How to Remove the Headliner of an 8th Generation Accord?
4 Answers
8th Generation Accord headliner removal steps: First, remove the interior trim panels, including all pillar trim panels. Then, remove the central overhead light switch, sun visors, etc. Finally, the headliner can be removed. These components are secured with screws, and they can be removed by unscrewing them. For reference only, it is recommended to visit a 4S store for professional removal. Below is a brief introduction to car headliners: The car headliner is an important part of the vehicle's interior. It features decoration, sound absorption, and insulation. In an era increasingly focused on high performance, environmental friendliness, and lightweight design, the interior headliner has become a significant factor in car selection. As a result, the requirements for automotive interior components have become increasingly higher.
I've done the headliner removal on an 8th-gen Accord, mainly to replace the fabric. First remove the sun visor screws - one on each side hidden under plastic covers. Then take out the front/rear dome lights by gently prying open the edges with a plastic trim tool (all secured with screws inside). The door weatherstripping needs to be fully pulled off to expose the headliner edges. Key areas are the roof handles and assist grips - each has hidden screws. Finally address where the headliner meets the rear windshield (held by double-sided tape), peel slowly to avoid damage. Have someone help support the headliner during removal - it's large/floppy and creases easily. During reinstallation, route the dome light wiring properly through the headliner. If the fabric isn't sagging, it's not worth the hassle - improper work can cause rattles.
Last month, I just helped my younger brother remove the headliner from his eighth-generation Accord. You need to have the right tools ready: a Phillips screwdriver, interior trim pry bars, and gloves. Start by removing the sun visors—pry off the plastic covers to reveal the screws. Be careful with the reading light module; the edges of the light cover have clips, and using too much force can break them. The weatherstrip needs to be pulled off completely, or you won’t be able to reach the headliner clips. The rear section of the headliner is the trickiest—the part near the rear windshield requires a heat gun to soften the adhesive before slowly peeling it off. The whole process takes about an hour, so it’s best to work in a spacious area. By the way, once the headliner is off, the roof panel is exposed, making it a good time to check for rust or leaks. Before reinstalling, it’s advisable to re-glue the headliner fabric securely, as the factory adhesive tends to degrade quickly.
When removing the ceiling of the 8th-generation Accord, pay attention to several key points. There are two T20 screws on the front sun visors—hold them in place with your hand to prevent them from falling into the car. Both front and rear reading lights have connectors, so remember to disconnect the power before removal. All door seal trims must be pulled down to the floor level, or the clips won't be reachable. The ceiling clips are distributed along the edges; start prying from the rear door area using a pry tool. When finally removing the ceiling, tilt it out at an angle to avoid scratching the roof beams. For reattaching the ceiling fabric after removal, use spray adhesive and smooth it out with a squeegee. The most annoying part of the process is the hidden screws—it's recommended to take photos with your phone to note their positions. Doing it yourself saves a few hundred bucks compared to a repair shop, but patience is required.
