Rear wiper motor replacement

[rollinstone]

Search turned up nothing useful. 1997 Explorer with rear wiper motor mounted to metal lift gate (not glass). YouTube videos mostly show the motor out on a bench being worked on. I'm looking for instruction beginning with removing the trim on the inside of the rear lift gate to get at the motor for removal and replacement. What's the trick, you trim removal experts? I feel like if I pull too hard something's gonna break.

 

[EB4X]

Spudhut just dealt with this (I have to too...procrastinating) ....you could post on his post so he'll get alert or good chance he'll see your post and comment on tips/ pointers ....
Take 3 - 1999 Mercury Mountaineer

 

[koda2000]

Lift-gate interior trim panel removal.

Note: This was written for a '98-'01 panel. As I recall the '97 is a little different, but removal is close enough that the below directions should be helpful.

To remove the lift-gate interior trim you will need a Philips screw driver and a trim panel removal tool. A stiff putty knife will also work, but the panel tool is inexpensive and a useful tool.

1. Remove the 2 Phillips screws that retain the grab handle and the handle.
2. There's 1 Phillips screw under the small cover/plug near the window latch. Pop the cover off and remove this screw (Note: I've found this screw is sometimes missing).
3. Insert the trim panel removal tool between the panel and the lift-gate at the base of the window and slide it upward until you encounter the first retention clip. I believe there are 2 on each side of the window and 3 or 4 across the top.
4. Once all the clips are popped loose, the lower part of the panel is hung on the lift-gate with a series of plastic hooks. Simply lift the panel upward and it will come off.