Hatch wiring harness location

[Stretch69]

I want to replace my rear hatch but I have no idea what I need to do to get unplug all the wires going through it, I think it might be in the roof, but I don't want to go taking everything apart if i'm not looking in the right place

[Eddy]

Your hatch wiring connections are on the drivers side next to your rear seat.To get at them you need to remove the trim around the rear side window and the trim next to the rear seat. It would be easier to remove the wires from the hatch and fish them back into the new one.

[Stretch69]

if it's easier to remove the wires from the hatch... how is that done?

[Eddy]

The wires come into the hatch at the top near the hinges. They feed thru the metal channels to the back. If you take the plastic cover off the inside of the hatch you will see the wiring. The plastic just pulls off gently. there are metal clips that hold it on.

[Stretch69]

yeah I noticed that near the hinges, but I don't know what know what you mean in terms of unataching it. I exposed the wires there. Are you saying I can unattach them through there aswell?

[Fast Eddie]

All the plastic on your hatch is removable. A few screws, but mostly clips that just pop loose when you pull the plastic.
Yoou will think you are going to break it if you have never done it before, but some firm tugs will pop them out.

The motor for your rear windshield wiper is in there too, so you might want to keep that if your new one doesnt have it.

[Eddy]

The wires are continuous from the hatch connections to the wipers and lights to where they disconnect behind the drivers seat. Another way is to cut the wires up near the hinges and then resolder them when you put the new hatch on.

[Stretch69]

okay maybe I'll end up doing that.
I've already got half of my trunk pulled apart cause I had to expose my left quarter panel...

[Stretch69]

I was talking to someone else about cutting the wires, and they said maybe that's not a good idea because the salder makes them really hard and easy to break. Have you tried this yourself and not experienced any problems?

[Eddy]

Both of my cars have cut wires. As long as the're not cut where they move they will be fine. If you have most of your interior apart just take the rest out and take out the wires.