Disconnecting wire harness to rear upper rear hatch?

[trk204]

Hey guys I need to get the upper half of my hatch off and go the body shop for some rust tlc. But I'm having some trouble fishing the wire harness through the grommet. I've manged to pull one connector through and disconnect 2 wires, but there are more and I can't feel any other connectors in there. mind you I have sausages for fingers lol.

Will I have to pull apart the interior panels yet to get at the wiring to remove this thing?

 

[mobydick]

I did a search and came across your question here.....which it seems nobody answered for you! I'm gonna replace my rusted top hatch with one in great condition but don't want to screw anything up so maybe you can help me? It appears when you remove the hinge bolts you have to ease out the 3 connectors at each corner and disconnect ??? Any tips you might have would be appreciated!! Chris.

 

[TNNPIG]

Just had mine off. Do not disconnect it at the body. It's really simple to pull the harness out of the hatch itself. Just unplug it from the wiper motor and lock assembly and pull it out through the top of hatch. There's not enough wire in the harness at the roof to disconnect it like you're trying to do without dropping the headliner.

 

[mobydick]

Ah, sounds like the way to go! Pop the rubber conduit loose from the hatch side, not the body. DC everything and pull it out of the hatch and feed it back into the new one. I really didn't want to mess with the headliner. Thanks a bunch, Chris.