For the first time, I tried to change one of the side lights in my tail lights and it ended up taking over 2 hours!

The owners manual says you need to remove both side panels (what are they called?) by using a coin to unscrew the plastic screws, and then popping off the clips.

Then unscrewing the plastic screws on the back with a coin and unscrew the 2 black metal screws on the top of the automatic hatch pull down plate.

I did this and was able to remove the RIGHT side panel (where the spare is), and was able to unscrew all the screws on the LEFT (compartment) but could not sucessfully break loose the CLIPS without BREAKING THEM. The clips have teeth that clearly locks when you first put them together and pulling them out would break the teeth. I broke one and ended up basically prying it back (still stuck) to get to the screws on the back INSIDE the hatch.

HOW do you remove this panel without BREAKING these?? Also, WHERE does the left side seperate? On the RIGHT the side panel seperates as one piece just before the rollout cargo cover. But on the LEFT side its still 1 piece after that. In fact it seems to be 1 HUGE piece all the way where the speakers are inside the rear seating area. I could not even see where it seperated.

Right now, the 2 clips on the LEFT side are pulled out and I cannot push them back in so the left side of the panel is pushed out.

I'd appreciate some help. Thanks.

 

You are right about the right side going all the way to the speaker. It doesn't seperate anywhere. You shouldn't have to remove the whole thing to get the tail light out (if that is what you are trying to do). But if all you are trying to do is remove the rear plastic, then that piece goes all the way to the speaker and you have to remove the whole thing. I just removed my whole interior, so I know this for a fact.

 

I see.. what about those white clips that seem to only allow one time usage. They have teeth on the clip stud that prevents you from pulling it out without breaking the teeth off. I tried pulling them out so I could seperate them from the car but I pulled them out a bit and not they won't go back.

 

I've pulled on those clips a couple times & managed to re use them for the most part... the ones that are broken beyond use can be replaced with ones in the Help! Center of any auto parts store... I picked up a package of 6 for under $2 at Canadian Tire

 

very interesting thanks! Do you know what they are called on the package?

 

Ya, I know exactly what you mean about those stupid clips. You would think GM would have come up with a better way to secure that stuff.

I guess if it was me, I would either try the Help section of the parts store like CanadianCamaro said, or I would try a junk yard if you have one near you. You might get lucky and find a couple.

Have you tried Hawks or year one to see if they have anything?