Interior Trim Removal/Installation - A-Pillar Trim

Interior Trim Removal/Installation - A-Pillar Trim

Special Tools Required

- KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014*

A-Pillar Trim

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations Locations and the precautions and procedures Technician Safety Information before doing repairs or service.

NOTE:

- If the side airbags and/or the side curtain airbags have deployed, the affected pillar area trim and attachment clips must be replaced. Refer to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment. Service and Repair

- Follow the A-pillar trim installation procedure carefully; improper installation could cause the side curtain airbag to deploy improperly and possibly cause injury.

- Put on gloves to protect your hands.

- Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when removing components.

- Take care not to scratch the trim or the panels.

- The upper clip in the A-pillar trim (A) consists of a grommet (B) and a pin (C). The grommet expands when the pin secures it to the body panel (D). The projections (E) on the pin are broken during removal, so the clip must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.





1. Pull the front door inner seal away from the A-pillar as needed. Service and Repair

2. Hit the upper clip in the front pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under the point (B) at the upper edge of the "SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG" label on the trim. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (C) on the pin (D) and pushes it into the grommet (E) and against the body (F).
NOTE: The upper clip must be replaced with a new one when the A-pillar trim is reinstalled.






3. Pull the top of the A-pillar trim (A) back by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C).






4. Pull the A-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the lower clip. Pull the trim up from the dashboard (B), and disconnect the tweeter connector (C) (if equipped), then remove the trim.






5. If the side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with a new one. Service and Repair

6. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, remove the upper clip (A) from the removed A-pillar trim (B) and discard it. Then check the trim:
- To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the A-pillar trim and replace it if it has any of the following damage:
- Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitened areas in the A-pillar trim

- Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip seating surfaces (C, D)

- If the clip (E) is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one.

- Replace the upper clip with a new one.





7. Before installing the A-pillar trim (A), whether it is being replaced or reinstalled, temporarily remove the new upper clip (B).

8. Temporarily install the A-pillar trim to check the overlap between the headliner and the A-pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it. Service and Repair






9. Carefully install a new upper clip (A) to the A-pillar trim (B). Be sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.






10. Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A).
-1 Connect the tweeter connector (for some models).
Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).
-3 Place the trim over the A-pillar (C), and fit the upper clip (D), and the lower clip into the holes (E) in the A-pillar , then lightly push the trim into place.
NOTE:
Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked under the clips or the trim ribs.
Push lightly on the upper clip. If you push too hard, the clip is damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.

11. Reinstall the door inner seal.