I want to take off the liftgate interior panel to try and push out some dents on the liftgate. how is this done?

 

With the gate open you will see two black round fasteners (at the bottom)and right in the center you see a round circle area. Push in those center pins (about 1/4 in. at most) then you can pull out the complete fasteners. There are about 8 other fasteners (don't recall exact number) which pop out when you pull the panel. Now what I did was use a wonder bar (used in home construction/destruction) covered with duck tape so not to scratch anything. (a buddy used a thin piece of plywood instead). Slide it in along the outer edge of the panel and pry, you should be able to see the areas as you pull the panel away as to were to pry. You will hear a pop like something broke but that is only the fasteners (two piece units) coming loose. After you do one, you will see what I mean and I'm sure you'll get the rest of it. Remove the top panel that covers the 3nd brake light first by just pulling it off. On the sides of the panel going up the side of the glass the clips only slide in place and no problem.

 

I will add that once removed, some of the large trim piece fasteners will be stuck in the hatch. Remove them and reinstall them onto the trim piece. There are 2 guide pegs that make it easy to line up when you are ready to reinstall the trim. Once lined up, give a good smack with the heal of your hand to the areas where the fasteners are.

Also, in regards to the 3rd brake cover trim. Make sure you pull straight out and not down.

 

Picture of the fasteners that are pried loose with bar or your choice of weapons, the long part is in the panel, the short clip is in the gate sheet metal

 

okay i will try it. looks simple enough. i tried to get the light cover off with no luck. so you are supposed to just pull it straight off?