How Do You Remove The Trunk Liner In The Honda Accord?

If you need to access the spare tire, fix a taillight, or run some wiring, you might be wondering how do you remove the trunk liner in the Honda Accord. This step-by-step guide for the process will walk you through it safely, ensuring you don’t damage any clips or panels. It’s a straightforward job that most owners can handle with basic tools.

We’ll cover the steps for the most common Accord generations. The basic principles are similar, but there are some differences between older and newer models. Let’s get started.

Removing the trunk liner, or trunk trim, is all about finding and carefully releasing the plastic clips and fasteners that hold it in place. Rushing or forcing it can lead to broken clips, which cause rattles. Patience is your best tool here.

Tools You’ll Need

You won’t need many tools for this project. Gathering them before you start makes everything smoother.

A flat-head trim tool or a small flat-head screwdriver (wrap the tip in tape to prevent scratches).
A Phillips head screwdriver.
A socket set or wrench (usually 10mm) for some models.
A container or bag for holding all the clips and screws.
A flashlight for better visibility.

General Safety and Preparation Tips

Before you begin, take a few minutes to prep your workspace. This prevents lost parts and damage to your car.

Empty the trunk completely.
Consider working in a well-lit area, like a garage.
If your trunk has a light, you may want to disconnect its bulb to avoid draining the battery if it stays on.
Always pull straight out on clips to avoid breaking them.

Step-by-Step Removal Process (8th, 9th, & 10th Gen Models)

This section applies broadly to Accords from around 2008 to the present. The trunk liner is usually in multiple pieces: side panels, rear panel, and the main floor cover.

Step 1: Remove the Main Trunk Floor Carpet

Start by lifting the edge of the trunk floor carpet. It’s often just held in by friction or a few velcro pads. Lift it up and fold it toward the rear seats. This will reveal the spare tire well and the edges of the plastic trim panels.

Step 2: Locate and Remove All Visible Fasteners

Look around the edges of the plastic side panels and the large rear panel. You’ll see plastic pop clips, Phillips head screws, or 10mm bolts. Some clips are hidden under small circular covers; pry these covers off first with your trim tool.

Use the Phillips head screwdriver to remove any screws.
Use a socket or wrench for any bolts.
For pop clips, insert your trim tool under the edge and pry up the center pin slightly, then the hole clip can be pulled out.

Step 3: Remove the Rear Trim Panel First

The large panel that runs across the back of the trunk, behind the taillights, is usually removed first. After taking out its fasteners, gently pull the panel straight toward you. It may be snug due to plastic tabs sliding into slots. Wiggle it slightly if needed.

Once it’s free, check for any electrical connections for rear lights or trunk lights. If present, squeeze the connector’s release tab and unplug it. Set the panel aside carefully.

Step 4: Remove the Side Trim Panels

With the rear panel out, the side panels are easier to access. Repeat the process: remove all visible fasteners along the panel’s edge and inside the wheel arch area. Gently pull the panel inward, away from the car’s body. It will release from its retaining clips.

Be extra cautious around the seatbelt anchor if your panel covers it. There might be a bolt there that needs to be removed with your socket set.

Specific Notes for Older Accord Models (6th & 7th Gen)

For Accords from 1998 to 2007, the process is very similar but often simpler. The trim pieces are usually less complex.

The rear panel is often one solid piece that requires removing several screws along its top edge (near the trunk latch) and clips along the bottom.
Side panels might be partly covered by the rear shelf or parcel shelf. You may need to remove this fabric or plastic shelf first by lifting it up and out.
Watch for metal J-nuts or speed clips behind some screws; try not to drop them into the body cavity.

What to Do If a Clip Breaks

Don’t worry if you break a clip or two—it happens to everyone. It’s a common part of DIY car work.

Retrieve the broken pieces if you can.
You can purchase replacement Honda trim clips online or at a dealership. They are inexpensive.
Take a broken piece with you to match the size and style.
For a temporary fix, a small dab of strong adhesive can reattach a broken tab, but new clips are best.

Reinstalling the Trunk Liner

Putting everything back is basically the reverse of removal. Follow these tips for a perfect, rattle-free fit.

Start by reconnecting any electrical connectors you disconnected.
Align the side panels first, pressing them firmly so the plastic tabs slide into their slots.
As you press, you should hear a satisfying click as the clips seat properly.
Next, align the large rear panel. This one might hook into place at the top before you push it onto the clips at the bottom.
Insert and hand-tighten all screws and bolts before final tightening with your tools. Don’t overtighten plastic screws.
Finally, lay the trunk carpet back down, ensuring it’s flat and smooth.

Common Reasons for Removing the Trunk Liner

You might be doing this job for several reasons. Knowing your goal helps you know what to expect behind the panels.

Accessing the Spare Tire: This is the most common reason. The trunk carpet usually covers the spare tire well.
Taillight Bulb Replacement: On many Accords, you must remove the rear trunk liner to reach the back of the taillight assemblies.
Running Wires: For installing a subwoofer, amplifier, rear dash cam, or trailer wiring, you need to run wires behind the trim.
Fixing Rattles or Leaks: To diagnose a noise or find the source of a water leak, removing the liner is necessary.
Cleaning Mold or Mildew: If water got in, you may need to remove the liner to clean and dry everything thoroughly.

FAQ Section

How hard is it to remove Honda Accord trunk trim?

It’s not hard at all. It’s rated as a beginner-level DIY job. The key is being gentle and methodical with the plastic clips. With the right tools and about 30-60 minutes, you can complete it.

Can I remove the trunk liner without breaking clips?

You can greatly reduce the chance of breakage by using a proper trim removal tool and prying straight out. However, older plastic clips become brittle with age and heat, so one might still break. It’s a good idea to have a few spares on hand just in case.

Where can I buy replacement clips for my Accord?

You can get them from a Honda dealership parts counter, online Honda parts stores, or general automotive retailers like AutoZone. They are often sold in multi-packs. Knowing your car’s model year helps find the right ones.

Do I need to remove the bumper to get the trunk liner out?

No, you do not need to remove the bumper. The trunk liner (interior trim) is completely separate from the exterior bumper cover. All fasteners are accessed from inside the trunk.

What’s behind the trunk liner?

You’ll find the bare metal body of the car, insulation material, the spare tire well, the fuel filler neck on one side, and the backs of your taillights. You’ll also see various wiring harnesses routed along the sides.

Why won’t my trunk liner clip back in properly?

If it won’t clip in, a few things could be wrong. First, make sure all the plastic guide tabs are aligned with their slots. Second, check for a hidden fastener you might have missed. Finally, ensure no wires or insulation are blocking the panel from sitting flush against the body.

Final Tips for Success

To wrap up, remember these final pointers. They’ll make your project go even smoother.

Take pictures with your phone as you remove each piece. This gives you a visual reference for reassembly.
Keep different types of fasteners (screws vs. clips) in separate bags labeled with a piece of tape.
If a panel feels stuck, stop and look for a missed fastener. Forcing it is the main cause of damage.
Enjoy the satisfaction of completing a practical car maintenance task yourself and saving some money.

With this guide, you should feel confident tackling the job. Remember to work slowly, keep track of your parts, and be gentle with the plastic. You’ll have that trunk liner off and back on in no time, ready for whatever project you have planned.