Exterior Trim Acura ZDX I

Scheme 1

Front Bulkhead Cover Replacement

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

Scheme 2

1. Remove the front bulkhead cover (A). Detach the clips. Pass the hood latch knob (B) 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.

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 3

1. Remove the front bumper (see «FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-body-panels/#bumpers__front-bumper-removalinstallation) ).
2. Detach the clips and release the rib (A), then remove the grille (B) from the front bumper (C). NOTE: To release the clips, pry up on the center pin at the notch (D).
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 into place securely.

Molding Replacement

Note. Take care not to scratch the front grille.

Scheme 4

Scheme 5

Scheme 6

Scheme 7

Scheme 8

1. Remove the grille.
2. For some models: From behind the grille, remove the TORX screws, and release the projections (A), then remove the front grille radar cover (B) from the front grille base (C).
3. From behind the grille, remove the TORX screws, then remove the front grille emblem base (A) from the front grille base (B).
4. If necessary, remove the screw, and release the hooks (A), then remove the emblem backplate (B) from the front grille emblem base (C).
5. Remove the TORX screws, and release the front grille molding (A) from the projection (B), then remove the molding from the front grille base (C).
6. If necessary, remove the TORX screws, and release the hooks (A), then remove the right front grille trim (B) and the left front grille trim (C) from the front grille base (D).
7. Install the molding in the reverse order of removal.

Front Fender Trim Replacement

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

Scheme 9

1. Remove the front bulkhead cover (see «FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-bulkhead-cover-replacement) ).
2. Detach the clips, then remove the front fender trim (A).
3. If necessary, remove the grommets (B).
4. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: If the clips and the grommets 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. Take care not to scratch the cowl cover or the body. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 10

Scheme 11

1. Remove these items: Front fender trims, both sides (see «FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__front-fender-trim-replacement) ) Windshield wiper arms (see «WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/wiperwasher-systems/#wiper-system-washer-system__wiper-arm-replacement) )
2. Detach the clips securing the cowl cover (A) with a trim tool.
3. If necessary, remove the hood rear seal (B) from the hooks (C) (12 places).
4. Remove the cowl cover (A). Detach the clips (B, C). Release the hooks (D) of the hood hinge covers (E) from the windshield side trim (F). Pull the cover forward to release the hooks (G).
5. 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.

Windshield Side Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

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

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to damage the windshield. Take care not to bend the windshield side trim. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 12

1. Remove the windshield side trim (A). While pulling up the retainer area of the trim with a trim tool, push each of the small hooks (B) with a small flat-tip screwdriver to release the trim from the retainers (C, D) on the A-pillar. Do not pry the trim anywhere except the retainer area. Gradually work your way down to release the trim from each of the retainers. Release the trim from the hook (E) of the hood hinge cover (F).
2. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: Make sure the trim is installed securely. Replace any damaged retainer.

Scheme 13

Scheme 14

1. Gradually separate the adhesive tapes (A) under the retainers (B, C) while heating them 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 plastic parts near the A-pillar from being overheated by a heat gun, wrap them with an 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 retainers (A, B). Peel the adhesive backing away from the retainers. Line up the retainers A with the alignment marks (C) on the body, and attach them with the adhesive tapes (D). Attach the retainer B to the front fender tab (E) with the adhesive tape (F) as shown in illustration. Apply epoxy two-part adhesive (G) around the edge of the retainers as shown in illustration.

A-Pillar Corner 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 15

Scheme 16

1. Open the front door.
2. Carefully insert a trim tool next to the upper clip, then detach the clip by prying on the A-pillar comer trim (A).
3. Detach the remaining lower clips with a trim tool, then remove the A-pillar corner trim (A).
4. 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.

Side Sill Panel Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

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

Front Side Sill Panel

Note. Take care not to scratch 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 17

1. Remove the front side sill panel (A). Remove the screws (B, C) securing the front inner fender (D) and the panel. Pry out the panel with a trim tool to release the clips (E, F), then remove the panel. The grommet (G) will stay in the body. Remove the grommet G from the body, then install the grommet G to the clip F on the panel.
2. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
3. Hold up the front side sill panel, and fit the clips into the holes in the body, then push on the panel until the clips snap into place securely.
4. Reinstall the screws and the clips.

Rear Side Sill Panel

Note. Take care not to scratch 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 18

1. Open the front door and rear door.
2. Remove the rear side sill panel (A). Remove the screws (B) securing the rear inner fender and the panel (or the rear strake). Remove the bolts (C). Pry out the panel with a trim tool to release the clip (D). The grommet (E) will stay in the body. Slide the panel rearward to remove it. The clips (F) will stay in the body. Remove the grommet E from the body, then install the grommet E to the clip D on the panel. Remove the clips F from the body by turning them 45°.
3. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
4. Install the clips on the side sill panel.
5. Hold up the rear side sill panel, and fit the clips into the holes in the body, then push on the panel until the clips snap into place securely.
6. Reinstall the bolts and the screws.

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

Tailgate Spoiler Replacement

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

Scheme 20

Scheme 21

1. Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
2. From inside the tailgate, remove the nuts securing the tailgate spoiler, and disconnect the high mount brake light connector (A).
3. Gently close the tailgate. Pull out the tailgate spoiler (A) to release the clips, then remove the spoiler from the tailgate. The grommets (B) will stay in the tailgate.
4. Remove the grommets from the tailgate, then install the grommets to the clips on the tailgate spoiler.
5. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Hold up the tailgate spoiler, and fit the clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the spoiler until the clips snap into place securely.
7. Reconnect the high mount brake light connector, and reinstall the nuts.
8. Reinstall the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).

Rear License Trim Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

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

Note. Put on gloves to protect your hands. Take care not to scratch the tailgate. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Scheme 22

Scheme 23

Scheme 24

1. Remove these items: Tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ) Tail light (see «TAILLIGHT REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exterior-lights/#exterior-lights) )
2. From inside the tailgate, remove the nuts securing the rear license trim, and disconnect the rearview camera connector (A).
3. Gently close the tailgate. Pull out the rear license trim (A) to release the clips and remove the harness grommet (B), then remove the trim. The grommets (C) will stay in the tailgate.
4. Remove the grommets from the tailgate, then install the grommets into the clips on the rear license trim.
5. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Hold up the rear license trim, and fit the clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place securely.
7. Before reinstalling the nuts securing the rear license trim (A), make sure the lower rear window molding (B) is not pinched.
8. Reconnect the rearview camera connector, and reinstall the nuts.
9. Reinstall all remaining removed parts.

Tailgate Lower Trim Replacement

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

Scheme 25

Scheme 26

1. Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).
2. From inside the tailgate, remove the bolts securing the tailgate lower trim.
3. Gently close the tailgate. Pull out along the upper and lower edges on the tailgate lower trim (A) to release the clips (B, C) and the projections (D), then remove the tailgate lower trim from the tailgate. The grommets (E) will stay in the tailgate.
4. Remove the grommets from the tailgate, then install the grommets into the clips on the tailgate lower trim.
5. If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Hold up the tailgate lower trim, and fit the clips into the holes in the tailgate, then push on the trim until the clips snap into place securely.
7. Reinstall the bolts.
8. Reinstall the tailgate lower trim panel (see «TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#interior-trim__trim-removalinstallation-tailgate-area) ).

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 27

Scheme 28

Scheme 29

1. Open the tailgate.
2. Release the clips with a trim tool, then remove the rear gutter lower trim (A). The grommets (B, C) will stay in the body.
3. Release the clip with a trim tool, and release the pins (A) of the rear gutter upper trim (B), then remove the trim. The grommets (C, D) will stay in the body.
4. If necessary, remove the rear gutter trim cap (A).
5. If the clips and the grommets are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
6. Install the trims in the reverse order of removal, and push the clips and the pins into place securely.

Emblem/Sticker Replacement

Special Tools Required

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

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

Note. When removing the emblems, take care not to scratch the body or the lower rear window. Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components. Do not use any metallic tools to remove the rear "A" emblem.

1. To remove the front "A" emblem, remove the front grille emblem base (see «MOLDING REPLACEMENT»(/acura/zdx/i-2009-2013/remont/exteriorinterior-trim/#exterior-trim__molding-replacement) ).
2. Clean the body surfaces or the lower rear window surface where emblems are applied with a shop towel dampened with isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, and water from getting on the clean surface.
3. Before applying the rear "A" emblem to the lower rear window, apply glass primer to the double-sided adhesive tape on the emblem and leave the emblem for at least 10 minutes at 73°F ± 2°F (23°C ± 2°C) and 65%rh (± 15%rh) condition, then apply the emblem to the window in less than 12 hours.
4. Before applying the rear "A" emblem to the lower rear window, keep the window temperature over 59°F (15°C) for at least an hour.
5. Apply the emblems where shown. Push on the emblems to make the adhesive stick securely.

Scheme 30

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See also:
• FRONT BUMPER REMOVAL/INSTALLATION
• WIPER ARM REPLACEMENT
• TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA
• TAILLIGHT REPLACEMENT
• FRONT BULKHEAD COVER REPLACEMENT
• FRONT FENDER TRIM REPLACEMENT
• MOLDING REPLACEMENT