Hi,

2012 Fit Sport. Want to install dash cam and hide the wires. I want to go behind the air bag on the left (or right) A Pillar but can’t seem to figure out how to remove the trim. The 3rd gen fits have a different (and easier) setup. The 2nd gen A Pillar trim is this one large piece with a couple clips and lots of tabs.

I have looked high and low online for a description. While there are plenty of DIY instructions, none of deal with this particular version of the Fit A Pillar.

I got some pix of the part to see where everything sits, but I feel that I am pushing things too hard and don’t want to break something to fix something. For the short term I will settle for some wire/sticker clips and deal with the mess as it hangs outside the trim, but I would like to resolve this at some point.

Clearly there is a solution somewhere. If anyone has any tips or can point me in a direction where I can find some instruction, it would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

Joe

2nd gen A Pillar Trim

 

Here's the relevant info from the 2009-2012 service manual. I downloaded a copy from somewhere a few years ago and it has been quite handy to have.

 

Thank you! That is exactly what I was looking for. There was one video of that mentioned using a mallet but nothing as detailed as this.
That manual is apparently still available in print. I think will be good investment.

Thanks again.

 

Im not loving the idea of hammering an area that has an airbag behind it. Instructions even mention “if the airbag does not deploy…”

 

You're not hammering an area with an airbag behind it, you're hammering a specific location (indicated by a symbol molded into the pillar plastic) to release a one-time-use connector.

On top of that, any time you're modifying/removing the interior trim, seats, steering wheel, passenger-side dashboard, etc. of a newer vehicle with airbags everywhere you should really be detaching the negative battery terminal before you do anything.

 

@Drew21 Good work, Drew.

 

thanks......always a good reminder!

 

the airbag is literally right behind where you are hammering. Disconnecting your battery to remove any interior trim piece is a little too ridiculous. Its like shutting the main power to your house just to change a lightbulb

 

You don't have to believe me or the service manual but I would still strongly advise that you disconnect the battery before messing with any part of the car that is close to the airbag or SRS systems. If those systems aren't powered it's very difficult for them to "fire," which is the whole point of disconnecting the battery for service.

But, if you're worried about tapping on the A-pillar trim in the spot indicated in the service manual because it's close to the airbag system I wonder if you have a similar concern with using your horn? It's also pretty darn close to an airbag pointed right at your face and chest, and I have seen quite a few people (maybe even myself) really beat on the horn in stressful situations.

 

Yeah, I would stick with the lead disconnect - better safe than sorry However, it turns out that I am going to have a pro do this task.

I am quite close to a service call and although more expensive, I have always had the calls performed by the original dealer. So I am adding the task of pulling the trim and laying in the wire (behind the bag) that I will have at the ready as part of the visit. Until then, the wiring can be snaked around and those Adhesive Cable Clips will secure it. It won't look pretty but getting a pro to do this particular trim piece is the better choice - I am confident I would find a way to screw it up! The rest of the install I can handle as nothing gets too close to anything critical.

So yes, more expensive but sometimes it's best to step back and admit this could be more than I want to dare. No need to tempt fate.

Thanks for all the comments. I appreciate it!

Joe

 

cool story bro

 

Thanks. I'm here all week.