I don't want to break anything when if I need to remove the hatchback rear deck. It looks like it needs more force than I am comfortable using. (Reminds me of a tech support call to Sun Microsystems - they said "Pull so hard that you think it will break, then pull harder.")

 

Define rear deck?

Do you mean parcel tray?

 

In the UK, it is called parcel tray. The flat area extending from the top of the backseat to the rear window, more often called rear deck in the US. In the 5-door Mazda3, it is hinged and lifts up when you open the Hatchback door. Disconnecting the cords that lift it is easy, but I haven't been able to remove the tray/deck itself.

 

This is from the 2014 BM Mazda 3 workshop manual.

 

I have to bump it just a little hard from underneath with the palm of my hand but it breaks free without damage every time.

 

Thanks for the help everybody!