interior
Headliner
for 2009 Aston Martin DB9 6.0L V12 · RWD
Difficulty
Advanced
Time
5.5 h
Tools
11
Steps
16
✓Fact-checked. Built from OLP's spec database, then independently fact-checked line by line with every correction applied. Master-tech sign-off by Chris Hackleman is queued. Cross-check torque values against the factory manual, and stop if anything looks unsafe. How our data is made.
Complete removal and replacement of the headliner assembly, requiring removal of front and rear seats, all pillar trim, sun visors, grab handles, overhead console components, and windshield/rear glass trim to access headliner fasteners and adhesive bonds.
Warnings
⚠Headliner material is extremely fragile once removed from the vehicle. Support the entire panel during removal to prevent creasing or tearing.
⚠Seat mounting bolts are safety-critical fasteners. Clean threads and inspect for damage before reinstallation.
ℹ️Work in a clean environment. Headliner material shows fingerprints and contamination easily.
⚠Some headliner adhesive bonds may require heat application to release without damaging substrate.
Tools required
Trim panel removal tool setEssential
Torx driver set (T15-T30)Essential
E-Torx socket set (E10-E14)Essential
Socket set (metric)Essential
Torque wrench (10-60 Nm range)Essential
Plastic adhesive scraperEssential
Headliner adhesive sprayEssential
Clean microfiber clothsEssential
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Parts
- Headliner assembly × 1 — Use OEM specification or pre-formed aftermarket equivalent
- Headliner adhesive spray × 2 — High-temperature automotive headliner adhesive
- Trim panel clips (assorted) × 1 — Replace any damaged during removal
- Windshield trim seal × 1 — Replace if damaged during removal
As an Amazon Associate and Autel/ANCEL partner, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Preparation
- Park vehicle on level surface and engage parking brake.
- Disconnect negative battery terminal and wait 15 minutes for SRS system capacitor discharge.
- Remove both front and rear floor mats to protect carpet during seat removal.
- Photograph or mark sun visor, grab handle, and overhead console positions for reinstallation reference.
- Ensure adequate workspace around vehicle for maneuvering large headliner panel (approximately 8 feet clearance recommended).
Procedure
- 1Remove Front SeatsSlide each front seat fully rearward. Remove the Torx bolts securing each seat rail to the floor (verify exact count against factory service documentation). Disconnect the electrical connectors under each seat (verify which are present: seat occupancy/SRS sensor, seat heater, power seat controls). Observe SRS safety precautions when disconnecting any airbag/occupancy connectors. Carefully remove both front seats from the vehicle with assistance. Note: Remove the four Torx bolts securing each seat rail to the floor (four bolts total per seat). Note: Remove the four Torx bolts securing each seat frame to the floor (four bolts total per seat).Torque specSeat Mounting Bolts49 Nm (36 lb-ft)
- 2Remove Rear SeatsLocate and remove the rear seat cushion by releasing the front retention clips (verify count and locations against factory service documentation) - pull upward firmly at the front edge of the cushion. Remove the cushion from the vehicle. Locate the Torx bolts securing the seatback (typically at the lower hinge points and center). Remove fasteners and disconnect any electrical connectors present for the rear seats (verify presence of heaters or other equipment against vehicle specification). Remove the seatback assembly. Note: Remove fasteners and disconnect any electrical connectors present at the rear seatback. Note: the DB9 rear seating is a vestigial 2+2 configuration and may not include seat heaters or child-seat anchor hardware.
- 3Remove Rear Seat Belt Upper AnchorsLocate the rear seat belt upper anchor points (verify pillar location against factory service documentation). Remove the trim cover caps by gently prying with a trim tool. Remove the bolt securing each upper seat belt anchor (verify fastener type and size against factory service documentation; typically a Torx or E-Torx head). Allow the belt to retract into the lower pillar mechanism. The belts remain attached to their retractor assemblies. Note: Remove the bolt securing each upper seat belt anchor (verify drive type against factory service data before applying tool). Note: Remove the bolt securing each upper seat belt anchor (confirm head type and size against factory documentation).
- 4Remove A-Pillar Trim PanelsStarting at the top near the headliner edge, gently pull the A-pillar trim away from the body. These panels are typically held by spring clips along their length. Disconnect any tweeter speaker connectors if equipped. Remove both left and right A-pillar trims.
- 5Remove B-Pillar and C-Pillar Trim PanelsRemove the B-pillar trim by locating fasteners behind the seat belt guide and at the upper/lower edges. These may be a combination of Torx screws and push clips. Remove the C-pillar trim panels by releasing clips and any fasteners securing them to the body. Work carefully around the seat belt retractor areas.
- 6Remove Sun Visors and Vanity Mirror AssembliesRemove the trim covers at the sun visor mounting points. Remove the Torx screws securing each sun visor bracket to the roof structure. Disconnect the vanity mirror light electrical connectors if equipped. Remove both sun visors completely.
- 7Remove Grab HandlesPry off the decorative trim caps at each end of the grab handles. Remove the Torx screws securing the grab handle brackets to the roof structure. Remove all grab handles from both sides of the vehicle.
- 8Remove Overhead Console and Interior MirrorRemove the overhead console by locating fasteners around its perimeter (check for screws behind lenses or trim covers). Disconnect electrical connectors for interior lights and any other integrated functions. Note: the DB9 is not equipped with a sunroof. For the interior mirror, remove the trim cover at the windshield mount and remove the mounting hardware. Keep the mirror base plate if it is bonded to the windshield.
- 9Remove Windshield and Rear Glass Upper TrimCarefully remove the upper windshield trim pieces by releasing clips or removing fasteners that secure the trim to the A-pillar area and roof edge. Similarly, remove the rear glass upper trim at the package shelf transition. These trims often overlap the headliner edges and must be released before the headliner can be dropped.
- 10Release Headliner from Roof StructureWorking with an assistant, begin at the rear of the vehicle. Locate the headliner attachment points - these will be a combination of clips along the perimeter and adhesive bonds at the roof panel center sections. Gently pull down on the headliner edges to release clips. For adhesive-bonded sections, use a plastic scraper and apply heat if necessary to soften the adhesive. Work methodically from rear to front, supporting the headliner as it releases to prevent bending or creasing.
- 11Remove Headliner from VehicleWith the headliner fully released from all mounting points, carefully angle and maneuver the panel through the door opening. This typically requires rotating the panel diagonally and feeding it through a front door opening, as the panel is too large to exit straight out. Work slowly to avoid catching the material on door jambs or striking the panel against trim. Place the old headliner on a clean, flat surface if it will be reused or used as a template.
- 12Prepare Roof Surface and New HeadlinerClean the roof structure thoroughly, removing all old adhesive residue with a plastic scraper and adhesive remover. Wipe down with a clean cloth. Inspect the headliner backing board for integrity - if the old board is sagging or delaminating, the fabric must be removed and reapplied to a new backing board or the new headliner assembly installed. Test-fit the new headliner panel in the vehicle to verify fitment before applying adhesive.
- 13Install New HeadlinerApply headliner adhesive spray to both the roof structure bonding areas and the corresponding areas on the back of the new headliner per adhesive manufacturer instructions (typically allow adhesive to become tacky before mating surfaces). With an assistant, carefully maneuver the new headliner into the vehicle through the door opening, positioning it approximately in place. Begin bonding at the center of the roof, working outward toward the edges. Press firmly to ensure good adhesion. Align the headliner edges with all perimeter mounting clip locations and press clips into their receivers.
- 14Reinstall Overhead ComponentsReinstall the overhead console, reconnecting all electrical connectors. Secure with original fasteners. Reinstall the interior mirror to its windshield mount. Reinstall sun visors to their mounting brackets, reconnecting vanity light connectors, and secure with Torx screws. Reinstall all grab handles with Torx screws and replace trim caps.
- 15Reinstall Trim Panels and Complete AssemblyReinstall the windshield and rear glass upper trim pieces, ensuring they properly overlap the headliner edges. Reinstall C-pillar, B-pillar, and A-pillar trim panels in reverse order of removal, ensuring all clips are fully seated and fasteners are secure. Reconnect any electrical connectors. Reinstall rear seat belt upper anchors with their original bolts, torquing to the factory-specified value (verify fastener type and torque spec against factory service documentation), and install trim caps. Reinstall rear seatback and cushion assemblies. Reinstall front seats, reconnecting all electrical connectors under each seat, and torque seat mounting bolts. Note: Reinstall rear seat belt upper anchors, torquing the anchor bolts to the factory-specified value (verify in service data — seat belt anchors are safety-critical), and install trim caps.
- 16Final Electrical ConnectionReconnect the negative battery terminal. Verify operation of all overhead lighting, vanity mirror lights, and seat functions. Clear any stored fault codes related to the battery disconnection using an Aston Martin-compatible diagnostic tool (manufacturer-specific scan tool may be required rather than a generic OBD2 scanner).
Reassembly
- Install components in reverse order of removal, ensuring all electrical connectors are fully seated and locked.
- Torque all seat mounting bolts to specification using a calibrated torque wrench - these are safety-critical fasteners.
- Verify all trim panels are fully clipped and seated before testing electrical functions.
- Inspect headliner edges at all trim interfaces to ensure proper alignment and no gaps or wrinkles.
Verification
- Verify headliner is uniformly adhered with no sagging, wrinkles, or loose areas.
- Verify all overhead lights, sun visor functions, and console controls operate correctly.
- Verify all trim panels are secure with no rattles or loose clips.
- Verify seat belt upper anchors are properly torqued and seat belts retract and extend smoothly.
- Verify front and rear seats are securely mounted and all seat functions (power, heating) operate correctly.
- Test drive the vehicle and listen for any interior rattles or noises from reinstalled components.