Rear Side Trim Panel Removal/Installation

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 bend or scratch the trim and panels.
Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

Remove these items:
- Rear door sill trim (see REAR DOOR SILL AREA )
- Rear door opening seal, as needed (see step 3 under Trim Removal/Installation - Door Areas )
- Tailgate weatherstrip, as needed (see TAILGATE WEATHERSTRIP REPLACEMENT )
- Cargo floor lid (see step 1 under Trim Removal/Installation - Cargo Area )
- Rear trim panel (see step 2 under Trim Removal/Installation - Cargo Area )
- Cargo lid hinges (see step 4 under Trim Removal/Installation - Cargo Area )
- Cargo rear trim panel (see step 5 under Trim Removal/Installation - Cargo Area )
Raise the third row seat up, and remove the clips from under the third row seat.

Fig 1: Identifying Under Third Row Seat And Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Fold the third row seat-back forward.
Pry out the cover (A) and remove the bolt (B), then remove the tie down hook (C) (two places).

Fig 2: Locating Tie Down Hook Covers With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Right side: Pry out the lid (A) and remove the screw in the pull pocket.

Fig 3: Identifying Pocket Lid
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Open the cargo hook (A). Pry out the cover (B) and remove the screw.

Fig 4: Identifying Cargo Hook And Cover
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull out the front upper edge of the rear side trim panel (A) by hand to release the tabs (B) and the hooks (C) from the quarter pillar trim (D).

Fig 5: Identifying Front Upper Edge Of Rear Side Trim Panel And Tabs
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull out the rear upper edge of the rear side trim panel (A) by hand to release the tabs (B) and the hooks (C) from the quarter pillar trim (D).

Fig 6: Identifying Rear Upper Edge Of Rear Side Trim Panel And Tabs
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the rear side trim panel (A) back by hand to detach the clips (B, C).
Left side

Fig 7: Pulling Rear Side Trim Panel Back To Clips (Left Side)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Right side

Fig 8: Pulling Rear Side Trim Panel Back To Clips (Right Side)
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull up the rear side trim panel (A), then remove it. On the left side, disconnect the rear accessory socket connector (B).

Fig 9: Pulling Up Rear Side Trim Panel
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If necessary, remove the bolt (A), and on the left side, remove the active damper unit mounting bolts (B), then remove the rear side trim panel support bracket (C).

Fig 10: Rear Side Trim Panel Support Bracket With Torque Specifications
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Make sure the accessory socket connector is plugged in properly.
- If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
- Push the clips, the hooks and the tabs into place securely.