Molding Removal

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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 area of the roof molding, or you may chip the edge of the windshield and some cracks in the windshield will occur.
Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.
Take care not to bend the roof molding.

For some models: Remove the roof rail (see ROOF RAIL REPLACEMENT ).
Detach the bottom clip (A) at the lower corner of the windshield.

Fig 1: Locating Bottom Clip At Lower Corner Of Windshield
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the windshield area of the roof molding (A).
1. Carefully insert the large trim tool (B) and plastic spatula (C) in under the molding next to the lower clip (D).
2. While pulling the clip area of the molding up by hand, push each of the eight small hook (E) in numbered sequence shown to release the clip from the clip (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.
3. Gradually work your way up to release each of the upper clips (G, H, I).
  
  Fig 2: Removing Windshield Area Of Roof Molding
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Start from the front to the rear, carefully insert a trim tool in under the roof molding(s) (A) next to each of the clips (B), and pry the molding(s) up to release it with the clip from the stud bolt on the body, then remove the roof area of the molding(s).
Without roof rail

Fig 3: Locating Roof Molding And Clips - Without Roof Rail
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

With roof rail

Fig 4: Locating Roof Molding And Clips - With Roof Rail
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.