How to Repair a Headliner in a Ford Explorer

The easiest way to repair the headliner in a Ford Explorer is to remove it from the vehicle entirely.  If the headliner is not completely removed, the cloth could be readjusted to eliminate sagging.  Readjusting assumes that there are no tears or damaged fiber that must be replaced.

Once the headliner is removed from the vehicle, the repair is simple.

1. Identify the plastic pieces that hold the vehicle headliner in place.  Remove the plastic pieces, and set them aside – they will be needed later.  Unscrew the screws under the plastic, and set the screws aside – they will also be needed later.


2. Remove the bolts that hold the sun visors, seat belt holders and grab handles.  Once the parts are removed, set them aside for later use.  Unscrew the screws that hold the dome light in place.


3. Identify the side trim pieces that help to hold the headliner up.  Remove each trim piece to expose the metal or plastic clips as well as screws.  Remove the clips and screws.


4. Allow the headliner board to drop free so that it can be removed from the vehicle.


5. Remove the headliner cloth from the vehicle.  Examine the cloth for any signs of damage to determine if new cloth needs to be installed.  If there are any burns in the cloth, new cloth probably should be installed.


6. Lay the headliner on a flat surface and then spray it with spray adhesive.


7. Fold the headliner cloth in half so that the fabric can be placed on the headliner board.  Ensure that the fabric is laid carefully on the board and that it is laid flat.  As the fabric is placed on the board, gently smooth out the fabric toward the board edges using your hand.


8. Ensure that the cloth sets in the right places by rubbing your hand back and forth over the cloth quickly.  This will help ensure that the cloth adheres to the adhesive and also to remove any air bubbles.  This will also prevent the cloth from sagging going forward.


9. Allow the adhesive to dry on the headliner board for at least 24 hours.  Once the adhesive is dry, replace the headliner back in the vehicle by reversing the steps used to remove it from the vehicle.