Tailgate Trim Panel

NOTE:

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

Remove the tailgate upper trim (A).
1. Release the hooks (B) and the tabs (C) from the left tailgate side trim (D) and the right tailgate side trim (E).
2. Pull the upper trim back by hand to detach the clips, then remove it.
  
  Fig 1: Identifying Hooks, Tabs, Left Tailgate Side Trim, Right Tailgate Side Trim And Tailgate Upper Trim
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the left tailgate side trim (A) and the right tailgate side trim (B).
1. Pull out the top of the side trim to detach the clips.
2. Release the hooks (C) and the tabs (D) from the tailgate lower trim panel (E).
  
  Fig 2: Identifying Hooks, Tabs, Tailgate Lower Trim Panel, Left And Right Tailgate Side Trim
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
With power tailgate: Remove the inside tailgate switch (see DRIVER'S DOOR POWER TAILGATE SWITCH TEST/REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the tailgate lower trim panel (A).
1. Remove the screws (B) from both pull pockets.
2. Detach the clips (C) beside the tailgate latch.
3. Pull down the trim panel to detach all of the clips (D).
4. Release both upper corner areas of the trim panel from the edge of the tailgate flange.
  
  Fig 3: Identifying Tailgate Lower Trim Panel, Screws And Clips
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the trim panel in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
- With power tailgate: Make sure the inside tailgate switch connector is plugged in properly.
- Push the clips and the hooks into place securely.