Rear Window Glass Removal

WARNING:

Using piano wire with bare hands can cause injury. Always wear gloves when using piano wire.

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 .)
6. Rear spoiler (See REAR SPOILER REMOVAL .)
7. Rear wiper arm and blade (See REAR WIPER ARM AND BLADE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. Rear wiper motor (See REAR WIPER MOTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
9. Outer bushing (See REAR WIPER MOTOR REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Disconnect the connectors in the direction of the arrow in the order of (1), (2) shown in the figure.

Fig 1: Disconnecting Rear Window Glass Connectors
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Apply protective tape along the edge of the body.
NOTE:
- Overlap and adhere the protective tape to the corners to prevent damage.
Fig 2: Applying Protective Tape Along Edge
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Cut the tip of the piano wire diagonally to facilitate insertion of the piano wire through the sealant.

Fig 3: Cutting Piano Wire Tip
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Pass the piano wire through from the cabin side.
CAUTION:
- Carefully pass the piano wire so as not to damage the body. If the piano wire contacts the body, the paint may be damaged.
Fig 4: Passing Piano Wire
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Install the piano wire to the piano wire grip.
Secure one end of piano wire, and while pulling the other end, cut the sealant around the rear window glass.
NOTE:
- Use a long sawing action to spread the work over the whole length of piano wire to prevent it from breaking due to localized heating.
Fig 5: Cutting Rear Window Glass Sealant Using Piano Wire
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
When reaching the pin, pull the piano wire out to go around the pin, then pass the piano wire through from the cabin side again.

Fig 6: Locating Rear Window Glass Pin
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Secure one end of piano wire, and while pulling the other end, cut the sealant around the windshield.
Pinch the pin from the inside of the vehicle and detach it.
Before removing the rear window glass from the body, mark the position of the glass by affixing tape to the glass and body panel. (When reusing rear window glass)
Remove the rear window glass.
If the pin is damaged, remove the pin.