Front 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.

1. Pull the door opening seal away from the front pillar as needed (see step  7 ).
2. Hit the upper clip (A) in the front pillar trim (B) with a rubber mallet. The clip is located under point (C) where the triangle mark (D) on the edge of the trim indicates. Hitting the clip breaks the projections (E) on the pin (F) and pushes it into the grommet (G) on the body(H).
   NOTE: The upper clip must be replaced with a new one when the front pillar trim is reinstalled.
   Fig 2: Hitting Upper Clip In Front Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Pull back the top of the front pillar trim (A) by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C).
   Fig 3: Pulling Back Top Of Front Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Pull out the front pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the clips. Pull up the trim from the dashboard (B), then remove the trim.
   Fig 4: Pulling Up Trim From Dashboard

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. If the side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the front pillar trim, along with the other parts listed for side curtain airbag deployment (see COMPONENT REPLACEMENT/INSPECTION AFTER DEPLOYMENT ).
6. If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the front pillar trim (A) and note the following items:
   • To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the front pillar trim and replace it with a new one if it has any of the following damage:
     • Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitened areas in the front pillar trim
     • Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip seating surfaces (B, C)
   • Replace the upper clip (D) with a new one after checking the overlap.
   • If the clips (E) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
     Fig 5: Checking Front Pillar Trim

     Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Before installing the front pillar trim (A), carefully remove the new upper clip (B).
   Fig 6: Installing Front Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
8. Temporarily install the front pillar trim (without the upper clip) to check the overlap between the headliner and the front pillar trim. Remove the front pillar trim and if necessary, adjust the overlap (see CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP ).
9. Carefully install the new upper clip (A) to the front pillar trim (B). Make sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to the top of the pin (D) as shown.
   Fig 7: Installing Upper Clip To Front Pillar Trim

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
10. Reinstall the front pillar trim (A).
    1. Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).
    2. Place the trim over the front pillar (C), and fit its upper clip (D) and lower clips (E) into the holes (F) in the front pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
       NOTE:

       • Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked under the clips and the trim ribs.
       • Do not push too hard on the front pillar trim. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.
       • Gently tug on the front pillar trim to verify that all clips are securely fastened.
         Fig 8: Installing Front Pillar Trim

         Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
11. Reinstall the door opening seal (G).