Interior Trim Removal/Installation - A-Pillar Trim
Interior Trim Removal/Installation - A-Pillar Trim
Special Tools Required
- KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014*
*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program.
A-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:
- If side airbags and/or 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 airbags 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 plastic grommet (B) and a metal pin (C). The grommet expanded by the pin secures it to the body panel (D). The projections (E) on the pin break during removal, so the clip must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.
1. Pull the door opening seal away from the A-pillar as needed. Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Front Door Sill Area
2. Hit the upper clip in the A-pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under the point where the index tab (B) on the edge of the trim indicates. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (C) on the pin (D) and pushes it into the grommet (E) on 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 clip. Pull up the trim from the dashboard (B), and disconnect the tweeter connector (C), then remove the trim.
5. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with a new one. Service and Repair
6. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, check the A-pillar trim (A) and note the following items:
- 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 (B)
- Replace the upper clip (C) with a new one.
- If the clip (D) is damaged or stress-whitened, replace it with a new one.
7. Temporarily install the A-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.
8. Carefully install the 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.
9. Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A).
-1 Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B), then reconnect the tweeter connector (C).
Place the trim over the A-pillar (D) and fit the upper clip (E) and the lower clip into the holes in the A-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
-2 NOTE:
Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked under the clips or trim ribs.
Do not push too hard on the A-pillar trim. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.
Gently tug on the A-pillar trim to verify that all clips are securely fastened.
10. Reinstall the door opening seal.
