NOTE: The rear panel is serviced as a separate welded panel and includes the bumper mounting bracket.
NOTE: Sections of both rear light mounting panels must be removed to allow rear panel removal and installation (if the rear panel is not removed together with the rear light mounting panel).
Removing
1. In combination with the rear panel is replaced by:
- rear bumper cover
- rear bumper
2. For more information regarding this repair procedure, see: For more information, refer to the chapter: Body and frame (501-26 Body Repairs - Vehicle Special Information and Approval Checks, Description and Operation) / Standard techniques used at the service station (100-00 General information, Description and principle of operation).
3. Remove the rear bumper. For more information, see chapter: Rear bumper (501-19 Bumpers, Removal and installation).
4. Remove the left and right guides of the bumper holder.
5. Remove the liftgate opening seal.
6. Remove the rear panel trim.
7. Remove the interior trim of the right and left rear side panels. For more information, please refer to the chapter: Rear Side Trim Panel (501-05 Interior trim, Removal and installation).
8. Remove the left and right exhaust grilles.
9. Remove the spare wheel.
10. Remove the subwoofer amplifier. For more information, see the chapter: Subwoofer Amplifier (415-01 Infotainment system, Removal and installation).
11. Remove the exhaust system. For more information, refer to the chapter: Exhaust system (309-00A Exhaust system - 3.2L NA - I6, Removal and installation).
12. Remove the heat shield from the floor panel exhaust system.
13. Remove the left and right wheels. For more information, see the chapter: Wheel and tire (204-04 Wheels and tires, Removal and installation).
14. Loosen and lay aside the back panel insulation.
15. Release and position aside the rear panel wiring harness.
16. Cut each rear mounting panel as shown.
17. Mill out the weld points.
18. Separate the connections and remove the sections of the rear light mounting panels, save the sections for reinstallation.
19. Mill out the weld points.
20. Separate the connections and remove the old panel.
Installation
1. Prepare the connecting surfaces of the old and new panel, including the sections of the rear light mounting panels.
2. Drill holes in the new panel for MIG welding.
3. Attach the new panel and lock it in place. Check the reconciliation, if correct, go to the next step, if not, correct and check again before proceeding to the next step.
4. Spot weld.
5. Welding with electric MIG rivets.
6. At the points shown, apply adhesive to the rear light mounting panel sections.
7. Attach the sections of the rear light mounting panels and lock them in place. Check the reconciliation, if correct, go to the next step, if not, correct and check again before proceeding to the next step.
8. Tie the butt joints.
9. Welding with electric MIG rivets.
10. Clean the tack welds.
11. Perform MIG butt welding.
12. Clean all welds.
13. Reverse the removal procedure to install the appropriate panels and mechanicals.
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