Replacing a sagging headliner or fixing a sunroof leak in your Honda Accord means you’ll need to take the headliner out. Knowing how do you remove a Honda Accord headliner is a project many DIYers can handle with patience and the right prep. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the first trim piece to lowering the board out of the car safely.
It’s not a quick job, but it’s very methodical. Rushing can lead to broken clips or a damaged headliner board, making the repair more expensive. We’ll cover all the steps for sedans and coupes across multiple generations, as the process is very similar.
How Do You Remove A Honda Accord Headliner
Before you start, you need to understand what you’re dealing with. The headliner is a large, fabric-covered fiberboard or foam-backed board that forms the ceiling of your car. It’s held in by trim, visors, lights, and seat belts. Removing it requires clearing a path for it to exit, usually through a rear or side door.
Tools and Materials You’ll Need
Gathering everything first saves you time. You don’t want to be searching for a tool with the headliner half out.
- Trim removal tool set (plastic pry tools are essential to avoid damage)
- Phillips head screwdriver (#1 and #2)
- Socket set and ratchet (8mm, 10mm, 12mm are common)
- Extension for your socket
- Torx bit set (sometimes needed for visors or handles)
- Needle-nose pliers
- Flashlight or work light
- Clean blankets or moving pads (to protect the headliner once out)
- A helper (highly recommended for removal and installation)
Safety and Preparation First
Disconnect the negative terminal of your car’s battery. This prevents any shorts from accedentally contacting wires when you remove dome lights or sunroof motors. Move the front seats fully forward, then recline them. Remove any rear headrests and fold down the rear seats if possible. This gives you maximum room to work.
Create a clean, spacious area to place the headliner once it’s out. A garage floor covered with blankets is ideal. The headliner is fragile, especially around the edges, so handle it with care at all times.
Step 1: Remove the Visors and Accessories
Start with the sun visors. Lower them and look for a small plastic cover at the base where they pivot. Gently pry this cover off with a trim tool. Underneath, you’ll find a screw (usually Phillips or Torx). Remove it and the visor should slide off its mount. Don’t forget to disconnect any vanity mirror lights by carefully prying the connector apart.
Next, remove the overhead console or dome light assembly. Carefully pry the plastic lens cover off first. Then, you’ll see screws holding the main unit. Remove these screws and lower the unit down, disconnecting the electrical plugs. Note their positions for reassembly.
Step 2: Remove the Front and Rear Grab Handles
Every Accord has grab handles above the doors. Look for small plastic caps at each end. Pop these caps off with a trim tool or a small flathead screwdriver. Behind them are screws. Remove all screws from each handle and set them aside in a labeled bag. The handles should now be free.
Step 3: Remove the “A,” “B,” and “C” Pillar Trim
This is a critical step. The pillars (the posts between the windows) have trim panels that overlap the headliner edges. You must remove these.
- A-Pillar: Gently pull the top of the trim toward the center of the car. It’s usually held by clips. It may be tight. Once the top is free, you can work it downward and off. Watch for any side curtain airbag cables attached—if present, disconnect them carefully.
- B-Pillar: For the front seat belt, you often need to remove the lower anchor bolt (usually a 14mm or 17mm) to allow the trim to come off. The upper part of the B-pillar trim may have a screw behind a cover or just clips. The seat belt slider mechanism will need to be freed from the trim.
- C-Pillar: In sedans, this is the rear quarter panel trim. It’s typically just clipped in. Pry gently from the top near the headliner. In coupes, this is a larger panel that may require removing the rear side bolster or seatbelt anchor first.
Step 4: Remove the Side Curtain Airbag Trim (If Equipped)
Many newer Accords have side curtain airbags that run along the edge of the headliner. There is often a long plastic trim piece covering this area. This piece must come off. Look for hidden screws near the front and rear ends, then carefully unclip it along its length. Go slow to avoid breaking the long, fragile clips.
Step 5: Remove the Windshield and Rear Window Trim Molding
The headliner tucks up under rubber and plastic moldings at the front and rear windows. You don’t always need to fully remove these, but you must loosen them. Use a trim tool to gently pull the weatherstripping and the thin interior trim piece away from the metal roof. You just need to create enough gap for the headliner edge to clear.
Be very careful here. These rubber seals can tear, and the plastic trim can break. A little patience goes a long way in preventing leaks and rattles later.
Step 6: Remove Any Additional Trim and Sunroof Motor
If you have a sunroof, there will be a plastic trim panel around the opening. Remove any screws and carefully lower it. You will likely need to disconnect the sunroof motor (mounted in the headliner assembly) at this point. There is usually an electrical plug and a few bolts holding it. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics, but it’s generally straightforward.
Also, remove the rear dome light if you have one, following the same process as the front. Double-check for any remaining screws or clips you might of missed, especially near the center of the roof where a console might be.
Step 7: Lowering and Removing the Headliner Board
This is a two-person job. With all trim, visors, handles, and lights removed, the headliner should be free. One person should support the headliner from inside the car while the other guides it from outside.
- Carefully flex the headliner board downward, starting from one side. It will bend, but don’t crease it.
- The easiest exit is usually through the rear passenger door. Tilt the board diagonally.
- The front person feeds the board back, while the rear person guides the front edge out the door. Then, both work to slide the entire board out.
- Immediately lay it flat on your prepared blankets, fabric side up.
Avoid hitting the board on the door frame. If it feels stuck, stop and check for a missed screw or clip. Forcing it will cause a costly break.
Common Challenges and Tips
Older cars have brittle plastic. Clips and trim pieces are more likely to break. It’s a good idea to order a clip kit online before you start—they’re inexpensive and a lifesaver. Also, take pictures with your phone at every step. This is your best reference for reassembly.
If your headliner is sagging due to failed adhesive, the fabric can be removed and replaced separately. The foam backing will need to be scraped off the board, and new adhesive and fabric applied. This is a messy but doable part two of the project.
Reinstallation Overview
To put it all back, reverse the removal process. It’s easier with two people to guide the board back into the car without bending it. Start by feeding it through the rear door and maneuvering it into position. Temporarily tape it up with painter’s tape to hold it while you reconnect everything.
Begin reattaching items from the center outward. Connect the sunroof motor and main dome light first. Then work on the pillar trims, followed by the grab handles and visors. Finally, snap the long side trim pieces and window moldings back into place. Test all lights and electrical functions before fully snapping everything closed.
FAQ Section
How long does it take to remove a Honda Accord headliner?
For a first-timer, budget 3 to 5 hours for removal. Having a helper can cut this time down significantly. Reinstallation takes about the same amount of time, sometimes a bit less since you know where everything goes.
Can I remove a headliner by myself?
It is possible, but not recommended. The board is large and awkward. Maneuvering it out without damage is very difficult with one person. An extra set of hands is the best tool for this job.
What causes a headliner to sag?
Heat and age break down the foam adhesive layer between the fabric and the board. The foam turns to dust, and the fabric detaches. This is a common issue in most cars over 10 years old, especially in sunny climates.
Is it hard to remove a headliner from a Honda Accord with a sunroof?
It adds a few steps, like removing the sunroof motor and the trim around the opening, but the overall process is the same. Just be extra mindful of the wiring and the sunroof glass when lowering the board.
Do I need to remove the seats to get the headliner out?
Usually, no. By moving the front seats fully forward and reclining them, and folding the rear seats down, you create enough clearance. Removing seats is rarely necessary in an Accord.
Where can I buy a replacement headliner fabric?
Auto parts stores, upholstery shops, and online retailers like Amazon carry headliner fabric and adhesive kits. Choose a color and material (like suede or microfiber) that matches your interior. Make sure you get enough yardage to cover the whole board.