Acura RL. Manual - part 490

Fig. 8: Identifying Cowl Cover Upper Trim And Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Disconnect the windshield washer tubes (E).  

3. Remove the windshield wiper arms (see WIPER MOTOR REPLACEMENT ).  

4. Remove the rear hood seal (A) then, detach the clips (B, C, D) by carefully pulling the passenger's 

cowl cover (E) upward, and release the hook (F) on the passenger's cowl cover from the driver's cowl 
cover (G), then remove the cover by releasing the hooks (H). 

Fig. 9: Identifying Rear Hood Seal, Clips And Passenger's Cowl Cover 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. Remove the rear hood seal (A), then detach the clips (B, C, D) by carefully pulling the driver's cowl 

cover (E) upward, then remove the cover by releasing the hooks (F). 

Fig. 10: Identifying Driver's Cowl Cover, Rear Hood Seal And Hooks 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

6. Install the covers in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: 



Check if the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace them with new 
ones.  

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Exterior Trim - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:52:02 PM

Page 6 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 



Make sure the washer tubes are connected securely.  



Push the clips into place securely.  

WINDSHIELD SIDE TRIM REPLACEMENT 

Special Tools Required  

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 * 

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857 

TRIM REPLACEMENT 

1. Remove the cowl cover upper trim (see COWL COVER REPLACEMENT ).  

2. Remove the windshield side trim (A). 

1. Carefully insert a trim tool (B) under the trim next to the lower clip (C).  

2. While pushing the clip portion of the trim to the pillar side by hand, gently pry up the trim to 

release the trim from the retainers (D).  

3. Gradually work your way up to release each of the upper clips (E, F, G). 

Fig. 11: Identifying Lower Clip, Windshield Side Trim And Clips 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

NOTE:



Put on gloves to protect your hands.  



Take care not to damage the windshield.  



Do not use any metal tools to remove the windshield side trim, or you 
may chip the edge of the windshield and some cracks in the windshield 
will result.  



Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage 
when prying components.  



Take care not to bend the windshield side trim.  

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Exterior Trim - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:52:02 PM

Page 7 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

3. Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items: 



Make sure the trim is installed securely.  



Replace any damaged retainer.  

RETAINER REPLACEMENT 

1. Gradually separate the adhesive tape (A) under the retainers (B) while heating them with a heat gun to 

about 212-248°F (100-120°C). 

2. Clean the body bonding surface with a sponge dampened in alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease, 

and water from getting on the surface.  

3. Install the retainers (A). 

1. Peel the adhesive backing away from the retainers.  

2. Line up the retainers with the alignment marks (B) on the body, and attach them with adhesive 

tape (C).  

3. Apply epoxy two-part adhesive (D) around the edge of the retainers as shown. 

NOTE:



Do not overheat the painted surface around the retainers.  



To keep the exterior resin parts near the A-pillar from being 
overheated by the heat gun, wrap them with an aluminum foil. 

Fig. 12: Identifying Retainer 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Exterior Trim - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:52:02 PM

Page 8 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC. 

Fig. 13: Identifying Retainer And Adhesive Tape 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

ROOF MOLDING REPLACEMENT 

Special Tools Required  

KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014 * 

* Available through the American Honda Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857 

1. Apply protective tape (A) to the body. Using a trim tool, pry up on the roof molding (B). 

Fig. 14: Applying Protective Tape To Body 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

2. Pull up and slide the roof molding to release the front bracket (C) from the pin (D).  

NOTE:



Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage 
when prying components.  



Take care not to scratch the body.  

 

2007 Acura RL 

2005-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Exterior Trim - RL

  

me 

 

Friday, June 05, 2009 3:52:02 PM

Page 9 

© 2005 Mitchell Repair Information Company, LLC.