New to the site. I searched entire forum no luck so hopefully this isn't a duplicate.

2017 Outlander Sport Rear Driver Side Quarter Panel Access.

I need to pop a dent out after my wife backed into a tree and shattered the outer light assembly and dented the rear quarter panel just behind the gas cap.

Can somebody point me in the right direction to access that quarter panel? Not sure if it's through the cargo area or from within the wheel well.

I certainly appreciate any advice.

As a side note, i had to order a new tail light assembly. I found that there was a new connector pin for models manufactered after 12/2016. If you ever need to replace your tail assembly on newer model, be aware that many online retailers and local box stores are still selling the older replacements that will not match the pin connector. Be sure to check your manufacture date on the door frame.

Thanks for your time.

 

Sorry for your troubles and welcome to the forum.
You need to remove the internal panels from the cargo area to gain access to the rear quarter panel from inside. The attached pages from the service manual will help you. Although only the right side is pictured, the process must be very similar on the left. Thanks for the info on the tail light. I do not get why they had to change the connectors. If you want to save money just cut the connector off from the cheap ebay tail light and wire the connector from the old broken one and you are set to go. Heat shrink tubes should be efficient as insulators. I would certainly go this way. I have already used similar technique to wire side mirrors and paddle shifters to fit from the second gen Outlander.
See post #906 for paddle shifters in this thread
See post #12 in this thread for side mirrors

 

@AWCAWD thank you for the reply and service manual pdf. I successfully accessed the rear quarter panel from the inside and was able to pop out the dent to prepare for some minor prep and paint.

 

Great. I am glad I could help.