How to Replace the Headliner in a 1998 Saturn SL2

by Eric Grosso

A sagging headliner is a safety hazard that can potentially interfere with safely operating a vehicle. It also cheapens the appearance of the interior of the vehicle. The headliner in a 1998 Saturn SL2 can be replaced as an entire unit, rather than removing the fabric portion of the headliner and trying to install a new piece of fabric. This negates the need to size a piece of fabric and deal with fabric glue.

Step 1

Remove the retaining screws holding the sun visors in place, using a screwdriver. Remove the visors from the headliner.

Step 2

Place a small pry bar between the trim over the window opening and the headliner. Pry the trim away from the headliner, pulling the metal retaining clips from the mounting holes in the body. Repeat around the other window openings.

Step 3

Remove the screw holding the passenger handle to the headliner, using a screwdriver. Remove the handle from the headliner.

Step 4

Push in the plastic clips on the dome light cover to remove it. Detach the retaining screw that holds the cover in place, using a screwdriver. Detach the electrical connection and remove the cover.

Step 5

Pull the front of the headliner away from the body. It is usually held in place by velcro.

Step 6

Pull the rear of the headliner away from the body. It is usually held in place by velcro.

Step 7

Angle the headliner and remove it from the passenger's side front door.

Step 8

Angle the new headliner and insert it through the passenger's side door.

Step 9

Attach the rear of the headliner to the body. If the new headliner does not include velcro, attach a piece of velcro to the top of the headliner.

Step 10

Attach the front of the headliner to the body. If the new headliner does not include velcro, attach a piece of velcro to the top of the headliner.

Step 11

Attach the electrical connection to the dome light and install the dome light retaining screw with a screwdriver. Push the plastic dome light cover onto the dome light.

Step 12

Place the passenger handle into place and install the retaining screw with a screwdriver.

Step 13

Push the trim over the window opening back to the body to force the metal retaining clips through the mounting holes on the body. Repeat around the other window openings.