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:

- 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 prying 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 groove (D) in the grommet secures it to the body panel (E). The shoulder (F) on the grommet is broken during removal, so the grommet must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.





1. Pull the front door opening trim away from the A-pillar as needed. Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Front Door Sill Area

2. Hit the upper clip with a rubber mallet. The clip is under the "SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG" mark (A) near the top of the A-pillar trim (B). Hitting the clip breaks the shoulder (C) on the grommet (D) and pushes the pin (E) into the grommet on the body (F).
NOTE: The grommet 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 pin (B) from the grommet (C) which remains in the body (D).






4. Remove the A-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the remaining clips, then pull the trim up from the dashboard (B).

5. Remove the grommet from the body.
NOTE: The upper clip grommet must be replaced with a new one because the grommet is damaged during removal, and should not be reused.

6. If the side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with a new one.






7. If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the A-pillar trim (A):
- 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 these types of damage:
- Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitenings

- Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip and the pin seating surfaces (B)

- Damaged top of the upper clip pin (C)

- Replace the upper clip grommet with a new one because it is damaged during removal.

- If the clips are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.





8. Before installing the A-pillar trim (A), carefully remove the grommet (B) from the pin (C) on the new upper clip.

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






10. Carefully reinstall the grommet (A) on the pin (B) and seat them on the A-pillar trim (C) as shown.






11. Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A).
-1 Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).
Place the trim over the A-pillar (C), and fit its upper clip (D) and the other clips into holes (E) in the A-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
-2 NOTE:
Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked down under the clips and ribs.
Push lightly on the upper clip. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.

12. Reinstall the front door opening trim.