The trunk liner is an important interior component in the Honda Accord that helps protect the actual trunk floor from damage. Over time it can become dirty, worn out, or damaged and need replacing. Fortunately, removing the trunk liner in a Honda Accord is a relatively simple job that most owners can tackle themselves with some basic tools and a bit of time.
In this guide, we will outline the complete steps to safely and properly How To Remove Trunk Liner In Honda Accord model year. We’ll cover the basic equipment needed, taking out interior trim pieces, removing fastener clips and pins, detaching adhesive, and finally lifting out the liner. Follow these steps and you’ll have that trunk liner out in no time!
Steps To Remove Honda Accord Trunk Liner
Gather Tools and Materials
To get started, you’ll want to gather a few basic tools and supplies:
- Flathead screwdriver
- Trim removal tools
- Gloves
- Rags
- Replacement trunk liner (optional)
Having these items on hand will make the trunk liner removal process much simpler. The flathead screwdriver can help pry up clips and fasteners while trim tools help pop out interior pieces safely. Gloves keep your hands protected and rags help remove any debris or dirt. Optionally, pick up a new trunk liner to install after removing the old one.
Clear Out The Trunk
Before diving into removal, take everything out of the trunk. This gives you full access to the liner and makes it easier to maneuver. Be sure the trunk is completely empty before proceeding.
Remove Access Panels
Many Honda Accords have access panels in the interior trim and rear seat that need removing before the trunk liner can come out. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently pop up and remove any plastic fasteners or clips securing these panels. Set them aside carefully to reinstall later.
Taking out these access panels allows you to see and reach the liner attachment points.
Detach Trunk Lighting
Inside the trunk, locate the brake, turn signal and reverse light housings. They are secured to the trunk liner. Use a flathead screwdriver to gently detach them so the liner can be freed. Unplug any electrical connectors going to the lights as well.
Take Out Trunk Side Trim
The trim along the sides of the trunk opening is typically held on by retaining clips. Use a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver to pop these clips loose and pull the trim pieces off the sides. This allows the liner to be removed more easily.
Remove Trunk Seal
Running along the edge of the trunk opening is a rubber seal that fits over the liner. Gently pull up on the seal to detach it and set it aside. Take care not to tear or damage the seal – it needs to be reinstalled later.
Find And Remove Fastener Clips
Look along the edges of the liner and you’ll see plastic fastener clips inserted into holes in the sheet metal. Use a flathead screwdriver to pry these clips loose so the liner is no longer secured. Remove all clips before attempting to pull up the liner.
Detach Adhesive Strips
In some Accords, adhesive strips help hold the liner in place. Carefully pry up these strips to detach them from the trunk floor using a plastic trim tool. Go slow to avoid tearing the strips. Removing them allows the liner to come free.
Lift Out Old Liner
After all fasteners and adhesive strips have been detached, the trunk liner can now be lifted out. Pull it up and out, being careful not to tear the material. Remove any remaining fastener clips from the liner to prep it for removal.
Clean Trunk Floor
With the liner fully out, now is a great time to clean the exposed trunk floor. Vacuum up any debris or dirt. Use all-purpose cleaner and rags to scrub the floor, allowing it to fully dry.
Install New Liner
If you purchased a replacement liner, install it now by reversing the removal steps. Attach fastener clips, adhere adhesive strips, reinstall trim pieces and panels. Make sure the new liner fits properly before reassembling everything.
And that’s it! With these steps, you can now successfully remove the trunk liner in your Honda Accord. Just take your time and be careful when prying fasteners and detaching adhesive. Refer to your owner’s manual for any model-specific details. In no time, you’ll have that liner out and can install a fresh one.
Tips For Removing Honda Accord Trunk Liner
Follow these handy tips when tackling the liner removal process:
- Use plastic trim tools instead of metal tools when possible to decrease chances of scraping or damaging the liner and body panels.
- Fold and store the old liner properly to keep it intact for potential reinstallation later.
- Check for debris stuck under the liner along edges and corners of the trunk floor before installing a new one.
- Consult your owner’s manual for diagrams and Honda’s recommended removal procedures.
- Work slowly and gently when prying up clips, seals and adhesive strips – don’t force anything.
- Take pictures during the removal process to reference when reinstalling trim and components.
- Label any electrical connectors that were disconnected before installing the new liner.
Following these tips will make the entire trunk liner removal and replacement process quicker and easier.
Honda Accord Trunk Liner Removal By Model Year
While The Overall Process Is Similar Across Years, Here Are Some Model-specific notes on removing Honda Accord trunk liners:
2001-2002 Accords
- Use flathead screwdriver to pop ~12 plastic fastener clips
- Pull up trunk floor carpet to access clips
- Disconnect trunk light wires before lifting out liner
2003-2007 Accords
- Remove rear seat bottom cushion to access liner
- Approximately 20 fastener clips to detach
- Use trim tool to detach adhesive strips at edges
2008-2012 Accords
- Take out rear seat cushion and rear access panels
- Detach trunk edge trim pieces for access
- Rear seat pass-through aid in lifting liner out
2013-2017 Accords
- Unscrew 6-8 trunk lid liner screws by rear seat
- Detach clips under trunk floor carpet
- Remove rubber trunk seal carefully
2018+ Accords
- Lift plastic trunk floor panels to reveal clips
- Use screwdriver to detach clips and adhesive strips
- Pull up liner evenly on both sides to avoid tearing
So while the overall process is similar, the exact locations of fastener clips, trim pieces and adhesive strips varies by model year. Consult Accord-specific liner removal guides and your owner’s manual.
Frequently Asked Questions about Removing Honda Accord Trunk Liner
Removing the trunk liner in your Honda Accord may seem difficult, but these FAQs help explain the critical steps and techniques:
How Do I Remove The Trim Pieces In The Trunk?
Use a flathead screwdriver or trim removal tool to gently pop loose the plastic retaining clips. Carefully pull the trim pieces away from the sheet metal. Avoid prying too hard to prevent breaking the clips.
What’s The Best Way To Detach The Fastener Clips?
Slide a flathead screwdriver under each clip and gently pry up to release the prongs from the holes in the sheet metal. Take care not to bend or break the prongs. Removing all clips allows the liner to come free.
What If The Liner Has Adhesive Strips?
Adhesive strips can be firmly stuck to the trunk floor. Carefully insert a trim removal tool or flathead screwdriver under each strip to pop it up and detach it from the floor. Slowly work the strip loose until it detaches.
Can I Tear Or Puncture The Trunk Liner When Removing It?
Yes, the liner material can be torn if you are too aggressive when pulling it up. Inspect the liner for damage before installation. Place rags or towels under it to prevent punctures.
How Do I Reinstall The Trunk Liner?
Reverse the removal steps. Clean the floor first, then attach new fastener clips in the existing holes. Adhere any adhesive strips, reinstall trim pieces and access panels. Make adjustments so the liner fits snugly.
Is It Easier To Just Replace The Whole Liner?
Often, yes – installing a new liner is easier than thoroughly cleaning an old one. New liners come with fresh fastener clips and adhesive strips already attached.
Summary
Removing the trunk liner in a Honda Accord involves using basic tools to detach clips, fasteners, trim pieces and adhesive strips. Once those are removed, lift the liner up and out carefully. Reverse the process to install a replacement liner. Following the step-by-step instructions in this guide will make the process straightforward. Just take care not to damage any components and refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific details. With some time and patience, you can swap out that worn trunk liner for a fresh one.
Also Read: Can You Automatically Roll Down Honda Accord Windows?
