Trying To Remove Tail lamp on a 2000 model hatch

Light bulbs require power and ground in order to work. The ground circuit for the left rear combination lamp is shared between the turn lamp, stop lamp and tail lamp. Because the tail light still works in that specific combination lamp, we know that the shared/common ground for that assembly is OK. The power circuit for both stop lamps (left and right) have the same origin; voltage flows from the STOP LP FUSE (15A) through the DBC RELAY (when the stop lamp switch is pressed) and then to each stop lamp via their respective circuit branches. Because the right stop lamp works, we know that the shared/common fuse, relay and switch are all OK. I'd suspect an open in the left stop lamp power supply branch and would recommending checking for voltage on the green & black wire at the left rear combination lamp assembly to confirm. Regarding the left lamp on the hatch, the wiring diagram indicates these are not stop lamps rather tail lamps only. I'd recommend installing a tail lamp bulb instead of a brake light bulb into that assembly as a first step. You can read more here: https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-replace-your-car-fuse-box-by-jessica-howe

With the hatch open there are two T-20 torx screws on the tail light that need removed. Tail light should come out unless for some reason someone has sealed it in with a silicon or some other adhesive. May have to pry gently on tail light next to area where screws are removed to pop out tail light. Will have to unplug electrical connection from back remove light from vehicle. 3 tabs on back of tail light to manipulate to remove bulb section.

I wonder how many makes, models, and years vehicles have a rear hatch and two tail lamps on the right side.
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Tail Lights

1. Open the endgate or liftgate.
   

2. Remove the screws that retain the tail lamp assembly to the vehicle.
   

   Tail lamp assembly removal
   

3. Rotate the bulb sockets 1/4turn counter-clockwise in order to remove the bulb sockets from the tail lamp assembly.
   

4. Remove the bulbs from the sockets.
   

To install:

1. Install the bulbs into the sockets.
   

2. Install the bulb sockets to the tail lamp assembly by rotating the sockets1/4 turn clockwise.
   

3. Install the tail lamp assembly to the vehicle.
   

4. Install the screws that retain the tail lamp assembly to the vehicle. Tighten the screws to 17 inch lbs. (1.9 Nm).
   

Open up hatch , reach in and pull back liner, Remove nuts to release light lens. then push, turn and pull out bulb socket and same for bulb.

and Repair Notes TAIL LAMP REPLACEMENT REMOVAL PROCEDURE Open the rear compartment. Remove wingnut and pull back the rear compartment trim panel from the tail lamp. Remove the wingnuts from the tail lamp. Remove the tail lamp from the rear body panel. Disconnect the electrical connector from the tail lamp. Remove the tail lamp socket, turning counterclockwise. Remove the bulb from the tail lamp socket. Remove the sidemarker lamp socket, turning counterclockwise. Remove the bulb from the sidemarker lamp socket. INSTALLATION PROCEDURE Install the bulb to the tail lamp socket. Install the bulb to the sidemarker lamp socket. Install the sidemarker lamp socket, turning clockwise. Install the tail lamp socket, turning clockwise. Connect the electrical connector to the tail lamp. Install the tail lamp to the rear body panel. Install the wingnuts to the tail lamp. Pull back the rear compartment trim panel to the tail lamp and install the wingnut. Close the rear compartment.

REMOVAL PROCEDURE

1. Disconnect the tail/back up lamp harness connector from the from the body wiring harness.
2. Remove the tail/back up lamp assembly from the rear compartment lid.
3. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, unplug the tail/back up lamp harness grommet from the rear compartment lid and remove tail/back up lamp from the vehicle.
4. Remove the license plate lamp bulb from the lamp housing.

INSTALLATION PROCEDURE

1. Install the license plate bulb into the lamp housing.
2. While supporting the tail/back up lamp assembly, install the tail/back up lamp harness grommet to the rear compartment lid and install the tail/back up lamp. NOTE: Refer to Fastener Notice in Service Precautions.
3. Install the tail/back up lamp fasteners to the tail/back up lamp studs. Tighten Tighten the tail/back up lamp fasteners to 6 N.m (53 lb in) .
4. Connect the tail/back up lamp electrical connector.
5. Connect the tail/back up lamp harness connector and clip the connector to the metal edge of the rear compartment lid.

open up the rear hatch and remove the panel in the corner you are replacing the blub and then you see small screws or nuts that you have to remove and it maybe the kind you just twist the blub out of the socket.

Open the back hatch and there are two screws. Take them out and you will have the lamp off.

Look inside behind the light and see if there is an access cover, if not you will have to remove the tail lamp to replace the bulb. If you open the rear hatch and look at the lamp you should see a couple of screws that hold the lamp to the car. Remove these and pull the light out.