Removing and replacing the A-pillar trim

[gt_cx5]

I'm planning on running the power wires for my dashcam down to the fuse box by opening up the A-pillar trim. I'm following Seminole's instructions and the Mazda body manual instructions. The Mazda instructions direct me to cut the lead wire connecting grommets on the trim and the actual A-pillar.


Anybody have tips on removing and replacing the A-pillar trim? How can I avoid breaking the tabs on the trim? And what does the lead wire that gets cut do?

 

[J.Mike.CX5]

Check this (pg. 3): http://ep.yimg.com/ty/cdn/yhst-24809172479195/cx5mirror.pdf

Also, there should be enough space to just tuck the wires into the A-Pillar without having to remove it completely.

 

[Cis4]

I was able to completely remove the A-pillar trim without breaking the tabs. The trick is to rotate the tab insert that attaches to the trim in order to release it, and then do the same when putting it back on. It's not easy, but it's doable. No need to cut any wires.

I ran my wire through the white cable clips, shown in the 5th photo of Seminole's instructions, to keep them from interfering with the airbag.

 

[hersh]

I too did not have to remove the trim. There was enough space to be easily able to put the wires behind the trim without removing it.

 

[Kedis82ZE8]

I too did not have to remove the trim. There was enough space to be easily able to put the wires behind the trim without removing it.

I experienced the same thing.

 

[gt_cx5]

J.Mike, that PDF was super-useful, and thanks to Cis4 for describing the tab insert better than the manual does.

Glad to hear it's possible to maneuver around the loosened trim to get the wire into those cable clips.

 

[gova]

Easy job, but I did break off the plastic tab holding A pillar. Be careful and read the instructions about the tab removal. I did not and learned the hard way. It is fine after almost a year.

 

[nXt]

Step 5 of J.Mike.CX5's pdf are good instructions.
I've seen a different pdf where it says to CUT that plastic tab off, which I wouldn't do unless you have replacements.
You can use a needle nose plier to grab it and rotate it and make it come out of the hole.

 

[gt_cx5]

Solid advice.

Now I just need to find a mini socket set to loosen up that bolt so I can attach the ground lead.

 

[Cis4]

Solid advice.

Now I just need to find a mini socket set to loosen up that bolt so I can attach the ground lead.

I ended up removing all the trim at the bottom of the door frame and pulling out the plastic that covers the fuse box area, not just the door, but everything around the fuse box door. I'm starting to think I should've taken some photos.

 

[gt_cx5]

I ended up removing all the trim at the bottom of the door frame and pulling out the plastic that covers the fuse box area, not just the door, but everything around the fuse box door. I'm starting to think I should've taken some photos.

Ooh, that would make it a lot easier to get to stuff in there.

 

[gt_cx5]

I ended up removing all the trim at the bottom of the door frame and pulling out the plastic that covers the fuse box area, not just the door, but everything around the fuse box door. I'm starting to think I should've taken some photos.

Just read through the service manual entry on that door frame trim. How much of a pain was it to pull that up? I don't want to break any of those clips if I can help it...

 

[Cis4]

Just read through the service manual entry on that door frame trim. How much of a pain was it to pull that up? I don't want to break any of those clips if I can help it...

Not too bad as long as you take your time and don't use excessive force. If I remember correctly, the clips are in an odd spot, so it may take a bit to feel them out.