Scheme 1
Trim Removal/Installation - Door Areas
Special Tools Required
KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *
* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.
Front Door Sill Area
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
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- Left side: Remove the footrest (see step 5 ).
- Remove the left kick panel (A) or the right kick panel (B). 1 Pull out the front door opening trim (C) from the kick panel hooks (D) and the front door opening flange. 2 Left side: Pull the hood opener knob (E) and hold it. 3 Pull the kick panel back by hand to detach the clips (F, G), and to release the hook (H) and tab (I) from the front door sill trim (J), then remove the panel.
- Pull the front door sill trim (A) up by hand to detach the clips (B), and to release the hooks (C) and tabs (D) from the B-pillar lower trim (E), then remove the trim.
- If necessary, pull the front side outer trim (F) up to detach the clips (G), then remove the trim.
- Pull out the front door opening trim (A) from the trim hooks (B) and around the front door opening flange, then remove the trim.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.
Rear Door Sill Area
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
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- Remove the rear seat cushion (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ).
- Remove the rear door sill trim (A). 1 Pull out the rear door opening trim (B) from the lower part of the rear door opening flange. 2 Pull the rear door sill trim up by hand to detach the clips (C), and to release the hooks (D) and tabs (E) from the B-pillar lower trim (F) and the rear seat side trim (G), then remove the trim.
- If necessary, pull the rear side outer trim (H) up to detach the hooks (I), then remove the trim.
- Remove the rear seat-back (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ).
- Remove the rear seat side trim (A). 1 Pull out the rear door opening trim (B) from the seat side trim hooks (C) and the rear door opening flange. 2 Pull the lower part of the C-pillar trim (D) back by hand to detach the lower clip (E), and to release the hook (F) from the top of the seat side trim. 3 Pull the seat side trim back by hand to detach the clips (G), then remove the trim.
- Pull out the rear door opening trim (A) from the trim hooks (B) and around the rear door opening flange, then remove the trim.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Push the clips into place securely.
Trim Removal/Installation - Pillar Areas
Special Tools Required
KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *
* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.
A-pillar
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
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- Pull out the front door opening trim as needed (see step 5 ).
- Remove the A-pillar trim (A). 1 Pry up on the A-pillar cap (B), release the hooks (C), and pull the cap out so that the tapered pin on the cap releases the grommet (D). 2 Pull the A-pillar trim back by hand to detach the clip, then pull the trim up.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Do not reuse the A-pillar cap; always replace it. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with new one. To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect removed pieces and replace them if they have any of these types of damage: Any cracks, deformations, or press-whitenings in the A-pillar trim (A) Any cracks, or press-whitenings in the grommet and clip seating surfaces (B) Bent or broken grommet (C) Damaged top of the A-pillar cap pin (D) Make sure the top of the trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see «CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system__checking-and-adjusting-the-headlinerpillar-trim) ). Push the clip portions into place securely.
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- Remove these items: Kick panel (see step 2 ) Front door sill trim (see step 3 ) Rear door sill trim (see step 2 ) Front door opening trim, as needed (see step 5 ) Rear door opening trim, as needed (see step 6 )
- Remove the B-pillar trim (A). 1 Detach lower clips by pulling the bottom of the B-pillar lower trim back by hand. 2 While pulling both upper edges of the B-pillar lower trim sideways, pull the top of the trim back by hard to release the hooks (B, C) from the B-pillar upper trim (D), then remove the trim.
- Left side: Remove front seat belt lower anchor bolt (see step 5 on «FRONT SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system__front-seat-belt-replacement) ).
- Right side: Detach the front seat belt lower anchor (see step 6 on «FRONT SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system__front-seat-belt-replacement) ).
- Remove the B-pillar upper trim (A). 1 Detach the clip by pulling the bottom of the trim back. 2 Pull the trim down to release the upper hooks (B) from the side curtain airbag B-pillar bracket (C). 3 Remove the trim and the slider (D) as an assembly. 4 Pass the front seat belt lower anchor out through the hole in the slider. 5 Remove the slider from the back of the trim.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the B-pillar upper trim with new one. To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect removed pieces and replace them if they have any of these types of damage: Any cracks or deformations in the B-pillar upper trim (A) and the upper hooks (B), and any press-whitenings in the upper part of the trim Any cracks or deformations in the B-pillar lower trim (C), especially in the area that fits into the B-pillar upper trim Any cracks or press-whitenings in the clip seating surfaces (D) Make sure the top of the trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see «CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system__checking-and-adjusting-the-headlinerpillar-trim) ). Make sure the trim hooks are installed into holes in the side curtain airbag B-pillar bracket securely. Push the clip portions into place securely. Before attaching the front seat belt lower anchor, make sure there are no twist or kinks in the belts.
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- Pull out the rear door opening trim as needed (see step 5 ).
- Remove the C-pillar trim (A). 1 Pry up on the C-pillar cap (B), release the hooks (C), and pull the cap out so that the tapered pin on the cap releases the grommet (D). 2 Pull the C-pillar trim back by hand to detach the clips, then remove the trim.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Do not reuse the C-pillar cap; always replace it. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the C-pillar trim with new one. To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect removed pieces and replace them if they have any of these types of damage: Any cracks, deformations, or press-whitenings in the C-pillar upper trim (A) Any cracks, or press-whitenings in the grommet and clip seating surface (B) Bent or broken grommet (C) Damaged top of the C-pillar cap pin (D) Make sure the top of the trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see «CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system__checking-and-adjusting-the-headlinerpillar-trim) ). Push the clip portions into place securely.
Trim Removal/Installation - Rear Shelf Area
Special Tools Required
KTC trim tool set SOJATP20U *
* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
Scheme 15
- Remove these items: Rear seat cushion (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ) Rear seat-back (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ) C-pillar trim, both sides (see «C-PILLAR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) )
- Lift the rear shelf (A) to release the clips, then pull the rear shelf towards the front of the vehicle. NOTE: The shelf may be stuck to the rear window and may require some force to detach. Make sure that all the clips are released before pulling the shelf out.
- Pull both rear seat belt (B) and rear center seat belt (C) out through the slits (D) in the rear shelf, then remove the shelf.
- Install the shelf in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. When installing the rear shelf, slip the rear seat belts and center seat belt through the slits in the rear shelf. Push the clips into place securely.
Trim Removal/Installation - Trunk Area
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. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bent or scratch the trim and panels.
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- Release the clip, then remove the spare tire lid (A).
- If necessary, remove the trunk floor spacer (B).
- Detach the clips and release the hooks (A) by pulling the trunk rear trim panel (B) up, then remove the panel.
- Remove these items: Rear seat-back (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ) Rear seat cushion (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) )
- Remove the clips, then remove the rear shelf under cover (A).
- Remove the cargo net from the right trunk side trim panel.
- Remove the bolt (A), screws (B), and clips (C, D), then remove the left trunk side trim panel (E) and right trunk side trim panel (F) while passing each trunk lid hinge through the slit (G).
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. When installing the trunk side trim panel, slip the trunk lid hinge through the slits in the trim panel. Push the clips into place securely.
Trim Removal/Installation - Trunk Lid
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. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
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- While pulling the outside of the trunk lid cushion (A), slide it outward and remove it on each side.
- Remove the trunk lid trim (A). 1 Remove the screw (B), then remove the trunk lid handle (C). 2 Release all the clips (D). 3 Remove the trim while passing both trunk lid hinges through the slits (E).
- Remove the trunk hinge upper trim (A) and trunk hinge lower trim (B), if necessary.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. When installing the trunk lid trim, slip the trunk lid hinges through the slits in the trunk lid trim. Push the clips into place securely.
Headliner Removal/Installation
Special Tools Required
KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *
* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before performing repairs or service.
Note. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to bend and scratch the headliner. Be careful not to damage the dashboard and other interior trim.
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- Remove these items: A-pillar trim, both sides (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - PILLAR AREAS»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-pillar-areas) ) B-pillar upper trim, both sides (see «B-PILLAR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) ) C-pillar trim, both sides (see «C-PILLAR»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim) ) Rear seat-back (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ) Rear map light (see «FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ) Vanity light, both sides (see «VANITY MIRROR LIGHT SWITCH TEST»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) )
- From both sides, using a trim tool, release the tabs (A), then remove the sunvisor cap (B) from the bracket (C). Turn the cap, and remove it.
- From both sides, remove the sunvisor (A) and holder (B). 1 Remove the self-tapping ET screws. 2 Remove the sunvisor from the body and holder. 3 Disconnect the vanity mirror light connector (C). 4 Using a flat-tip screwdriver, push the hook (D), turn the holder 90 °, then pull it out.
- Remove the moonroof switch (see «MOONROOF SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof) ).
- Remove the roof console (see step 2 on «INTERIOR LIGHT SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/interiorillumination-lights/#interior-lights) ).
- Remove the bolts securing the roof console (A).
- Release the clips (A, B), then remove the high mount brake light cover (C).
- Remove the caps (A), and remove the self-tapping ET screws, then remove the grab handle (B).
- Remove the headliner. 1 Remove the front door opening trim (A) and rear door opening trim (B) from each roof portion. 2 Detach the clips (C), and release the fasteners (D) by pulling the front portion of the headliner (E) down. 3 With the help of an assistant, detach the rear clips (F) by pulling the headliner down. 4 Remove the headliner through the front passenger's door opening.
- If necessary, detach the hooks (A), and remove the clip, then remove the roof console bracket (B).
- Install the headliner in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If a side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the headliner and the front grab handle on the deployed side. To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect removed pieces and replace them if they have any of these types of damage: Any creases or tears in the headliner (A) Any fasteners (B) or clip bases (C) which have come off the headliner Any damage around the grab handle holes (D) or sunvisor holes (E) in the headliner Any deformations in the grab handle (F) Any cracks in the sunvisor stay base (G) Any bends or cracks in the sunvisor stay shaft (H) Any cracks in the sunvisor base (I) Any cracks in the vanity mirror base (J) When reinstalling the headliner through the door opening, be careful not to fold or bend it too much. Also, be careful not to scratch the body. If the threads on a visor or grab handle screw are worn out, use an oversized self-tapping ET screw made specifically for this application: Visor: P/N 90136-S30-003 Grab handle: P/N 90136-S0A-003 Check that both sides of the headliner are securely attached to the trim. Make sure the top of the pillar trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see «CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/airbag/#air-bag-srs-supplemental-restraint-system__checking-and-adjusting-the-headlinerpillar-trim) ). Do the moonroof calibration (see «MOONROOF CALIBRATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/sun-rooft-topconvertible-top/#power-moonroof__moonroof-calibration) ). Headliner Grab handle Sunvisor
Front Carpet Replacement
Special Tools Required
KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *
* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ). before performing repairs or service.
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Take care not to damage, wrinkle or twist the carpet. Be careful not to damage the dashboard or other interior trim pieces.
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- Make sure you have the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then write down the audio presets.
- Disconnect the negative cable from the battery, and wait at least 3 minutes before beginning work.
- Remove these items: Front seats, both sides (see «FRONT SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__front-seat-removalinstallation) ) Front door sill trim, both sides (see step 3 ) Kick panel, both sides (see step 2 ) Center console rear section (see «CENTER CONSOLE REAR SECTION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#consoles__center-console-rear-section-removalinstallation) ) Center console panel (see «CENTER CONSOLE PANEL REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#consoles__center-console-panel-removal-installation) ) Rear vent duct (see step 4 on «PASSENGER'S SIDE»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard) ) Fuel fill door opener cover (see step 2 on «FUEL FILL DOOR OPENER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/door-locks-anti-theft-systems/#openers) ) Driver's dashboard under cover (see «DRIVER'S DASHBOARD UNDER COVER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard) ) Passenger's dashboard under cover (see «GLOVE BOX HOUSING REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#dashboard__glove-box-housing-removal-installation) ) Steering joint cover (see «STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/manual-power-steering/#power-steering-system__steering-column-removal-and-installation) )
- Push the knob (A) back to release the hook (B) then pull up the accelerator pedal (C).
- Detach the clips, then remove the footrest (A).
- Disconnect the antenna lead (A), the side curtain airbag sub harness connector (B), and the parking brake switch (C). Detach the harness clips (D), and on A/T model, harness clips (E).
- Remove the bolts securing the shift lever bracket or select lever bracket (A).
- Release the clips (A, B) from the front floor carpet (C).
- Release the hooks (D) with a flat-tip screwdriver by pushing the screwdriver toward the door, then lift upwards. Pull the fastener (E) out, then remove the carpet.
- Install the carpet in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Take care not to damage, wrinkle or twist the carpet. Make sure the seat harnesses and antenna lead are routed correctly. Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones. Reconnect the negative cable to the battery. Set the clock. Enter the anti-theft codes for the radio and the navigation system, then enter the audio presets.
Rear Carpet Replacement
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ). before performing repairs or service.
Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to damage, wrinkle or twist the carpet. Be careful not to damage the dashboard or other interior trim pieces.
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- Remove these items: Front seats, both sides (see «FRONT SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__front-seat-removalinstallation) ) Rear seat cushion (see «REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/seats/#seats__rear-seat-removalinstallation) ) Front door sill trim, both sides (see step 3 ) Rear door sill trim, both sides (see step 2 ) Center console rear section (see «CENTER CONSOLE REAR SECTION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/gauges-instrument-panels/#consoles__center-console-rear-section-removalinstallation) ) B-pillar lower trim, both sides (see step 2 )
- Remove the front seat belt lower anchor bolt, both sides (see step 5 on «FRONT SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iii-2003-2006/remont/restraints-control-systems/#seat-belt-system__front-seat-belt-replacement) ). ).
- Disconnect the antenna lead (A) and disconnect the side curtain airbag sub harness connector (B). Detach the harness clip (C), and on A/T model, harness clips (D).
- Release the clips (A) securing the front floor carpet (B) and rear floor carpet (C).
- Release the hooks (D) with a flat-tip screwdriver by pushing the screwdriver toward the door, then lifting upwards. Cut the carpet in the areas (E) shown, then remove the carpet.
- Install the carpet in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Take care not to damage, wrinkle or twist the carpet. Make sure the seat harnesses and antenna lead are routed correctly. Check for damaged or stress-whitened clips, and replace them with new ones.
See also:
• COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX
• REAR SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP
• FRONT SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT
• FRONT INDIVIDUAL MAP LIGHT REPLACEMENT
• MOONROOF SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT
• MOONROOF CALIBRATION
• FRONT SEAT REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• CENTER CONSOLE REAR SECTION REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• CENTER CONSOLE PANEL REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION
• PASSENGER'S SIDE
• FUEL FILL DOOR OPENER REPLACEMENT
• GLOVE BOX HOUSING REMOVAL/ INSTALLATION
• STEERING COLUMN REMOVAL AND INSTALLATION
• C-PILLAR
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - PILLAR AREAS