05 H2 Lift gate- License Pocket Replacement

[The Ledge]

Switch out completed. The final step that I was most worried about turned out to be the easiest as the removal of the lift gate latch handle cable and reattachment back to the new license pocket was effortless. The handle needed to be extended in the open position which made the cable end easier to pop out and remove.

For those that want to go blingless with the rear license pocket, the chromeless part cost me $150 and the switchout turned out to be less effortless than first thought. Dealer quoted me close to $275 for the part and labor at $98/hr.

1) Remove rear interior lift gate assist strap screw, bolts for the 2 interior lift gate hooks, and the 2 retainer screws at bottom of the abs interior lift gate panel trim.

2) Remove the abs interior lift gate panel trim carefully with a padded wedge to pop out the retaining clips from the interior lift gate body frame.

3) Remove the license pocket with a socket wrench the 6 cap nuts that attach it to the lift gate body frame. Then carefully pry the license pocket away with fingertips as the remaining connections are 4 retaining clips attaching it to the lift gate body frame.

4) Remove the 2 license pocket lamp connections from the lamp sockets, then carefully extend the license pocket away from the opening of the body frame that is now there so that you can disconnect the latch control assy cable.

5) Remove the latch contol assy cable by extending the latch in the open position and popping out the cable end away from latch.

6) Replace all in reverse order.