Interior Trim Removal/Installation - C-Pillar Trim
Interior Trim Removal/Installation - C-Pillar Trim
Special Tools Required
- KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014*
*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program; call 888-424-6857
C-Pillar Trim
SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations Locations and the precautions and procedures Service and Repair before doing repairs or service.
NOTE:
- Follow the C-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 (A) in the C-pillar trim (B) consists of a plastic grommet (C) and a metal pin (D). The grommet expands when the pin secures it to the body panel (E). The projections (F) on the pin break during removal, so the upper clip must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.
1. Remove these items:
- Rear seat cushion Rear Seat Removal/Installation
- Rear seat side bolster Rear Seat Removal/Installation
- Rear door opening seal, as needed Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Rear Door Sill Area
2. Fold down the seat-back.
3. Hit the upper clip (A) in the C-pillar trim (B) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under the point where the triangle mark (C) on the edge of the trim indicates. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (D) on the pin (E) and pushes it into the grommet (F) and against the body (G).
NOTE: The upper clip must be replaced with a new one when the C-pillar trim is reinstalled.
4. Pull back the top of the C-pillar trim (A) by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C).
5. Pull the C-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the clips and to release the hook (B) and the tabs (C), then pull out the trim from the rear shelf (D).
6. If the side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the C-pillar trim with a new one. Service and Repair
7. If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the C-pillar trim (A) and note the following:
- To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the C-pillar trim and replace it with a new one if it has any of these types of damage:
- Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitened areas in the C-pillar trim
- Any cracks or stress-whitened areas in the clip seating surfaces (B)
- Replace the upper clip (C) with a new one.
- If the clips (D) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
8. Temporarily install the C-pillar trim (without the upper clip) to check the overlap between the trim and the headliner. Service and Repair Remove the trim, and if necessary, adjust the overlap.
9. Carefully install a new upper clip (A) to the C-pillar trim (B). Be sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.
10. Reinstall the C-pillar trim (A).
-1 Insert the bottom hook (B) and the tabs (C) of the trim in the rear shelf (D).
Place the trim over the C-pillar (E), and fit the upper clip (F) and the lower clips into the holes (G) in the C-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
-2 NOTE:
Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked down under the clips or the trim ribs.
Apply pressure to the areas of the trim on the upper clip until these clip fittings are felt. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.
Make sure the upper clip areas of the trim do not come off the body by tugging on the trim.
11. Reinstall the rear door opening seal.
