A-Pillar Trim

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Acura MDX, 2012 Acura MDX, 2011 Acura MDX, and 2010 Acura MDX. 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.

Pull the front door opening seal away from the A-pillar as needed (see step 4 under Trim Removal/Installation - Door Areas ).
Detach the hooks and open the cap (A), then remove the bolt.

Fig 1: Removing A-Pillar Trim And Cap
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Remove the A-pillar trim (B) by hand to detach the remaining clips, then pull the trim up from the dashboard (C).
If the side curtain airbag has been 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)
  - Any damage to bolt attachment area (C)
- If the clips (D) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.
  
  Fig 2: Identifying A-Pillar Trim, Bolt Attachment Area And Clips
  Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
Check the overlap between the headliner and A-pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it (see CHECKING AND ADJUSTING THE HEADLINER/PILLAR TRIM OVERLAP ).
Install the trim in the reverse order of removal, and push the clips into place securely.