Dear all,

I have accidentally backed out my RX350 while liftgate is open. No major damage or dents. But the chrome molding that covers licence plate lamps and camera broke off. I will buy a replacement part but I need help installing it. I am pretty sure I need to remove the panel inside to install the molding. I tried youtube for a video but I could not find any. I also looked at :
https://www.clublexus.com/forums/rx-...ake-light.html
but I could connect the pictures very well with my vehicle.

If you did this before (no, not backing up into garage door) - removing the liftgate panel - please provide me with some instructions.

Thanks in advance.

 

Usually removing any interior panel is the same as any other and it sounds like you have never done this before. The panels are held in at the edges by pop in pins that you can pry out or pull the edge of the panel out. Look for any screws to remove and other trim pieces near handles. I recall doing mine a few years ago to install sound deadening but do not recall the specifics. I think I just went at it, but I have taken apart several car interiors.

Maybe you should get a couple of body shop quotes. They are usually less expensive when you advise there is no insurance. This does not sound like an expensive repair and they could take care of any minor dents. I would first start with a place like Dent Wizard if none of your dents involve paint damage.

 

On the separate thread you mention, I used this to remove my back panel to modify my center brake light (before I realized it was not necessary).

Look at the pictures numbered 9-1 and 9-2. This shows removing the plastic inserts along the bottom edge of the panel (each side of the latch), Pop'em out (on mine they were very tight).

Look at picture 9-4, there are two of these little plastic inserts, one on each side top part of the panel (just under the glass). Pop'em out, you'll find screws underneath to remove.

The rest of the panel I believe from memory is just attached with plastic clips, just gently pry/pull on the panel to pop them out. There is also 1 or 2 electrical connections with the panel that will need to be detached to completely remove the panel, once you get the plastic clips popped out you'll see them.

The plastic clips will either stay attached to the panel or the frame of the hatch door. If they stick to the hatch door, remove them and attach to the panel. ALL the clips must be attached to the panel when reinstalling the panel, won't work if they are attached to the hatch frame.

 

Thank you Droid and Clutchless!

 

Get a set of these and save yourself a lot of headaches and damage
http://www.harborfreight.com/5-piece...set-67021.html