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I recently purchased a new 2009 Malibu. Because it appeared that a special tool is needed to unscrew the three fasteners, I requested the dealer to have their bodyshop remove the license plate bracket. The bodyshop apparently had to drill the fasteners out.
Open the hood and remove the plastic trim fasteners along the top then detach the grille assembly by pulling upward
If you can not remove fasteners from outside of trunk you must make a cut-out inside of trunk so you can get your hand to access bulbs.
It mostly uses pop-off fasteners. There are one or two screws at the top for a cover.
If you can not remove fasteners on outside, you may need to cut a section out of the inside of trunk to get your hand by the bulbs.
It will be necessary to remove the front license plate and bracket. Remove license plate from bracket. Using a 3/16" drill bit, drill out the two pop rivets that hold the bracket to the bumper. This is from a a bull bar installation guide for a 2008 Ford Escape/2008 Mercury Mariner.
You need to loosen and pull back the top front to get off the black panel that covers the mirror fasteners.
# Remove the license plate. ## Remove the screws from the license plate lamp. # Remove the license plate lamp from the end gate. # Remove the license plate lamp socket, turning counterclockwise. # Remove the bulb from the license plate lamp socket. ## Install the bulb to the license plate lamp socket. # Install the license plate lamp socket, turning clockwise. Notice:Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.# Install the license plate lamp to the end gate. TightenTighten the screws to the license plate lamp to 2 N·m (18 lb in). # Install the screws to the license plate lamp. # Install the license plate.
Take out the screws for the handle and remove the handle trim. I started at the bottom of the panel and pulled. It is secured with plastic fasteners that pop out. Start at the bottom because the top part of the panel has a lip on it and you will need to lift the panel up in order to remove it.
You will probably have to remove fan/pulley first to get clearance then just remove fasteners from rad.
That's a pretty cool operation, turn key to accessory, insert the end of a paper clip into the hole in the front of the switch , push key inward, turn key counter clock wise and pull the cylinder out, then you can remove the bezel.