Moonroof shade removal

As previously mentioned, a metal frame that goes around the top edge of the moonroof's opening secures the headliner, so that must be removed. This is easiest done from the top, so it is best to remove the glass moonroof panel and the sunshade at the same time.

First, tilt the moonroof up, and look for these plastic rail caps (just above the greasy track):



Once the rail caps are off, remove the three torx bolts that were hidden on each side. With the bolts removed, simply lift out the glass panel (carefully) and set aside.



Now from the top, look for the two Philips head screws on each side that secure the shade to the rail tabs. Remove these screws (2 per side). With the screws removed, simply lift out the shade panel:



Now you have easy access to remove the metal frame that secures the headliner around the moonroof opening. I found a plastic putty knife worked well here:



Headliner removal

Time to get at the parts that secure the front of the headliner near the sunroof controls, etc. First remove the sun visor clips. I used a pry tool between the base of the clip and the headliner...and it was a PITA to remove!





I also took this opportunity to remove the rearview mirror. This is the only picture I had, of the wiring harness hidden under the trim. Disconnect this wire:



Then remove the mirror by grabbing the neck with a padded set of pliers (or using hands) and rotating the neck 90 degrees counterclockwise to remove from the windshield peg. Should then simply come off.

Then, remove the overhead done light and sunroof control panel to get at these screws. Sorry no pics of this, but the dome light comes out easily with a plastic pry tool at the center of the rearward edge where there is a slight indentation in the plastic surround trim. Also, remove the rear dome light over the rear seat. Remove these screws from up front:



The headliner is now free, except for the rear edge that curves up into the metal frame of the roof. First, fold down the rear seats so that the panel can slide into the trunk area for removal from the car. Also, recline the front seats all the way back. Now, slide the headliner back ½" to release from the rear edge and voila...the headliner is now loose and it should just drop down. Careful, there are a few wire harnesses that run along the side that must be removed:





There is also a black loop that holds up the rear of the headliner, seen here dangling down, but comes out of the 3 black wire guides just forward of the rear dome light opening:



With the headliner resting on the seats, I took a few pics of the wires to make sure I knew how to re-route the wires in the new headliner:







Now, just slide the headliner panel out of the trunk, and you are DONE!



Installation is reverse of the removal process. Slide in the new panel through the trunk, have a friend ready to help you hold and secure the headliner after you finish replacing the wire harnesses etc. Helps to have extra hands here. Just work backwards from the removal instructions, and voila!

The end result of all that hard work...(sorry for the rainy pics, and the flash makes it looks lighter than it really is):