A-Pillar Trim Removal and Installation

A-Pillar Trim Removal and Installation

Removal

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.

1. Front Door Opening Seal as Needed





1. Remove the front door opening seal (A) as needed.

2. A-Pillar Trim





1. Pull out the A-pillar trim (A) to release the clips.





2. Put a shop towel (A) in the opening between the A-pillar trim (B) and the dashboard to prevent dropping the A-pillar clips.





3. Remove the A-pillar trim (A).

NOTE: The upper clip (B) will stay in the body.





4. Remove the upper clip (A) from the body.

Installation

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.

1. A-Pillar Trim - Check





1. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim (A) and all clips on the trim with new parts.

2. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, check the A-pillar trim 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 with a new one 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)

* After checking and adjusting the overlap between the headliner and the A-pillar trim, replace the upper clip (C) with a new one.
* If the clips (D) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.

2. Headliner/Pillar Trim Overlap - Check





Checking and Adjusting the Headliner/Pillar Trim Overlap

To prevent the side curtain airbag from deploying and damaging the pillar trim (A-pillar trim, B-pillar trim, C-pillar trim, quarter pillar trim), the overlap between the headliner and pillar trim must be less than 8 mm (0.31 in). To check the overlap, do this:

1. Install the headliner (A) and the pillar trim (B).





2. Apply masking tape (A) to the headliner (B) to mark the upper edge of the pillar trim (C).





3. Remove the pillar trim, and measure the headliner overlap.

* If the overlap is less than 8 mm (0.31 in), remove the tape, and install the pillar trim.
* If the overlap is more than 8 mm (0.31 in), go to step 4.





4. Carefully trim the headliner with a utility knife, reducing the overlap to less than 8 mm (0.31 in).

5. Remove the tape, and install the pillar trim.

3. A-Pillar Trim





1. Carefully install the new upper clip (A) to the A-pillar trim (B).





2. Install the A-pillar trim (A).

NOTE:
* Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked under the clips or the 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.

4. Front Door Opening Seal as Needed





1. Install the front door opening seal (A).