Need guidance in removing A-pillar cover

[Auntie Soshul]

I need to remove the left A-pillar cover to run some wires from the rear view mirror to the dash. The cover snaps off, but there is a plastic, fork-shaped "catch" that holds the cover on loosely. Is there a trick to releasing that catch without damaging the airbag?

 

[03_4x4Runner]

I have no advise on removing the cover but when I installed my dash cam by the rearview mirror I was able to tuck the wires under the cover. They can not be seen at all.

 

[toppyjai]

follow my thread, it'll show you a step by step to remove the a-pillar.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...-got-around-installing-spod-past-weekend.html

 

[Auntie Soshul]

follow my thread, it'll show you a step by step to remove the a-pillar.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...-got-around-installing-spod-past-weekend.html

Thanks. I tried that method but discovered that the SRS section on mine doesn't pop out and there is no bolt behind it. The pillar cover is held on with pressure clips, and the entire thing pops loose. However, there is a "catch" on the backside that prevents the cover from coming all the way off. If I figure out how to release that catch, I'll post a pic. If not, I'll try [MENTION=336]03_4x4Runner[/MENTION]'s method of just tucking the wires behind the cover.

 

[gbarr]

This may be an around about way to get the info you are looking for about removing the a piller trim but it will work. Google part number 00016-05463 and one of the first items is a pdf file about how to install a monochromatic rear view mirror in a 5th gen 4Runner, download the file and all the info you are looking for is there.

 

[Auntie Soshul]

I just worked around it.

This is for reference for those who look to do this in the future. Neither of the two methods mentioned above worked on my vehicle, as the cover is attached in a different way. I got the job done, though, using the same method as [MENTION=336]03_4x4Runner[/MENTION]. I tucked the wires under the edge of the A-pillar cover, and ran them through the same hole in the top of the dash that the other harness is run through. Below is my A-pillar cover, and the black plastic "keeper" on the back of it that prevents it from coming off. There isn't enough room to get long-nose pliers or another tool on the keeper to remove it. It also appears that the air bag is attached to the back of the A-pillar cover.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

This is for reference for those who look to do this in the future. Neither of the two methods mentioned above worked on my vehicle, as the cover is attached in a different way. I got the job done, though, using the same method as [MENTION=336]03_4x4Runner[/MENTION]. I tucked the wires under the edge of the A-pillar cover, and ran them through the same hole in the top of the dash that the other harness is run through. Below is my A-pillar cover, and the black plastic "keeper" on the back of it that prevents it from coming off. There isn't enough room to get long-nose pliers or another tool on the keeper to remove it. It also appears that the air bag is attached to the back of the A-pillar cover.

Take a pair of needle nose pliers, slip them between the sheetmetal and the airbag curtain grab the black keeper and turn it until it pops out the slot.

When reassembling it, put the keeper through the hole and turn it so it's "locked" and pop it back on.

 

[rodralig]

I tucked the wires under the edge of the A-pillar cover, and ran them through the same hole in the top of the dash that the other harness is run through.

Wouldn't tucking the wires in the trim affect the deployment of the airbags?

follow my thread, it'll show you a step by step to remove the a-pillar.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/gener...-got-around-installing-spod-past-weekend.html

Hi -

Would like to do the same to my 2018 ORP (remove the A-pillar to some wires in). However, I haven't had much success in finding some references to instructions with either photos and/or videos to explain how to do this. I'm totally new to 4x4 and this is my first 4Runner (and totally a newbie when it comes to DIY).

I did check your thread - but they were referencing some photos that are not shown (could be blocked? or removed?). Was wondering if have some old photos of the thread? And/or, at the least point me to some links, etc. that would be, say, "beginner friendly"...?

Thanks in advanced for any help.

Cheers,


_

 

[GearJunkie88]

I think you need to pop off the cover that has the airbag wording stuff on it. That's where you'll find the bolt you need to remove. I removed this cover on my SR5 and don't recall any hidden "catches".

 

[KP Texan]

Take a pair of needle nose pliers, slip them between the sheetmetal and the airbag curtain grab the black keeper and turn it until it pops out the slot.

When reassembling it, put the keeper through the hole and turn it so it's "locked" and pop it back on.

I realize this is an old thread, but wanted to say thanks because this comment was quite helpful. Early 5th gens seem to be different than later ones in this regard, so I had this keeper to deal with when running the wire for my microphone. Needlenose pliers between the airbag curtain and sheet metal worked, so I didn’t have to cut off the tab like the FSM shows! The trim is still tethered to the airbag, but it allowed me to carefully pull it away far enough to fish the wires.

 

[patkelly4370]

Removing A pillar cover

YouTube

Sent from my SM-G955U using Tapatalk

 

[acleveralias]

I've also been looking into how to remove the A-pillar trim, and randomly came across this link on Trail4R.

I still need to vet that this will apply to a 2020 TRD Pro, but here's to hoping it'll help others as well.