Exterior Trim Acura MDX II

Front Bulkhead Cover Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front bumper and body.

Scheme 168

1. Remove the front bulkhead cover (A). Remove the clips. Pass the hood latch knob (B) through the hole in the cover.
2. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.

Front Grille Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Grille Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front bumper and body.

Scheme 169

1. Remove the front bulkhead cover (see «FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-bulkhead-cover-replacement) ).
2. Remove the front grille (A). Remove the bolts (B) and clips (C, D). Release the hooks (E) of the grille from the front bumper (F) by pulling the grille upward. NOTE: To remove the clips D, pry the inner clip up at the edge near the line (G) on its head.
3. Install the grille in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. Push the clips and hooks into place securely.

Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front grille. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 170

1. Remove the front grille.
2. Remove the screw. From behind the grille, pry up on the hooks (A) with a trim tool, then remove the front grille trim (B), and the front grille seal (C) from the front grille base (D). The left front grille trim is shown; the right front grille trim is similar.
3. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and push the hooks into place securely.

Cowl Cover Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Take care not to scratch the cowl cover and body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 171

Scheme 172

1. Remove the windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ).
2. Using a trim tool, remove the clips (A) from the cowl cover (B).
3. Release the windshield washer tube (C) from the hooks (D).
4. If necessary, remove the hood rear seal (E) from all of the hooks (F).
5. Pull the cowl cover (A) forward to release the hooks (B, C) of it from the windshield (D) and body. From both hood hinge portions, release the hooks (E, F) of the hood hinge cover (G) from the front fender (H) and the roof molding (I).
6. Remove the cowl cover.
7. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. Push the clips and hooks into place securely.

A-Pillar Corner Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Take care not to scratch the trim and body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 173

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Scheme 176

1. Open the front door.
2. Using a trim tool, detach the bottom clip of the A-pillar corner trim (A).
3. Gently slide the A-pillar corner trim (A) up along the A-pillar to release it from the clips.
4. Using a trim tool, remove the clips from the body.
5. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Install the clips (A) on the A-pillar corner trim (B).
7. Hold the A-pillar corner trim (A) up, and fit the clips into the holes in the body, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place securely.

Roof Rail Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

For Some Models

Note. Take care not to scratch the covers, roof rail, and the body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components. When using a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 177

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Scheme 179

1. Pry up on the front cover (A) with a trim tool to detach the clips and rib (B) from the front bracket (C), then remove the cover by pulling the cover forward.
2. Pry up on the rear cover (A) with a trim tool to detach the clips from the rear bracket (B), then remove the cover by pulling the cover rearward.
3. Remove the roof rail (A) and the center bracket (B). Using a trim tool, pry the notch (C), then remove the roof rail bar cap (D). Using a TORX T30 bit, remove the nuts (E) from the front bracket (F) and the rear bracket (G). Using a TORX T30 bit, remove the bolts (H), then remove the roof rail. Remove the center cover (I), and using a TORX T30 bit, remove the nuts (J), then remove the center bracket.
4. Install the roof rail in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.

Roof Molding Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Molding Removal

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to damage the windshield. Do not use any metallic tools to remove the windshield portion of the roof molding, or you may chip the edge of the windshield and some cracks in the windshield will occur. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components. Take care not to bend the roof molding.

Scheme 180

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Scheme 183

1. For some models: Remove the roof rail (see «ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__roof-rail-replacement) ).
2. Detach the bottom clip (A) at the lower corner of the windshield.
3. Remove the windshield portion of the roof molding (A). Carefully insert the large trim tool (B) and plastic spatula (C) in under the molding next to the lower clip (D). While pulling the clip portion of the molding up by hand, push each of the eight small hook (E) in numbered sequence shown to release the clip from the clip (F) on the A-pillar. Do not try to pry up the clip if it is hard to release from the clip on the A-pillar. Gradually work your way up to release each of the upper clips (G, H, I).
4. Start from the front to the rear, carefully insert a trim tool in under the roof molding(s) (A) next to each of the clips (B), and pry the molding(s) up to release it with the clip from the stud bolt on the body, then remove the roof portion of the molding(s). Without roof rail With roof rail
5. Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.

Scheme 184

Scheme 185

Scheme 186

Scheme 187

1. Install the clips (A, B, C, D, E, F) on the roof molding(s) (G). Without roof rail With roof rail
2. Install the roof molding(s) (A). Hold the roof molding(s) up on the roof, and align each clip to the stud bolts. From the rear to the front, fit the clips (B) to the stud bolts (C), then push on the molding until they snap into place. From the top to the bottom, push the clips (D) in the windshield portion of the roof molding until they snap into place to the clip (E) on the A-pillar. Push the bottom clip (F) to the front fender into place. Set the hook(G) of the hood hinge cover (H). Without roof rail With roof rail
3. Push the clip portions into place securely and reinstall the roof rail (see «ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__roof-rail-replacement) ), if equipped.

Scheme 188

Scheme 189

1. Gradually scrape off the adhesive tape (A) under the clips (B) while heating it with a heat gun to 212-248°F (100-120°C). NOTE: To prevent damage, do not heat the painted surface around the clips too much. To keep the exterior resin parts near the A-pillar from being overheated by the heat gun, wrap them with aluminum foil.
2. Clean the body bonding surface with a sponge dampened in isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Install the clips (A). Peel the adhesive backing away from the clips. Line up the clips with the alignment marks (B) on the body, and attach the clips with adhesive tape (C). Apply two-part epoxy adhesive (D) around the edge of the clips as shown. Adhesive tape: Thickness 1 mm (0.04 in.) Width 8 mm (0.32 in.)

Side Sill Panel Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Take care not to scratch the body.

Scheme 190

1. Open the front door and rear door.
2. Remove the side sill panel (A). Remove the screws (B) then remove the splash guard (C). Remove the screw (D) fastening the rear fender cover (E) and the rear strake (F). Use the trim tool to pry out the front clip (G), then release the front of the side sill panel from the body. While pulling the front portion of the side sill panel away from the body, slide the panel forward and remove it. The side clips (H) will stay in the body. Remove the side clips by turning them 45 °.
3. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
4. Install the side clips on the side sill panel.
5. Hold the panel up, and fit the front clip and all the side clips into the holes in the body, then push on the panel until the side clips snap into place.
6. Reinstall the front inner fender and front splash guard.

Tailgate Spoiler Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the tailgate and body.

Scheme 191

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Scheme 194

1. Open the tailgate. Disconnect the rear window washer tube (A). Remove the radio antenna connector grommet (B) from the tailgate, and disconnect the radio antenna connector (C).
2. Remove the access cap (A) from the tailgate, and remove the nuts (B) and bolts (C) securing the tailgate spoiler trim.
3. Gently close the tailgate, and lift up on the tailgate spoiler trim (A) to detach the clips.
4. Remove the high mount brake light connector grommet (B) from the tailgate, and disconnect the high mount brake light connector (C), then remove the tailgate spoiler trim.
5. If necessary, remove damaged spacer (A) and damaged pad rubbers (B, C) from the tailgate spoiler trim (D). Clean the trim surface with a sponge dampened in alcohol, then attach new pares to the trim.
6. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure the radio antenna connector and high mount brake light connector are plugged in properly and the rear window washer tube is connected properly. Make sure the radio antenna connector grommet and high mount brake light connector grommet are installed securely. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.

Rear License Trim Replacement

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to scratch the tailgate.

Scheme 195

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Scheme 198

Scheme 199

1. With navigation system: Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
2. With navigation system: From inside the tailgate, disconnect the rearview camera connector (A).
3. Remove the screws, and release both ends of the rear license trim (A) from the inner taillights (B), then remove the trim. If equipped, pull the rearview camera harness (C) out. Without navigation system With navigation system
4. Remove the screw grommets (A) from the tailgate. NOTE: If the screw grommets cracked excessively, replace them with new ones. If the screw grommets are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. If a new rear license trim will be installed, remove all of remaining screw grommets on the tailgate and discard them. The screw grommets have been installed to the new rear license trim with screws.
5. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: With navigation system: Make sure the rearview camera connector is plugged in properly. If a new rear license trim assembly (A) is to be installed, hold the trim up, and fit all the screw grommets (B) into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the grommets snap into place. New rear license trim installation

Rear Gutter Cover Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components. Take care not to scratch the body.

Scheme 200

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Scheme 202

Scheme 203

1. Open the tailgate.
2. Separate the double-sided adhesive tape (A), and use a trim tool to detach the clip (B) and pins (C) of the rear gutter cover (D). Without power tailgate With power tailgate
3. If the clip and grommets (E, F) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
4. Install the rear gutter cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Scrape off the remaining double-sided adhesive tape from the cover and body, then clean the cover and body surface with a sponge dampened in alcohol. Apply new adhesive tape (A) to the rear gutter cover (B). Push the adhesive portions, clips, and pins into place securely. Adhesive tape: Thickness 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) Width 12 mm (0.47 in.) Length 50 mm (2.0 in.) Without power tailgate With power tailgate

Emblem/Sticker Replacement

Note. When removing the emblems, take care not to scratch the body.

Scheme 204

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front grille (see «FRONT GRILLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/mdx/ii-2006-2010/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-grille-replacement) ).
2. Clean the body surface with a sponge dampened in isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Apply the emblems where shown. ACURA/MDX emblems: Remove the adhesive backing. Put the ACURA/MDX emblems with the application guide foam on the tailgate as shown, then press the emblem into place. Remove the film and application guide foam. When installing the ULEV sticker on the inside surface of the left quarter glass, align the sticker with the edge of the black ceramic as shown, then press the sticker into place, and remove the application tape.

See also:
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA
• FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT
• ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT
• FRONT GRILLE REPLACEMENT