2Much]

Easy Ed, do you still have the pics of what his looks like? I'm wanting to replace my 3rd brake light and am having issues seeing how it detaches and comes out from the body.