Exterior Trim Acura RDX I

Front Grille Replacement

Note. When removing components, use the trim tools or equivalent. Take care not to scratch the rear bumper and body.

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1. Remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__front-bumper-removalinstallation) ).
2. Remove the screws (A) and clips (B). Then remove the front grille (C) from the front bumper (D) by pulling it out. Take care not to scratch the front bumper.
3. Remove the screw, then remove front emblem (A) from the front grille base (B).
4. Remove the screws, then release the hooks (A) and remove the grille molding (B) from the front grille base (C).
5. If necessary, release the hook (D), and remove the front emblem base (E).
6. Install the grille in the reverse order of removal.

Hood Molding 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 prying components. Take care not to scratch the hood.

Scheme 4

1. Using a 6 mm socket wrench, remove the special nuts (A), arid detach the clips (B) by pushing it, then remove the hood molding (C). Take care not to scratch the hood.
2. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal. NOTE: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. After removing the molding, replace the nuts and stud bolts (D) with new ones.

Front Fender Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the fender trim and. body.

Scheme 5

1. Pull back the ends of hood rear seal (A), then release the clips (B, C), and remove the front fender trim (D).
2. Install the fender trim in the reverse order of removal: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely. Reinstall the hood seal.

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

Scheme 6

1. Open the front door.
2. Apply protective tape around the body to prevent damage. Carefully insert a trim tool next to the upper clip, and detach the clip by prying on the A-pillar corner trim (A). Take care not to scratch the body and related parts.
3. Pull the A-pillar corner trim back by hand to detach the remaining lower clips, then remove the trim.
4. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Push the clip portions 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. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to scratch the cowl covers and body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

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1. Remove the these items: Windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ). Front fender trim, both sides (see «HOOD MOLDING REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__hood-molding-replacement) ).
2. From both sides of the cowl cover, release the hooks (A) from the cowl cover (B) and the front fender (C), then release the hood hinge cover (D) from roof molding (E), then remove the covers.
3. Remove the passenger's cowl cover (A). Remove the hood rear seal (B) by pulling it out. Remove the clip (C). Release two front hooks (D) from the edge of the cover. Detach the clips (E, F) by carefully pulling the cover upward, then remove the cover. Take care not to scratch the body.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer tubes (G).
5. Remove the driver's cowl panel (A). Remove the clips (B). Release two front hooks (C) from the edge of the cover. Detach the clips (D, E) by carefully pulling the cover upward, then remove the cover. Take care not to scratch the body.
6. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Make sure the washer tube is connected securely. Push the clip portions into place securely.

Door Molding Replacement

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

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1. Remove the door panel (see «FRONT DOOR PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exterior-body-panels/#doors__front-door-panel-removalinstallation) ).
2. From the front door, remove the plug cap (A), then remove the screw from the back of clip (B).
3. Using a utility knife, carefully cut the double-sided adhesive tape (A) along the edge of the door molding (B). Front door Rear door
4. With the help of an assistant, hold the side sill panel (A). Cover the rear portion of panel with a shop towel, then remove the panel by tapping it with a plastic hammer. Do not tap the panel too hard. The clips will stay in the door panel. Turn the clips (B, C) 45° counterclockwise from the door panel, and remove them. Front door Rear door
5. Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.
6. Install the clips on the side sill panel.
7. Scrape off the remaining double-sided adhesive tape from the molding and door, then clean the molding and door surfaces with a sponge dampened in isopropyl alcohol.
8. Rear door: Apply primer to the areas where the panel will be applied.
9. Attach the double-sided adhesive tape (A) to the molding (B), and fold the edge of each adhesive backing from the double-sided adhesive tape. Front door Rear door
10. Holding the molding (A) up, and lit all the clips (B, C) into the holes in the door, then push on the molding until the clips snap into place. Front door Rear door
11. Carefully pull the adhesive backing away, and push the molding into place securely.
12. Install the screw into the back of clip, then reinstall the plug cap to the front door.

Lower Front Fender Panel Replacement

Note. When removing components, use the trim tools or equivalent. Take care not to scratch the body. Put on gloves to protect your hands.

Scheme 19

1. Remove the screws (A) and clips (B, C), then remove the lower front fender panel (D).
2. Install the panel in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, 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

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

Removal

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1. Remove these items: Hood hinge cover (see step 2 on «A-PILLAR CORNER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__a-pillar-corner-trim-replacement) ) Tailgate hinge cover (see «TAILGATE HINGE COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__tailgate-hinge-cover-replacement) )
2. Start at the rear and working to the front, slowly pull the roof molding (A) up to release the molding with the clips (B) from the stud bolts (C) on the body, and to release the molding from the clips (D).
3. Remove the windshield portion of the roof molding (A). Carefully insert a trim tool remover (B) in under the molding next to the clip (C). Pry the outside edge of the roof molding at the clip portion while pushing the molding toward the outside to release the hooks (D). Gradually work your way down to release each of the clip portions, and release the molding from the hooks (E) on each clip.
4. Release the hooks (A), then remove the clips (B, C, D) and the retainers (E) from the body. NOTE: Replace any damaged clips and retainers. Installation
5. Install the clips (A, B) on the roof molding (C).
6. Install the retainers (A) and the clip (B) on the body.
7. Install the tailgate hinge cover (see «TAILGATE HINGE COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__tailgate-hinge-cover-replacement) ).
8. Install the roof molding (A). Hold the roof molding up on the roof, and align each clip to the stud bolts and retainers. Reconnect the rear end of the roof molding to the front end of the tailgate hinge cover (B). From the rear to the front, fit the roof molding to the clips (C), and the clips (D) to the stud bolts (E), then push on the molding until they snap into place. From the top to the bottom, push the clips (F) in the windshield portion of the roof molding until they snap into place into the retainers (G).
9. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for the damaged or stress-whitened clips and retainers, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Push the clips and retainer portions into place securely.

Tailgate Hinge Cover Replacement

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

Scheme 26

1. Open the tailgate. Release the inside hook (A) from the tailgate hinge (B) by pulling the rear of the tailgate hinge cover (C) up.
2. Slide the tailgate hinge cover rearward to release it from the pin (D), and to disengage it from the rear end of the roof molding (E), then move the cover forward while lifting it. Close the tailgate, then remove the cover.
3. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal.

Tailgate Spoiler Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the tailgate spoiler trim and tailgate.

Scheme 27

1. From inside the tailgate, remove the bolts (A).
2. Remove the tailgate upper trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
3. Remove the tailgate spoiler trim (B). From inside the tailgate, release the clip (C). Close the tailgate, then lift the tailgate spoiler trim to detach the clips (D). Disconnect the rear window wiper washer tube (E). Remove the grommet (F) from the tailgate, then disconnect the high mount brake light connector (G).
4. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Make sure the rear window wiper washer tube is connected securely, and the high mount brake light connector is plugged in properly.

Rear License Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

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

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

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1. Remove the maintenance lid (A) by prying the hooks (B) and pulling it out.
2. From inside the tailgate, push out and remove the clips (A).
3. Remove the rear license trim (B). Close the tailgate, then the rear license trim (B) to detach the clips (C). Disconnect the rear view camera connector (D). Remove the grommet (E) from the tailgate.
4. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Make sure the rear view camera connector is plugged in properly. Push the clip portions into place securely.

Tailgate Lower Trim Replacement

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

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1. Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
2. Remove the taillights and lid taillights (see «INNER TAILLIGHT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exterior-lights/#exterior-lights) ).
3. Remove the bolts securing the tailgate lower trim (A).
4. Pull out along the upper and lower edges on the tailgate lower trim (A) to release the clips (B, C), then remove the tailgate lower trim from the tailgate.
5. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones. Push the clips portions into place securely.

Emblem/Sticker Replacement

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

Scheme 32

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front emblem base (see «FRONT GRILLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/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 emblem/sticker where shown. When installing the ULEV sticker on the inside surface of the left rear door quarter glass, align the sticker with the edge of the glass mark as shown, then press the sticker into place, and remove the application tape.
4. After installing the front "A" emblem, reinstall the front grille (see «FRONT GRILLE REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rdx/i-2006-2009/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-grille-replacement) ).

See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• FRONT DOOR PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA
• INNER TAILLIGHT
• HOOD MOLDING REPLACEMENT
• A-PILLAR CORNER TRIM REPLACEMENT
• TAILGATE HINGE COVER REPLACEMENT
• FRONT GRILLE REPLACEMENT