Quarter Pillar Trim

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations (see COMPONENT LOCATION INDEX ) and the precautions and procedures (see PRECAUTIONS AND PROCEDURES ) before doing repairs or service.

1. Remove these items:
   • Rear door opening seal, as needed (see step  3 under Trim Removal/Installation - Door Areas  )
   • Tailgate weatherstrip, as needed (see TAILGATE WEATHERSTRIP REPLACEMENT )
   • Second row seat belt lower anchor (see step 3 under SECOND ROW SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT
   • Seat belt exit C-pillar cap (see step 4 under SECOND ROW SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT
   • Seat belt exit D-pillar cap (see step 3 under THIRD ROW SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT
   • Left tailgate side trim (see TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - TAILGATE AREA  )
2. Remove the upper area of the rear side trim panel, as needed (see REAR SIDE TRIM PANEL REMOVAL/INSTALLATION  ).
3. Remove the pivot bracket mounting bolts, then push the power tailgate rod (A) in the quarter pillar trim (B).
   Fig 2: Pushing Power Tailgate Rod In Quarter Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Hit the surface of the quarter pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located in the top of the C-pillar near the "SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG" mark (B). Hitting the trim surface breaks the projections (C) on the pin (D) and pushes it into the grommet (E) and against the body (F).
   NOTE: The clip must be replaced with a new one when the quarter pillar trim is reinstalled.
   Fig 3: Installing Quarter Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet (1 Of 2)

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Hit the surface of the quarter pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located in the seat belt exit D-pillar cap opening. Hitting the trim surface breaks the projections (B) on the pin (C) and pushes it into the grommet (D) and against the body (E).
   NOTE: The clip must be replaced with a new one when the quarter pillar is reinstalled.
   Fig 4: Installing Quarter Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet (2 Of 2)

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. While pulling the upper area of the rear side trim panel (A) back, detach the clips (B, C), then release the lower area of the quarter pillar trim (D) away from the body.
   NOTE: The quarter pillar is still fastened with two upper clips located in the middle of it.
   Fig 5: Identifying Rear Side Trim Panel

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. While pulling the lower area of the quarter pillar trim (A) away from the body, hit the surface of the quarter pillar trim with a rubber mallet. The clip is located in the rear of the hollow (B) in the trim. Hitting the trim surface breaks the projections (C) on the pin (D) and pushes it into the grommet (E) and against the body (F).
   NOTE: The clip must be replaced with a new one when the quarter pillar trim is reinstalled.
   Fig 6: Installing Quarter Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Slide the upper clip area (A) of the quarter pillar trim (B) up at a 45 ° angle to remove the trim from the clip. The clip can be removed once the trim is clear.
   Fig 7: Sliding Upper Clip Area Of Quarter Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Remove the quarter pillar trim (A). If equipped with navigation, disconnect the satellite speaker connector (B). Pull the power tailgate rod (C) out of the slit (D) in the quarter pillar trim.
   Fig 8: Identifying Quarter Pillar Trim, Satellite Speaker Connector And Power Tailgate Rod

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
10. Hit the remaining upper clip (A) with a rubber mallet. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (B) on the pin (C) and pushes it into the grommet (D) and against the body (E).
    NOTE: The clip must be replaced with a new one when the quarter pillar trim is reinstalled.
    Fig 9: Installing Quarter Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, remove the quarter pillar trim and all the clips on the trim with new ones (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
12. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, remove the upper clips (A) from the removed quarter pillar trim (B) and discard them. Then check the trim and note the following:
    • To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the quarter pillar trim and replace it if it has any of these types of damage:
      • Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitened areas in the quarter pillar trim
      • Any cracks or stress-whitened areas in the clip seating surfaces (C, D)
    • If any of the lower clips (E) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them.
    • Replace the upper clips with new ones.
      Fig 10: Identifying Quarter Pillar Trim And Upper Clips

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
13. Before installing the quarter pillar trim (A), whether replaced or reinstalled, temporarily remove the new clips (B).
    Fig 11: Identifying Quarter Pillar Trim And Clips

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
14. Check the overlap between the headliner and quarter pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it (see CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP ).
15. Carefully reinstall the clips (A) to the quarter pillar trim (B). Make sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.
    Fig 12: Identifying Quarter Pillar Trim, Grommet And Clips

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
16. Reinstall the quarter pillar trim (A).
    1. If equipped with navigation, reconnect the satellite speaker connector (B).
    2. Pass the power tailgate rod (C) through the slit (D) in the quarter pillar trim.
    3. Place the trim over the C-pillar/D-pillar (E), and fit its upper clips (F), and all of the other clips (G, H) into holes (I) in the body, then lightly push the trim into place.
       NOTE:

       • Make sure the side curtain airbag isn't tucked down under the clips and ribs.
       • Apply pressure to the areas of the trim on the upper clips 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 don't come off the body by tugging on the trim.
         Fig 13: Identifying Pressure Applying Areas Of Trim On Upper Clips

         Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
17. Fasten the pivot bracket (A) on the tailgate.
    Fig 14: Tailgate Pivot Bracket With Torque Specifications

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
18. Reinstall all of the removed parts.