Acura RSX Moonroof Auto-Stop Delete
Introduction
Many RSX moonroofs pause partway through the closing cycle, forcing you to hold the switch until the glass finishes travelling. This guide removes that behavior by disconnecting the sensor connector that triggers the mid-travel stop, so the roof runs the full open and close cycle in a single press. The work is entirely reversible, uses no additional parts, and involves partially lowering the rear of the headliner to reach a connector on the left side of the roof. It applies to the Acura RSX (DC5) and the closely related Honda Civic Si hatchback (EP3), which share the same interior layout. Set aside about half an hour and keep track of every fastener you remove so reassembly is straightforward. Adapted from a community writeup by minnSi on Club RSX (https://www.clubrsx.com/threads/diy-moonroof-auto-stop-delete.808136/), including corrections from the follow-up discussion.
Reference
Tools Required
- Flat-head screwdriver
- Phillips screwdriver
- Flashlight or work light
Parts Required
-
None - all original hardware is reused
Safety Warnings
- ⚠ Mark the weatherstrip alignment before removing it; reinstalling it out of position can cause leaks or wind noise.
- ⚠ Confirm the moonroof cycles correctly while the panels are still open, so you do not have to disassemble again to fix a missed connection.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1 Remove the Rear Assist Handles
Sit in the back seat and unclip the small trim caps that cover each rear grab handle. Behind each cap are two retaining screws; remove them and lift both handles away from the roof rail. Set the screws aside with their handles so they go back in the same locations.
2 Loosen the Central Ceiling Fastener
Find the single screw at the middle of the headliner near the ceiling. Using the flat-head screwdriver, back it out several turns to release tension on the panel. It does not need to be removed completely.
3 Detach the Dome Light
Gently pry the lens off the interior dome lamp. Underneath, remove the two Phillips screws that secure the housing so the light assembly can drop away from the roof.
4 Free the Cargo-Area Trim
Move to the hatch. Lift out the parcel/privacy cover and fold the rear seats forward for room. On each side you will find two screws to remove, plus one more screw located toward the front, seated in the channel where the privacy cover rests. Remove all of them.
5 Release the Upper Side Trim
Grip the light-colored upper trim that runs up to the ceiling and pull it until it unclips from its retaining tabs. With that piece loose, you can also lift out the black panel that the screws were holding. Repeat the same release on the opposite side.
6 Remove the Weatherstrip
Peel the rubber weatherstrip away from the hatch opening. Before it comes off, note how it indexes to the body: a molded notch lines up with the metal hatch ring. If needed, add a few reference marks with a marker so the strip returns to the exact same position later.
7 Disconnect the Auto-Stop Connector
Pull the headliner down just far enough to slip your arm behind it. Two plugs sit on the left side of the roof: a grey connector nearest you and a green connector beyond it. Unplug the grey connector. This is the connection that disables the mid-travel auto-stop.
8 Test the Roof, Then Reassemble
Before buttoning anything up, cycle the moonroof fully open and closed a few times to confirm the glass now travels the whole way without pausing. Once you are satisfied, reinstall the weatherstrip, side and cargo trim, dome light, and grab handles in reverse order, returning each screw to its original hole.
Pro Tips
- 💡 The whole job typically takes 20 to 45 minutes with basic hand tools.
- 💡 Reinstalling is the reverse of removal, so lay out the fasteners in the order you removed them to speed reassembly.
Was this guide helpful?