Front and rear sill side trim, removing and installing

WARNING: This page does not describe the selected car, but rather 15 other vehicles, including the 2008 Audi S4, 2008 Audi RS 4, 2008 Audi A4, 2007 Audi S4, and 2007 Audi RS 4. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

Removing

CAUTION:

Observe safety precautions for work on airbags → Airbag safety precautions .
Before handling airbag units (e.g. disconnecting electrical connector), the person handling it must "electrostatically discharge". This can be done by touching door striker, for example.

Remove front seat → Seat, removing and installing .
Attach seat to Fixture For Seat Repair VAS 6136.
Remove assembly cover Assembly cover, removing and installing .
Disengage cover at seat pan upper frame.

Fig 1: Disengaging Retaining Strip On Footwell Cover From Brackets Rear Sill Side Trim

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disengage retaining strip - 1 - on footwell cover - 2 - from brackets - 4 - (Qty. 2) rear sill side trim - 3 -.

Fig 2: Removing Expanding Rivets

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove expanding rivets - 2 - (Qty. 2).

Rear sill side trim

Fig 3: Removing Bolts

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Remove bolts - 1 - and - 2 -.

Fig 4: Front/Rear Sill Side Trim Remove/Install Components

Courtesy of VOLKSWAGEN UNITED STATES, INC.

Disengage rear sill side trim - 2 - upward at rear retaining bracket - 4 -.
Separate rear sill side trim - 2 - from front sill side trim - 9 - by turning in - direction of arrow -.
Pull front sill side trim - 9 - forward in order to disengage eyes - 7 - from front retaining bracket - 5 -.
Disengage front sill side trim - 9 - upward at brackets - 6 - (Qty. 2).

Open locking mechanism - 8 -.
Disconnect connector - 10 - (Qty. 3).
Remove front sill-side trim - 9 -.

Installing

Installation is reverse of removal. Observe the following when doing so:

CAUTION:

Observe safety precautions for work on airbags → Airbag safety precautions .
Before handling airbag units (e.g. disconnecting electrical connector), the person handling it must "electrostatically discharge". This can be done by touching door striker, for example.

NOTE:

Ensure that electrical connections are pushed in as far as stop and engage with a click.

Switch on ignition.

CAUTION: Ignition must be on when connecting battery. If pyrotechnic components (e.g. airbag, belt tensioner) are not repaired correctly, they may deploy unintentionally after connecting battery. There must not be anyone inside the vehicle when connecting the battery.

Connect battery ground wire with ignition switched on →
- 27 BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL
- 27 - BATTERY, STARTER, GENERATOR, CRUISE CONTROL for ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT - GENERAL INFORMATION
.
If Airbag Malfunction Indicator Lamp (MIL) K75 indicates a fault after installation, DTC memory must be checked, deleted and checked again Vehicle Diagnosis, Testing and Information System VAS 5051B.

Tightening torque → Sill and tunnel side trim panels, assembly overview