A-Pillar cover removal

[GavinD0006]

Hello, I’m wondering how simple it is to remove the cheap A pillar covers that have the airbag clips on them. (‘13 by the way) Do I have to take any other dash pieces out to pull these? And I saw other conversations mentioning a wire or something attached to the airbag. Im just trying to decide if I want to remove them to make applying suede easier. Response much appreciated!

[CrashTestDummy]

According to the '12 FSM, there are no electrical connectors ,but there is a panel retaining strap near the top of the panel. Seems easy enough to unhook from slots in the A pillar. It looks like the bottom slides into the area between the dash and A Pillar, then clips into place.

[GavinD0006]

So is the tether able to be disconnected through the little slot that has the airbag clip on it? Or do I just start pulling on it from the top and try and pop clips.. just don’t wanna get in there and start tugging if I’m gonna break something.

[CrashTestDummy]

From the drawings, it looks like there are two clips holding the molding in place, one near the top and one around in the middle of the panel. Those should disengage by pulling straight away from the A-pillar. Once that's done, you rotate the panel away from the A-pillar from the top. The restraining strap looks like it's slotted into the panel. You have to rotate it out of its slot. Then, the panel can be pulled out where it is wedged between the dash and A-pillar at the bottom of the panel. There appear to be NO air bag bits involved. The air bag appears to be just interior of the restraining strap and all bolted to the body A-pillar.

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