Exterior Trim Acura TL IV

Engine Compartment Cover Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front grille or the body Some early-production '09 models (about the first 2,300 vehicles) have different engine compartment covers. If you replace an engine compartment cover (except the strut brace cover) on an early-production vehicle, order a kit with updated covers Refer to the parts catalog for the latest information

Scheme 1

Scheme 2

Scheme 3

Scheme 4

1. Remove the left engine compartment cover (A) -1 Detach the clips and release the hook (B) -2 Slide the cover to release the sleeve (C) from the front bulkhead cover (D) For some early-production models Release the hook (E) before removing the cover
2. Remove the right engine compartment cover (A) Detach the clips and release the hook (B) Slide the cover to release the sleeve (C) from the front bulkhead cover (D) For some early-production models Release the hook (E) before removing the cover
3. Detach the clips, and release the projection (A), then remove the front bulkhead cover (B)
4. Detach the clip, and release the hook (A), then remove the strut brace cover (B)
5. Install the covers in the reverse order of removal, and note these items

1. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones
2. Push the clips and the hooks into place securely

Grille Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front bumper

Scheme 5

1. Remove these items Front bulkhead cover (see step 3 on «Engine Compartment Cover Replacement»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) ) Front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__front-bumper-removalinstallation) )
2. Detach the clips, then remove the front grille (A) from the front bumper (B)
3. Install the grille in the reverse order of removal, and note these items

1. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones
2. Push the clips into place securely

Molding Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front grille

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Remove the front grille
2. From behind the grille, remove the TORX screws, then remove the front grille emblem base (A) from the front grille base (B)
3. If necessary, remove the screw, and release the hooks (A), then remove the emblem backplate (B) from the front grille emblem base (C)
4. Remove the TORX screws, then remove the front grille molding (A) from the front grille base (B)
5. Install the moldings in the reverse order of removal

Front Bulkhead Brace Cover Replacement

Note. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 9

1. Remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__front-bumper-removalinstallation) )
2. Detach the clips, and release the hook (A), then remove the front bulkhead brace cover (B) NOTE: To release the clips, pry up on the center pin at the notch (C)
3. 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

Cowl Cover Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the Acura 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 removing components Take care not to damage the body When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Remove these items Windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ) Engine compartment cover (see «ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__engine-compartment-cover-replacement) )
2. Remove the cowl cover (A) Remove the clips (B). Detach the clips (C, D, E) by carefully pulling the cover up. Release the hood hinge covers (F) from both hood hinges.
3. If necessary, release the hooks (A), then remove the A/C intake umbrella (B)
4. Install the covers 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 the hooks into place securely. Make sure the washer tube is connected properly

Roof Molding Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, call 888-424-6857

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 or crack the windshield 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 12

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

1. Remove the windshield portion of the roof molding (A) Carefully insert the large trim tool (B) and the plastic spatula (C) (from the KTC tool set) under the molding next to the lower clip (D) While pulling up the clip portion of the molding by hand, push each of the six small hooks (E) in the numbered sequence shown to release the clip from the retainer (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)
2. Pull up the roof portion of the roof molding (A) to release it from the retainers (B)
3. Pull the rear end of the roof molding (A) forward to detach it from the rear window molding (B)
4. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and note these items If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones Make sure the roof molding is installed securely

Retainer Replacement (Windshield Portion)

Note. Take care not to scratch the body or damage the windshield. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 15

1. Pry out the middle hooks (A) with a flat-tip screwdriver, and slide the retainers (B, C) downward to release them from the pins (D) on the A-pillar
2. Install the retainers in the reverse order of removal Make sure the retainers are securely fastened on the A-pillar pins

Retainer Replacement (Roof Portion)

Note. Take care not to scratch the body or damage the windshield. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 16

1. Pry up the middle hooks (A) with a flat-tip screwdriver, and slide the retainers (B) rearward to release them from the pins (C) on the body Take care not to scratch the body
2. Install the retainers in the reverse order of removal. Make sure the retainers securely fastened on the body pins

Rear Window Molding Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, call 888-424-6857

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands Take care not to damage the rear window Do not use any metallic tools to remove the rear window molding, or you may chip or crack the rear window Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components Take care not to bend the rear window molding

Scheme 17

1. Remove the roof molding (see «ROOF MOLDING REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__roof-molding-replacement) )
2. Remove the rear window molding (A) -1 Gently pry up the front edge of the molding, then pull up the molding from the top to the bottom to release the hooks (B) from the retainers (C) on the C-pillar -2 Slide the molding forward to release the rear end (D) from the pin (E) on the body
3. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and note these items Make sure the roof molding is installed securely Push the hooks into place securely

Retainer Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the body or damage the windshield. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 18

1. Pry up the middle hooks (A) with a flat-tip screwdriver, and slide the retainers (B) upward to release them from the pins (C) on the C-pillar Take care not to scratch the body or damage the windshield
2. Install the retainers in the reverse order of removal and make sure the retainers are securely fastened on the C-pillar pins.

C-Pillar Outer Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 *

* Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program, call 888-424-6857

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

Scheme 19

1. Open the rear door
2. Pry up on the edge of the C-pillar outer trim (A) with a trim tool to detach the clips, then remove the trim
3. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items Make sure you cannot see the EPT foam (B) from outside If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones Push the clips into place securely

Side Sill Panel Replacement

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Canda models: remove the front splash guard (see «FRONT INNER FENDER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exterior-body-panels/#fenderwell__front-inner-fender-replacement) )
2. Remove the side sill panel (A) Except Canada models: Remove the clip (B) from the rear of the front wheel arch Except Canada models: Remove the screws (C) securing the front inner fender and the side sill panel Detach the clips (D, E) Remove the screws (F) securing the rear inner fender and the side sill panel Pry out the rear clip (G) with a trim tool, then release the rear of the side sill panel from the body Remove the grommet (H) from the body, then install the grommet on the rear clip on the side sill panel Pull the rear portion of the side sill panel away from the body, and slide the panel rearward to remove it The side clips (I) will stay in the body Slide the side sill inner trim (J) forward and remove it The side clip (K) will stay in the body Remove the side clips I, K from the body by turning them 45°
3. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones
4. Install the side clips (A) and the rear clip (B) on the side sill panel (C)
5. Install the side sill inner trim (D) on the side sill panel, and install the front side clip (E) on the side sill inner trim
6. Hold the panel up, and slide it forward to engage the front side clip Fit all the side clips and the rear clip into the holes in the body, then push on the panel until the clips snap into place
7. Install the expansion clips (F,G)
8. Install the clip (H) and the screws (I)

For Some Models

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

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

Scheme 25

1. Remove the trunk lid trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TRUNK LID»(/acura/tl/iv-2008-2011/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-trunk-lid) )
2. Open the trunk lid Remove the nuts, and if equipped, disconnect the rearview camera/trunk release (12P) connector (A) from inside the trunk lid
3. Close the trunk lid, and while gently puling out the edge of the trunk lid spoiler (A), carefully cut the double-sided adhesive tape (B) along the edge of the spoiler Take care not to scratch the trunk lid
4. Pull out the trunk lid spoiler (A) to release the clips, then remove the spoiler from the trunk lid
5. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones
6. Remove the grommets (B) from the trunk lid, then insert the grommets into the clips on the trunk lid spoiler
7. If you are reusing the original trunk lid spoiler, carefully remove the remaining double-sided adhesive tape from the trunk lid spoiler Also carefully remove the remaining double-sided adhesive tape from the trunk lid Clean the spoiler and the trunk lid surfaces with a shop towel dampened in isopropyl alcohol
8. Attach new double-sided adhesive tape to the edge of the trunk lid spoiler (F) as shown Adhesive tape (A) Thickness 1 mm (0.04 in) Width 5 mm (0.2 in) Length 602 mm (23.7 in) Adhesive tape (B) Thickness 1.5 mm (0.06 in) Width 5 mm (0.2 in) Length 49 mm (1.93 in) Adhesive tape (C). Thickness 1.5 mm (0.06 in) Width 5 mm (0.2 in.) Length 473 mm (18.6 in) Adhesive tape (D). Thickness 1.5 mm (0.06 in.) Width 5 mm (0.2 in) Length 23 mm (0.91 in) Adhesive tape (E) Thickness 1.5 mm (0.06 in) Width 5 mm (0.2 in) Length 90 mm (3.54 in)
9. Fold the edge of each adhesive backing from the double-sided adhesive tape
10. Hold the spoiler up, and fit the clips into the hole in the trunk lid, then push on the spoiler until the clips snap into place securely
11. Carefully pull the adhesive backing away, and push on the double-sided adhesive tape portions to make adhesive stick securely
12. Reconnect the trunk release switch connector, and reinstall the nuts

Emblem/Sticker Replacement

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

Scheme 26

Scheme 27

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, raise the vehicle on a lift From underneath the vehicle, remove the two screws, then remove the emblem
2. Clean the body surfaces where emblems/sticker are applied with a shop towel dampened in isopropyl alcohol After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface
3. Apply the emblems/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 and the edge of the black ceramic as shown, then press the sticker into place, and remove the application tape

See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• FRONT INNER FENDER REPLACEMENT
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TRUNK LID
• Engine Compartment Cover Replacement
• ROOF MOLDING REPLACEMENT