C-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 seat cushion (see SEAT CUSHION )
   • Rear seat side bolster (see SEAT SIDE BOLSTER )
   • Rear door opening seal, as needed (see step  4 on )
2. Fold down the seat-back.
3. Hit the upper clip (A) in the C-pillar trim (B) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under the point where the triangle mark (C) on the edge of the trim indicates. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (D) on the pin (E) and pushes it into the grommet (F) and against the body (G).
   NOTE: The upper clip must be replaced with a new one when the C-pillar trim is reinstalled.
   Fig 2: Hitting Upper Clip In C-Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Pull back the top of the C-pillar trim (A) by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C).
   Fig 3: Removing Upper Clip From Body

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Pull the C-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the clips and to release the hook (B) and the tabs (C), then pull out the trim from the rear shelf (D).
   Fig 4: Pulling C-Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the C-pillar trim, along with the other parts listed for side curtain airbag deployment (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
7. If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the C-pillar trim (A) and note the following items:
   • To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the C-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 C-pillar trim
     • Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip seating surfaces (B)
   • After checking and adjusting the overlap between the headliner and the C-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:
     Fig 5: Identifying C-Pillar Trim And Clips

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Temporarily install the C-pillar trim (without the upper clip) to check the overlap between the trim and the headliner (see CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP ). Remove the trim, and if necessary, adjust the overlap.
9. Carefully install a new upper clip (A) to the C-pillar trim (B). Be sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.
   Fig 6: Installing Upper Clip To C-Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
10. Reinstall the C-pillar trim (A).
    1. Insert the hook (B) and the tabs (C) of the trim in the rear shelf (D).
    2. Place the trim over the C-pillar (E), and fit the upper clip (F) and the clips into the holes (G) in the C-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
       NOTE:

       • Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked down under the clips or the trim.
       • Do not push too hard on the C-pillar trim. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.
       • Gently tug on the C-pillar trim to verify that all clips are securely fastened.
         Fig 7: Installing C-Pillar Trim

         Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. Reinstall the rear door opening seal (see step  4 on ).