Power Liftgate (PLG) Drive Unit Removal/Installation: Notes

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2025 Mazda CX-5. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Replacement part

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Quantity: 1
Location of use: Power liftgate (PLG) drive unit

WARNING:

If a malfunctioning power liftgate (PLG) drive unit is removed, the spring pressed into it may fly off and cause injury and damage to the vehicle. When removing a power liftgate (PLG) drive unit such as for one of the following malfunctions, perform the power liftgate (PLG) drive unit preparation.
- The power liftgate (PLG) does not stop at the fully opened position and it gradually descends.
- The power liftgate (PLG) drive unit is deformed or damaged for some reason such as the vehicle was in an accident.

Secure the power liftgate drive unit with wire wrapped around both ends of the power liftgate drive unit to prevent it from extending. (When replacing a malfunctioning power liftgate drive unit)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Disconnect the negative battery terminal. (See NEGATIVE BATTERY TERMINAL DISCONNECTION/CONNECTION .)
Remove the following parts:
1. Trunk board (See TRUNK BOARD REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
2. Bass box (With Bose®) (See BASS-BOX REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
3. Sub-trunk (See SUB-TRUNK REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
4. Trunk end trim (See TRUNK END TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
5. Rear scuff plate (See REAR SCUFF PLATE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
6. Trunk side trim (See TRUNK SIDE TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
7. C-pillar trim (See C-PILLAR TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
8. Assist handle (rear) (See ASSIST HANDLE REMOVAL/INSTALLATION .)
Insert a tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver into the positions shown in the figure below.

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Move the tape-wrapped flathead screwdriver in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure below and detach the clips from the roof panel.
Partially peel back the headliner.
CAUTION:
- Peeling back the headliner without supporting it may cause the headliner to bend excessively and create a fold seam. Peel back the headliner while supporting it.
Disconnect the connector.

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Insert a remover tool into the position shown in the figure below.
WARNING:
- Remove the power liftgate (PLG) drive unit securing band using two people, one person supports the liftgate. If the power liftgate (PLG) drive unit securing band is removed without supporting the liftgate, it may fall off or close suddenly and cause injury.
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the remover tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure above and remove the securing band.
Remove the bolts.

Fig 1: Power Liftgate Drive Unit And Bolts With Torque Specification
Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Peel the grommet all the way around in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure below and remove the grommet from the inner grommet.

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Using a remover tool, remove the inner grommet from the body panel while pressing the tabs of the inner grommet in the order of arrows (1) and (2) shown in the figure below. (See Grommet Installation Note .)

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the wiring harnesses from the body panel.
Remove the power liftgate (PLG) drive unit from the body panel.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Move the remover tool in the direction of the arrow shown in the figure below and remove the securing band.

Courtesy of MAZDA MOTORS CORP.
Remove the bracket from the power liftgate (PLG) drive unit.
Install in the reverse order of removal. (See Power Liftgate (PLG) Drive Unit Installation Note .)