Exterior Trim Acura RSX I

Scheme 41

1. Remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers) ).
2. Remove the front grille cover (A) and front emblem base (B). Take care not to scratch the front bumper (C). 1 Remove the screws and push nuts (D). 2 Remove the front emblem base from the front bumper. 3 Pull the front grille cover away to release the pins (E) of the front bumper.
3. Install the grille cover and emblem base in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Replace the push nuts with new ones. Push the push nuts into place securely.
4. Reinstall the front bumper.

Scheme 42

1. Remove the front bumper (see «'05-06 MODELS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__05-06-models) ).
2. Remove the clips. Release the hooks (A) of the front grille cover (B), and pull the cover away to release the it's groove (C) from the front bumper (D), then remove the cover.
3. Install the grille cover in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Push the hooks into place securely. Replace any damaged or stress-whitenings clips.
4. Reinstall the front bumper.

Scheme 43

1. Remove the windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ).
2. Using a clip remover, detach the clips (A), then remove the hood rear seal (B), and detach the clips (C) from the cowl covers. Take care not to scratch the cowl covers.
3. Detach the clips (D, E) and release the hook (F) by carefully pulling the passenger's cowl cover (G) upward. Pull the cover forward to release the hooks (H), and pull the hinge cover (I) out from the front fender (J), then remove the cover. Take care not to scratch the body.
4. Remove the windshield wiper subharness grommet (K) from the driver's cowl cover (L).
5. Detach the clips (D, E) by carefully pulling the driver's cowl cover upward, and pull the cover forward to release the hooks (M). Pull the hinge cover (N) out from the front fender (0), 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: Replace any damaged or stress-whitenings clips. Push the clips into place securely.

Roof Molding Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014

Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components.

Scheme 44

Scheme 45

Scheme 46

Scheme 47

1. Apply protective tape (A) to the body. Using a trim tool, pry up on the roof molding (B). Take care not to scratch the body.
2. Pull up and slide the roof molding to release the front bracket (C) from the pin (D).
3. Pull up the front portion of roof molding.
4. Pull up and release the rear bracket (A) from the pin (B), then remove the roof molding (C).
5. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Take care not to damage the windshield molding. Make sure the roof molding is installed securely.

Scheme 48

1. Remove the side sill panel. 1 Remove the screws, and remove the splash guard (A) if equipped. 2 Pull the inner fender (B) back as necessary, and remove the expansion clips (C). 3 Slide the side sill panel (D) forward, and remove it. The side clips (E) will stay in the body. 4 Remove the side clips from the body.
2. Replace any damaged or stress-whitened clips.
3. Install the side clips on the side sill panel.
4. Hold the panel up, and fit all the side clips into the holes in the body, then push on the panel until the clips snap into place.
5. Install all the expansion clips.
6. Reinstall the screws and splash guard (if equipped).

For Some '05-06 Models

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands.

Scheme 49

Scheme 50

1. Remove the hatch trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - HATCH AREA»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-hatch-area) ).
2. From inside the hatch, remove the plug caps (A) from both sides, then remove the nuts.
3. From inside the hatch, release the clips (A, B) while pulling up on the hatch spoiler (C). Take care not to scratch the hatch while removing the spoiler.
4. Install the spoiler in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Replace any damaged or stress-whitened clips. Push the clips into place securely.

Emblem Replacement

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

Scheme 51

Scheme 52

1. '02-04 models: To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front emblem base (see «FRONT GRILLE COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim) ). '05-06 models: To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front bumper (see «'05-06 MODELS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__05-06-models) ).
2. Use a piece of string to cut through the adhesive tape on the emblems.
3. Clean the body surface with a sponge dampened in alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease and water from getting on the surface.
4. Apply the emblems where shown. When installing the LEV emblem on the quarter glass, align the application tape with the edge of the quarter glass, then press the emblem into place, and remove the application tape.
5. After installing the front "A" emblem, reinstall the front emblem base, '02-04 models (see «FRONT GRILLE COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim) ), and then reinstall the front bumper, '02-04 models (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers) ), '05-06 models (see «'05-06 MODELS»(/acura/rsx/i-2001-2004/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__05-06-models) ).

See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• '05-06 MODELS
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - HATCH AREA
• FRONT GRILLE COVER REPLACEMENT