Upper section of A-pillar trim, removing and installing

WARNING: Observe safety precautions when working on side curtain airbags. See appropriate Air Bag Restraint Systems article in Restraints.

NOTE: Removing and installing A-pillar trim item -1- is the same for vehicles with and without side curtain airbag.

NOTE: The following list refers to Fig 1.

Upper A-pillar trim panel
- Removing:
  - Remove D-pillar trim. See D-PILLAR TRIM, REMOVING AND INSTALLING .
  - Remove grab handle -4-. See GRAB HANDLE, REMOVING .
  - Remove bolt -3- (1x).
  - Remove protrusion -10- from front cut-out of A-pillar trim panel -1- for grab handle using a small screwdriver
  - Using pliers on protrusion -10-, pull wire cable -9- out enough (pull hard toward B-pillar, approx. 40 mm) until A-pillar trim -1- is disengaged.
  - Disengage sun visor at inner bearing and fold it parallel to direction of travel toward rear.
    NOTE: When removing roof frame trim -1-, touch only side facing headliner.
  - Pull out trim panel -1- at upper B-pillar.
  - Remove trim -1- from clip -7- by moving back and forth lightly.
  - Unclip trim from A-pillar -2-.
  - Pull A-pillar trim -1- upward out of tab -6-.
    WARNING: Always observe installation sequence for A-pillar trim.
- Installing:
  - Remove clip -7- from A-pillar by pressing together center of clip (always replace clip).
  - Insert new clamp -7- in A-pillar trim -1- and press in retaining clamp -8- (check to be sure it is securely fitted).
  - Clamp -7- must be positioned vertically to supporting surface.
  - Clip in protrusion -10- at front cut-out of A-pillar trim -1- for grab handle.
  - Protrusion must be next to clamp -8- (secure using hot glue).
  - Insert A-pillar trim -1- in tab -6-.
  - Position trim at clips.
    WARNING: Be sure trim is securely installed.
  - Guide A-pillar trim -1- into rubber door seal.
  - Install bolt -3-.
  - Install grab handle. See GRAB HANDLE, REMOVING .
    NOTE: When installing A-pillar trim, simply press on sides facing front window and headliner, do not bang or hit.
  - Securely clip A-pillar trim -1- (3x).
  - Press trim -1- at clip -7- until full engagement.
A-pillar
Bolt, 5.5 Nm
- Self-locking
- Always replace
Front grip handle
- Removing. See GRAB HANDLE, REMOVING .
Bolt, 5.5 Nm
- 2x
- Self-locking
- Always replace
Strap
Clip
- Always replace
Retaining clip
Clip
Wire cable
Protrusion

Fig 1: Identifying Upper Section Of A-Pillar Trims (With Roof Mounted Rearview Mirror, M.Y. 2000 And Up)

Courtesy of AUDI OF AMERICA, INC.