Rear Bumper (clips)

[DVation]

This plug is under the rear bumper in an 04 Accord Sedan:
http://216.157.152.135/plug.jpg
(bad picture, sorry...cell phone)

What tool are you supposed to use to remove this without damaging the bumper? I've seen references to a "KTC trim tool set"...is this something you can find in a local car parts store?

[avexnsx]

use a flat head screw driver, pry the middle half way out, and pull it out by hand..
you could wrap some masking tape on the flat head to prevent scratches...

and one more thing, expect that little clip to break! I already broke 5 on my Accord... time for some new ones!

[hooked]

What's that plug for?

And what is that KTC toolkit? I saw it mentioned too.

[SSMV6]

The KTC trim tool is for removing interior trim pieces. It's basically a large (read: wide) flat head forked screwdriver used for minimizing scratches on the panels.

hooked, the plug is actually a body clip. The middle plug spreads the prongs of the outer clip when inserted so it will hold the body pieces in place. When the middle plug is pried up halfway, it will release the prongs behind the body panel and you can then lift the whole clip out of the way (by the outer ring).

DVation, like avexnsx said, just use a screwdriver to work the middle plug out and be prepared for broken clips (especially if your car is more than 2 years old). If both sides break , then you're going to have to drill the middle plug out before the clip would come loose.

[DVation]

and one more thing, expect that little clip to break! I already broke 5 on my Accord... time for some new ones!
Since these two plugs are supposed to be the first two parts you take out to remove the rear bumper, I'm guessing they are fairly important. I was hoping to remove them without breaking them so I can actually get my bumper back on. Where do you get these if they break?

[BenjiBoy650]

From the dealer.

They're not gonna break...if you do it right.

[DVation]

They're not gonna break...if you do it right.

They broke. I did it wrong I guess :lmao:

Anyway, I was able to remove the bumper...which let me remove the tail lights. Thanks guys.

Just gotta get two new pins.... :)
(I actually found some here (http://www.hondaautomotiveparts.com/auto/jsp/mws/prddisplay.jsp?inputstate=5&catcgry1=Accord&catcgry2=2004&catcgry3=4DR+EXL+SIDE+CURTAIN&catcgry4=KA5MT&catcgry5=BUMPERS) if anyone is interested.

[hooked]

Is it #33?

[DVation]

Is it #33?
I hope so...I bought 6 of them :)
I'll post back when they come in to verify.

[avexnsx]

hahah... i thought i was the only one who keep breaking these little things...
anyway... i know hand-A selling them for a dollar each or something... you could check there also, and they seem to be pretty reputable...
(but too bad they don't ship to canada..)

[BenjiBoy650]

Hmm interesting I took them off my uncle's 05 Ody and only one side broke...but his car was only 2 weeks old lol

[geni01]

Here's a place where you can order one of this tools.
http://thetoolnetwork.com/panel_popper_kit_by_ktc_tool_company.html

I got one last year after I replace my brake pads & rotors,well worth the investment.

http://images5.theimagehosting.com/KTC_PP_Tools.th.jpg (http://server5.theimagehosting.com/image.php?img=KTC_PP_Tools.jpg)

[DVation]

Looks like a sketchy site...but if others on the forum haven't had problems, I guess it's worth it.

[DVation]

The pins came in today...I can confirm they are the rights ones.