Interior Trim Removal/Installation - C-Pillar Trim

Interior Trim Removal/Installation - C-Pillar Trim

Special Tools Required

- KTC trim tool set SOJATP2014*
*Available through the Acura Tool and Equipment Program.

C-Pillar Trim

SRS components are located in this area. Review the SRS component locations Locations and the precautions and procedures Service and Repair before doing repairs or service.

NOTE:

- Follow the C-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.

- Take care not to bend or scratch the trim and the panels.

- Use the appropriate tool from the KTC trim tool set to avoid damage when prying components.

- The upper clip in the C-pillar trim (A) consists of a plastic grommet (B) and a metal pin (C). The groove (D) in the grommet secures it to the body panel (E). The shoulder (F) on the grommet is broken during removal, so the grommet must be replaced with a new one when the trim is reinstalled.





1. Remove these items:
- Rear seat cushion Rear Seat Removal/Installation

- Rear seat-back Rear Seat Removal/Installation

- Rear door sill trim Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Rear Door Sill Area

- Rear door opening trim, as needed Interior Trim Removal/Installation - Rear Door Sill Area

2. Release the upper hook (A) from the C-pillar trim (B), then detach the clips by pulling the seat side trim (C) back, then remove it.






3. Hit the upper clip with a rubber mallet. The clip is under the "SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG" mark (A) near the top of the C-pillar trim (B). Hitting the clip breaks the shoulder (C) on the grommet (D) and pushes the pin (E) into the grommet on the body (F).
NOTE: The clip must be replaced with a new one when the C-pillar trim is reinstalled.






4. Pull the top of the C-pillar trim (A) back by hand to remove the pin (B) from the grommet (C) which remains in the body hole (D).






5. Pull the C-pillar trim (A) back by hand to detach the remaining clips (B, C), then remove it.

6. Remove the grommet from the body.
NOTE: The upper clip grommet must be replaced with a new one because the grommet is damaged during removal, and should not be reused.

7. If the side curtain airbag has been deployed, replace the C-pillar trim with a new one.






8. If the side curtain airbag has not been deployed, check the C-pillar trim (A):
- To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect the C-pillar trim and replace it if it has any of these types of damage:
- Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitenings

- Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip and the pin seating surfaces (B)

- Damaged top of the upper clip pin (C)

- Replace the upper clip grommet with a new one because it damaged during removed.

- If the clips (D) are damaged or stress-whitened, replace them with new ones.





9. Before installing the C-pillar trim (A), carefully remove the grommet (B) from the pin (C) on the new upper clip.

10. Check the overlap between the headliner and C-pillar trim, and if necessary, adjust it. Service and Repair






11. Carefully reinstall the grommet (A) on the pin (B) and seat them on the C-pillar trim (C) as shown.






12. Place the C-pillar trim (A) over the C-pillar (B), and fit its upper clip (C) and the other clips (D, E) into holes (F) in the C-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place.
NOTE:

- Make sure the side curtain airbag is not tucked down under the clips.

- Push lightly on the upper clip. If you push too hard, the clip will be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly.





13. Reinstall the seat side trim (A). Push the clips and the hook (B) portions into place securely.

14. Reinstall all remaining removed parts.