Exterior Trim Acura TSX I

Scheme 95

1. Remove the nuts (A), and detach the clip (B) by pushing it from the drain hole (C) in the hood, then remove the hood molding (D). Take care not to scratch the hood.
2. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and check if the clip is damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace it with a new one.

Front Grille Replacement

Note. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage. Take care not to scratch the front bulkhead cover and front grille.

Scheme 96

Scheme 97

Scheme 98

1. Remove the clips (A, B, C), then remove the front grille cover (D).
2. Remove the front bumper, '04-05 models (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system) ), '06-08 models (see «'06-08 MODELS»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumper-system__06-08-models) ).
3. Remove the clips, then remove the front grille (A). Take care not to drop the clips inside the front bumper.
4. If necessary, remove the screws, then remove the front grille molding (A), center grille molding (B), emblem ring (C), emblem (D), from the front grille cover (E).
5. Install the front grille 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. Install the hook portions of the front grille into place securely.

Front Fender Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the body.

Scheme 99

1. Remove the front fender trim (A). Using a clip remover, remove the clip (B) securing the front fender trim and cowl cover (C). Remove the clips (D) from the front bulkhead cover (E). Pull up the side edge of the front bulkhead cover, then pull up the front fender trim to release the clips (F), and release the hook (G) from the body.
2. 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.

Scheme 100

1. Remove these items: Windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system) ) Front fender trim, both sides (see «FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-fender-trim-replacement) )
2. Remove the hood rear seal (A) by pulling it out. Using a clip remover, detach the clip (B) from the cowl covers. Take care not to scratch the cowl covers.
3. Detach the clips (C, D) on the passenger's cowl cover (E) by carefully pulling the cover upward. Release the hook (F) on the passenger's cowl cover from the driver's, then remove the cover by releasing the hooks (G). Take care not to scratch the body.
4. Disconnect the windshield washer tubes (H).
5. Detach the clips (C, D) on the driver's cowl cover (I) by carefully pulling the cover upward, then remove the cover by releasing the hooks (G). Take care not to scratch the body.
6. Install the covers 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 tubes are connected securely. Push the clip portions 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. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to damage the windshield. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components. Do not use any of metal tools to remove the roof molding, or you may chip the edge of the windshield and some cracks in the windshield will occur. Take care not to bend the roof molding.

Scheme 101

Scheme 102

Scheme 103

Scheme 104

1. Remove the cowl cover (see «COWL COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim) ).
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 a trim tool (B) under the molding next to the lower clip (C). While pulling the clip portion of the molding up by hand, push each of the eight small hooks (D) in the numbered sequence shown to release the clip from the retainer (E). Do not try to pry up the clip if it is hard to release from the retainer. Gradually work your way up to release each of the upper clips (F, G, H).
4. Pull up the middle portion of the roof molding (A) to release it from the retainers (B).
5. Pull up and release the rear end of the roof molding (A) from the pin (B), then remove the roof molding.
6. Install the molding 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 roof molding is installed securely.

Scheme 105

Scheme 106

1. Gradually scrape off the adhesive tape (A) under the retainers (B) while heating it with a heat gun. NOTE: Avoid overheating the painted surfaces around the retainers. Wrap the exterior resin parts near the A-pillar with aluminum foil to protect them from overheating.
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 upper retainers (A) and the lower retainers (B). Peel the adhesive backing away from the upper and lower retainers. Line up the retainers (C) with the alignment marks (D) on the body. Apply two-part epoxy adhesive (E) around the edge of the retainers as shown.

Scheme 107

Scheme 108

1. Remove the side sill panel (A). On the front of the rear wheel arch, remove the screws (B). Remove the bolt (C) securing the side sill panel and middle floor undercover (D), and remove the clips (E, F). Slide the side sill panel rearward and remove it. The side clips (G, H) will stay in the body. Remove the side clips (G) by turning them 45°, and using a clip remover, remove the side clip (H). On the back of the front wheel arch, remove three screws (I), and on Canada models, remove the front splash guard (J). Turn the side sill inner trim (K) 45° to release the side clip (G), then remove the trim.
2. Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.
3. Install the side clips (A, B) on the side sill panel (C).
4. Install the side sill inner trim (0) on the side sill panel, and install the clip (E).
5. 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.
6. Install all the expansion clips (F) and bolt (G).
7. Install the front splash guard (H) (Canada models), and all the screws (I, J).

Scheme 109

1. Remove the inner taillight, one side (see «INNER TAILLIGHT»(/acura/tsx/i-2003-2008/remont/exterior-lights/#exterior-light-system) ).
2. Detach the clips, and on both sides of the rear license trim (A), release the edge of the trim from the inner taillight (B), then remove the trim. Take care not to scratch the trunk lid.
3. 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.

Scheme 110

1. Remove the clips (A) and bolts (B), then remove the rear undercover (C). Take care not to scratch the rear bumper (D).
2. Install the cover in the reverse order of removal, and check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new ones.

Emblem/Sticker Replacement

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

Scheme 111

1. Clean the body surface with a sponge dampened in isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
2. Apply the emblems/sticker where shown. When installing the LEV sticker on the inside surface of the rear door quarter glass, align the sticker application tape with the edge of the glass mark as shown, then press the sticker into place, and remove the application tape.

See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• '06-08 MODELS
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• INNER TAILLIGHT
• FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT
• COWL COVER REPLACEMENT