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.

NOTE:

If side airbags and/or side curtain airbags have deployed, the affected pillar area trim and attachment clips must be replaced. Refer to Component Replacement/Inspection After Deployment (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
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 removing components.

Remove these items:
- Rear door opening seal, as needed (see step 3 ).
- Hatch weatherstrip, as needed (see HATCH SUPPORT STRUT REPLACEMENT ).
- Cargo area side trim panel (see TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - CARGO AREAS ).
Remove the rear seat belt lower anchor bolt (A) (see step 2 underREAR SEAT BELT REPLACEMENT ).
Remove the C-pillar trim (A).
1. Pull the bottom of the trim back by hand to detach the clips (B, C).
2. Pull the trim down to release the upper hook (D) from the headliner (E).
3. Detach the hooks (F) and tabs (G) then release the trim cap (H).
4. Pull the rear seat belt (I) out through the slit in the cap, then remove the cap.
5. Pass the rear seat belt out through a hole in the C-pillar trim, then remove the trim.
Fig 1: Identifying C-pillar Trim
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and note these items:
- Replace any stress-whitened or damaged clips (A) with new ones.
- If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the C-pillar trim and all clips on the trim with new ones (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
- To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the trim and replace it, if it has any of these types of damage:
  - Any cracks or deformation in the C-pillar trim (B) and the upper hook (C), and any stress-whitened areas in the upper part of the trim
  - Any cracks or stress-whitened areas in the clips seating surfaces (D)
- Replace any damaged parts with new ones.
- Make sure the top of the trim overlaps with the headliner correctly (see C-PILLAR TRIM ).
- Make sure the trim hook is installed into the body holes.
- Push the clips and hooks into place securely.
- Before installing the seat belt anchor bolt, make sure there are no twists or kinks in the seat belt.
Fig 2: Identifying C-pillar Trim And Upper Hook
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.