Exterior Trim (4-cyl) Acura TSX II

Front Grille Cover Replacement

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

Scheme 114

1. Remove the front grille cover (A). 1. Detach the clips. 2. Pass both hood edge cushions (B) through the holes in the cover by pulling up the rear edge of the cover, and slide the entire cover rearward to release it from the groove (C) of the front grille. 3. Pass the hood latch handle (D) through the hole in the cover.
2. 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.

Front Grille Replacement

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

Scheme 115

1. Remove the front bumper: Sedan (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SEDAN»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-4-cyl__front-bumper-removalinstallation-sedan) ) Sport Wagon (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SPORT WAGON»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-4-cyl__front-bumper-removalinstallation-sport-wagon) )
2. Remove the front grille (A) from the front bumper (B). 1. Remove the screws (C), and detach the clips (D, E). 2. Release the ribs (F).
3. Install the grille 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.

Front Grille Molding Replacement

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

Scheme 116

Scheme 117

1. Remove these items: Front grille Front "A" emblem: Sedan (see «EMBLEM/STICKER REPLACEMENT - SEDAN»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__emblemsticker-replacement-sedan) ) Sport Wagon (see «EMBLEM/STICKER REPLACEMENT - SPORT WAGON»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__emblemsticker-replacement-sport-wagon) )
2. Remove the front grille upper molding (A) from the front grille base (B). 1. Remove the screws. 2. Release the hooks (C) (eight places) and the projections (D) (three places) from the grille base.
3. Remove the screws, and pull out the front grille molding A to release the hooks (B) (two places) and the hooks (C) (four places) from the front grille base (D), then remove the molding and the center hood seal (E) from the grill base.
4. Install the moldings in the reverse order of removal, and push the hooks and the projections into place securely.

Front Fender Trim Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the body. The left side is shown; the right side is similar.

Scheme 118

1. Remove the front grille cover (see «FRONT GRILLE COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__front-grille-cover-replacement) ).
2. Remove the front fender trim (A). 1. Detach the clips. 2. Pull up the trim, and slide the trim forward to release the hook (B) from under the front fender (C).
3. Install the trim 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 hook 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. Take care not to damage the body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components. When prying with a flat-tip screwdriver, wrap it with protective tape to prevent damage.

Scheme 119

1. Remove these items: Windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiperswashers-4-cyl) ) Front fender trims, both sides (see «FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__front-fender-trim-replacement) )
2. Remove the cowl cover (A). 1. Detach the clips (B). 2. Disconnect the washer tube (C). 3. Detach the clips (D, E, F) by carefully pulling up the cover. 4. Release the hooks (G). 5. Release the hood hinge covers (H) from both hood hinges (I).
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 and the hooks into place securely. Make sure the hood hinge covers are seated on the cowl cover securely. Make sure the washer tube is connected properly.

Windshield Side Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

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

Trim Replacement

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to damage the windshield. Take care not to bend the windshield side trim. Do not use any metal tools to remove the windshield side trim, or you may chip the edge of the windshield and some cracks in the windshield will result. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 120

Scheme 121

Scheme 122

Scheme 123

1. Remove the windshield side trim (A). 1. While pushing the upper retainer (B) area of the trim to the pillar side by hand, gently pry up the trim to release it from the retainers. 2. Gradually work your way down to release each of the retainers (C). 3. Slide the trim rearward to release it from the bottom clip (D).
2. Remove the bottom clip (A) by turning it 90° from the body.
3. If the bottom clip is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one.
4. Install the bottom clip (A) on the windshield side trim (B). Be sure the projection (C) on the clip points up.
5. Hold up the windshield side trim (A), starting at the top, fit the holes in the trim to the retainers (B) and the bottom clip (C) into the hole in the body, then push on the trim until the trim and the bottom clip snap into place. NOTE: If the retainers were replaced, do not pull up on the trim for at least 24 hours while the adhesive cures.

Scheme 124

Scheme 125

1. Gradually scrape off the adhesive tape (A) under the retainers (B) while heating it with a heat gun to about 212-248°F (100-120°C). NOTE: Do not overheat the painted surface around the retainers. To keep the exterior resin parts near the A-pillar from being overheated by the heat gun, wrap them with aluminum foil.
2. Clean the body bonding surface with a shop towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Install the upper retainers (A) and the lower retainer (B). 1. Peel the adhesive backing away from the retainers. 2. Line up the retainers with the alignment marks (C) on the body, and attach the retainers with the adhesive tape (D). 3. Apply the two-part epoxy adhesive (E) around the edge of the retainers as shown.

Roof Rail 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 covers, the roof rail, and the body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 126

Scheme 127

Scheme 128

Scheme 129

Scheme 130

Scheme 131

Scheme 132

Scheme 133

1. Pull the front cover (A) forward to release the tabs (B) (four places), the tabs (C), and the hook (D), then remove the cover from the front bracket (E) by pulling it up.
2. Pull the rear cover (A) rearward to release the tabs (B) (six places) and the tabs (C), then remove the cover from the rear bracket (D) by pulling it up.
3. Pry out the notches (A) with the appropriate trim tool, then remove the center cover (B) from the center bracket (C).
4. Remove the roof rail (A). 1. Remove the nuts securing the front bracket (B) and the rear bracket (C) to the body. 2. Remove the bolts securing the plate (D) on the rail to the center bracket (E).
5. Remove the nuts, then remove the center bracket (A) from the body.
6. If necessary, release the hook(s) (A), then remove the front pad (B) and the rear pad (C) from the brackets (D). Front Rear
7. If necessary, remove the center pad (A) from the center bracket (B).
8. Install the roof rail in the reverse order of removal, and make sure the tabs of the covers are installed securely.

Roof Molding Replacement - Sedan

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 body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 134

Scheme 135

Scheme 136

1. Apply the protective tape (A) to the body. Pry up on the roof molding (B) with a trim tool.
2. Pull up and slide the roof molding to release the front bracket (C) from the pin (D).
3. Pull up the front area of the roof molding (A).
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.

Roof Molding Replacement - Sport Wagon

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 body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 137

Scheme 138

1. Remove the roof rail and the center bracket (see «ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__roof-rail-replacement) ).
2. Starting at the rear edge of each roof molding, pull up the front roof molding (A), the center roof molding (B), and the quarter roof molding (C). Slide the moldings rearward, and pull up the moldings to release the brackets (D) from the pins (E), then remove the moldings from body.
3. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Front roof molding: Take care not to damage the windshield molding. Make sure the roof molding is installed securely.

Scheme 139

Scheme 140

1. Slowly peel up the original side sill protection tape.
2. Clean the body bonding surface with a shop towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Peel off adhesive backing A from the side sill protection tape (C). NOTE: Do not peel adhesive backing B.
4. Align the edge of the side sill protection tape (C) with the radius tangent line (D) in the body, and align the edge of adhesive backing B with the convex area (E) of the body, then press the side sill protection tape where the adhesive backing A was removed into place.
5. Remove the adhesive backing B from the side sill protection tape (A), and press the tape into place.

Scheme 141

Tailgate Spoiler Replacement

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

Scheme 142

Scheme 143

Scheme 144

Scheme 145

Scheme 146

1. Remove the tailgate upper trim (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-4-cyl__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
2. Disconnect the high mount brake light connector (A), and remove the bolts (B) and the nuts (C, D) securing the tailgate spoiler (E).
3. Close the tailgate. Pull out the tailgate spoiler (A) to release the clip pins (B) from the clip grommets (C) on the tailgate.
4. While lifting up on the spoiler, disconnect the rear window washer tube (D), and remove the grommet (E) from the tailgate, then remove the spoiler.
5. Remove the clip grommets (A) from the tailgate. If the clip pins and the clip grommets are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. NOTE: Replace the clip pin and the clip grommet as an assembly.
6. Insert the clip grommets (A) into the clip pins (B) on the tailgate spoiler (C).
7. Hold the spoiler up, reinstall the grommet (D), and reconnect the rear window washer tube (E). Fit the clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the spoiler until the clips snap into place securely.
8. Reinstall the nuts (A, B) and the bolts (C), and reconnect the high mount brake light connector (D).
9. Reinstall the tailgate upper trim (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-4-cyl__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).

Rear License Trim Replacement - Sedan

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 trunk lid. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 147

1. Pull out the rear license trim (A) to detach the clips (B, C), then remove the trim.
2. Install the trim 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.

Rear License Trim Replacement - Sport Wagon

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 tailgate. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 148

1. Pull the rear license trim (A) out to detach the clips (B, C), then remove the trim.
2. Install the trim 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.

Tailgate Lower Trim Replacement

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

Scheme 149

Scheme 150

Scheme 151

Scheme 152

Scheme 153

Scheme 154

1. Remove these items: Rear license trim (see «REAR LICENSE TRIM REPLACEMENT - SEDAN»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim-4-cyl__rear-license-trim-replacement-sedan) ) Tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim-4-cyl__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) )
2. Remove the bolts securing the tailgate lower trim (A).
3. Remove the inner taillights from both sides (see «LICENSE PLATE LIGHT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-lights/#exterior-lights-4-cyl) ).
4. Pull out along the bottom of the tailgate lower trim (A) to release the clip pins (B) from the clip grommets (C) on the tailgate.
5. While pinching the clips from inside the tailgate, remove the tailgate lower trim (A) by pulling it out. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Remove the clip grommets (A) from the tailgate. If the clip pins and the clip grommets are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones. NOTE: Replace the clip pin and the clip grommet as an assembly.
7. Insert the clip grommets (A) into the clip pins (B) on the tailgate lower trim (C).
8. Hold the trim up, and fit the clips (D, E) into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place securely.
9. Reinstall the inner taillights (see «LICENSE PLATE LIGHT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-lights/#exterior-lights-4-cyl) ).
10. Reinstall the bolts.
11. Reinstall all removed parts.

Rear Gutter 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 body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 155

1. Remove the rear gutter trim (A). 1. Pry up the notch (B), and detach the clip. 2. Pull out the upper area of the trim. 3. Pull up the trim to release the hooks (C).
2. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clip is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one. Push the clip and the hooks into place securely.

Emblem/Sticker Replacement - Sedan

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

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SEDAN»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-4-cyl__front-bumper-removalinstallation-sedan) ).
2. Clean the body surface with a shop towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Apply the emblems where shown.

Front

Scheme 156

Rear

Scheme 157

Emblem/Sticker Replacement - Sport Wagon

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

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SPORT WAGON»(/acura/tsx/ii-2008-2014/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers-4-cyl__front-bumper-removalinstallation-sport-wagon) ).
2. Clean the body surface with a shop towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the surface.
3. Apply the emblems where shown. Front

Front

Scheme 158

Rear

Scheme 159

See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SEDAN
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - SPORT WAGON
• WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA
• LICENSE PLATE LIGHT REPLACEMENT
• EMBLEM/STICKER REPLACEMENT - SEDAN
• EMBLEM/STICKER REPLACEMENT - SPORT WAGON
• FRONT GRILLE COVER REPLACEMENT
• FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT
• ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT
• REAR LICENSE TRIM REPLACEMENT - SEDAN