A-Pillar

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, 2-door, SRS Component Location Index (2-Door) 4-door SRS Component Location Index (4-Door) and the precautions and procedures Technician Safety Information before doing repairs or service.

NOTE:

- 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 and 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:
- 2-door Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Door Sill Area (2-Door)

- 4-door Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Front Door Sill Area (4-Door)

2. Hit the upper clip in the A-pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under the point where the triangle mark (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 clips. Pull the trim up from the dashboard (B), then remove it.

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 been deployed, check the A-pillar trim (A) and note the following:
- 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 clips (D) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.





7. If the new A-pillar trim (A) will be installed, before installing the trim, temporarily remove the new upper clip (B).

8. Check the overlap between the headliner and the A-pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it. Service and Repair






9. 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.






10. If the old A-pillar trim (A) will be reinstalled, install the new upper clip (B). Do not push the grommet (C) too hard. Be sure that the grommet is nearest to the top of the pin as shown.






11. Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A).
-1 Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).
-2 Place the trim over the A-pillar (C), and fit its upper clip (D), the lower clips, and the pin (E) into the holes (F) 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.

12. Reinstall the door opening seal.