A-Pillar Trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2011 Honda Insight and 2010 Honda Insight. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

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.

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 removing components.
Take care not to scratch the trim and panels.
The upper clip in the A-pillar trim (A) consists of a grommet (B) and a pin (C). The grommet expanded with the pin secures it to the body panel (D). The projections (E) on the pin are broken during removal, so the clip must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.

Fig 1: Locating A-Pillar Trim, Grommet And Pin

Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

Pull the front door opening seal away from the A-pillar as needed (see step 4 ).
Hit the upper clip in the A-pillar trim (A) with a rubber mallet. The clip is under the point (B) 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 clip must be replaced with a new one when the A-pillar trim is reinstalled.

Fig 2: Identifying A-pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the top of the A-pillar trim (A) back by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C).

Fig 3: Pulling Top Of A-pillar Trim
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Pull the A-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the clips. Pull the trim up from the dashboard (B), then remove it.

Fig 4: Pulling Trim From Dashboard
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with a new one (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the A-pillar trim (A) and note the following:
- 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-whitened areas in the A-pillar trim
  - Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip seating surfaces (B, C)
- Replace the upper clip (D) with a new one.
- If the clips (E) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
Fig 5: Identifying A-pillar Trim And Upper Clip
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Before installing the A-pillar trim (A), carefully remove a new upper clip (B).

Fig 6: Removing Upper Clip
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the overlap between the headliner and the A-pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it (see C-PILLAR TRIM ).
Carefully install a new upper clip (A) to the A-pillar trim (B). Be sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.

Fig 7: Installing Upper Clip To A-pillar Trim
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A).
1. Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).
2. Place the trim over the A-pillar (C), and fit its upper clip (D) and lower clips (E) into the holes (F) in the A-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
NOTE:
- Make sure the side curtain airbag isn't tucked down under the clips and the 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.
Fig 8: Identifying A-Pillar, Upper Clip And Lower Clips
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Reinstall the front door opening seal,