Trim Removal/Installation - Pillar Areas: A-pillar
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 performing repairs or service.
NOTE:
- Put on gloves to protect your hands.
- Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and panels.
- Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components.
- Pull out the front door opening trim (see step 3 in TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - DOOR AREAS ) as needed.
- Remove the A-pillar trim (A).
- -1 Pry the A-pillar cap (B) out until it is stopped by the hooks (C) in the grommet (D).
- -2 Pull the trim back by hand to detach the clip.
- -3 Release the hooks on the grommet and pull the cap out. Discard the cap.
- Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Replace the clip with a new one if it is damaged.
- Do not reuse the A-pillar cap; always replace it.
- If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim with a new one.
- To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect removed pieces and replace them if they are damaged:
- - Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitenings in the A-pillar trim (A)
- - Any cracks, or stress-whitenings in the grommet and clip seating surfaces (B)
- - Bent or broken grommet (C)
- Replace any damaged parts with new ones.
- Make sure the top of the trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP ).
- Push the clips into place securely.