How to Remove the Roof Lining of the 8th Generation Accord?
3 Answers
The steps to remove the roof lining of the 8th Generation Accord are: 1. Remove the screws fixing the sun visor; 2. Remove the screws inside the glasses compartment; 3. Locate the grab handle near the front passenger head area, pull it open to reveal the small cover at the bottom; 4. Find the No. 17 screw at the lowest position of the seat belt; 5. After removing the belt, pry open the lower protective panel of the seat belt; 6. Remove the screws on the upper part and pry open the panel. The body dimensions of the 8th Generation Accord are: length 4945 mm, width 1845 mm, height 1480 mm, with a wheelbase of 2800 mm. It is equipped with a 1.5T turbocharged engine, paired with a continuously variable transmission.
Removing the headliner of an 8th-gen Accord isn't actually that complicated - I've helped friends with it several times. You'll need to start with the sun visors: pull them down to locate the small Phillips-head screws on both sides and remove them. Next, gently pry open the interior trim panels on the front door pillars using plastic clips - don't apply too much force to avoid cracking. Then comes the overhead reading light module, usually secured by several screws; after removal you'll see the wiring harness (remember to disconnect the battery's negative terminal to prevent short circuits). Gradually pull the headliner from back to front since there are hooks securing it at the rear - be careful not to tear the fabric. The whole process takes about 30 minutes, but beginners should ideally have an assistant. Don't forget to check for water leakage marks on the roof, a common issue. Cleaning the headliner is crucial too - use a soft brush and cleaner to gently remove dust buildup; prolonged neglect can cause yellowing. Before starting, prepare some plastic pry tools and spare clips since older car parts can become brittle.
I've taken apart the headliner of my Accord, purely to clean those annoying coffee stains. The method is quite straightforward: first, lie inside the car to study the structure, starting with the sun visors and handles—just unscrew them directly, then use a plastic pry tool to release the clips. The reading light box in the middle requires extra care, as it contains wiring; gently push the connectors instead of pulling to avoid damage. When removing the entire headliner, it's best to start from the rear side of the car because the hooks are deeper there—slowly pull while being careful not to tear the fabric. Basic tools like a Phillips screwdriver and interior trim pry bars are sufficient; no need to spend extra. The process takes about 20 minutes, but wearing gloves is recommended to avoid skin scratches. After removal, it's a good opportunity to check the roof frame for rust, a common issue in older Accord models. Overall, it's not a difficult DIY job, but never force anything—if clips break, you'll need to replace them.
