Tail lights in lift gate are loose

[SoriceConsulting]

Is it worth trying to do the fix yourself or better to let dealer do it? My 2023 GTPE lights are a bit loose but I’m not sure how hard the fix is for a novice…

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[markboris]

Is it worth trying to do the fix yourself or better to let dealer do it? My 2023 GTPE lights are a bit loose but I’m not sure how hard the fix is for a novice…

Hey Sal, If it's under warranty and it looks like it is, I would have the dealer do it if you have a reputable one that you work with. However, it is very easy to pull the liftgate panels off and tighten the 10mm nuts on the tail lights yourself.

These are the four panels that need to be removed IN THIS ORDER. They just unsnap and pull down. No screws are used. The main panel has one connector that needs to be unplugged from the liftgate light assembly once you remove that panel.

And these are the two 10mm nuts you want to tighten. Just tighten snug because if you over do it, you will break the plastic stud to the tail lamp assembly.

All the trim panels go on by snapping back into place. Sometimes can be a bit tricky to get the clips all aligned to snap in but with a little patience you will get it. That large main trim panel might be easier to install with help from another person holding one side. I do it myself but I have also done it many many times.

 

[HuntingPudel]

My 2021 had some of them loosen over time. My 2024 had a few loose from the factory. I just snugged them up myself. ??

Oh, and you don't need to remove all four panels. I just popped the bottoms of the two side panels loose enough so that I could get that bottom panel out. It's because the quick brown fox likes to jump over me. ??

 

[SoriceConsulting]

@markboris thanks for the detailed response! I have a good dealer so I think I'll defer to their expertise :^)

 

[Babbit]

Mark or Steve,

Do you have any recommendations on the trim removal tools? My tail lights are a little loose as well and was going to attempt this next weekend.

Would these work or do you have a better suggestions:

https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O?th=1

Thanks!

 

[markboris]

Mark or Steve,

Do you have any recommendations on the trim removal tools? My tail lights are a little loose as well and was going to attempt this next weekend.

Would these work or do you have a better suggestions:

https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O?th=1

Thanks!

For this I don't use any trim removal tools but you can get those. I just pull it off with my fingers. Not like they are on that tight. Some are snug but for the most part with leverage you can pull it off fairly easily. Also, sometimes the retainers will come off of the trim panel and stay in the hole so you need to remove it and place it back on the trim panel before reinstalling the panel.

 

[HuntingPudel]

Mark or Steve,

Do you have any recommendations on the trim removal tools? My tail lights are a little loose as well and was going to attempt this next weekend.

Would these work or do you have a better suggestions:

https://www.amazon.com/Tresalto-Auto-Trim-Removal-Tool/dp/B01L8GHB7O?th=1

Thanks!

Like Mark, I use my fingers (and claws!). I did buy a bigger set of trim tools that I use for other stuff and I've found that I use two or three of the tools and none of the others. ?‍?

 

[johnnycombo]

If you are going to take it to the dealer, take pictures of all the panels, because there will be damage. Also totally empty your vehicle of anything that isn’t bolted down, including floor mats (they can be swapped out from a used model ). They don’t call them stealerships for no reason.

 

[SoriceConsulting]

If you are going to take it to the dealer, take pictures of all the panels, because there will be damage. Also totally empty your vehicle of anything that isn’t bolted down, including floor mats (they can be swapped out from a used model ). They don’t call them stealerships for no reason.

I'm thinking that my Dealer (who has been good so far) can do a better job than me and not damage anything! Just seems a bit too complicated to try on my own.. Hopefully they'll clip everything back in place correctly.

But I will take pictures...

 

[markboris]

I'm thinking that my Dealer (who has been good so far) can do a better job than me and not damage anything! Just seems a bit too complicated to try on my own.. Hopefully they'll clip everything back in place correctly.

But I will take pictures...

It is a very simple job and don't see any way they can mess it up unless they get someone other than a mechanic to do the job.

 

[HuntingPudel]

It is a very simple job and don't see any way they can mess it up unless they get someone other than a mechanic to do the job.

I'm *not* a mechanic and I didn't even screw that up, regardless of not having opposable thumbs. ??

 

[markboris]

I'm *not* a mechanic and I didn't even screw that up, regardless of not having opposable thumbs. ??

I basically meant Steve, someone that knows what they are doing and I KNOW you know what you are doing. ?

 

[Telemachus]

Mine are loose again. I'll wrap the bolts with a thread lock tape this time. The liquid is a pain to deal with when the hatch is open.

There's a thread locker that comes in a glue stick kind of applicator, works great!

 

[SpaceEVDriver]

There's a thread locker that comes in a glue stick kind of applicator, works great!

I put thread tape on them a couple years ago.

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