I want to install an auto dimming mirror and need to get wiring down the A pillar. Have never done it with an airbag there.

Any hints or suggestions?

TIA

Marty

 

the front pillars have tricky clips on them that if your'e not careful with, you'll snap them off. i used some long handled angled needle nose pliers and still struggled with them. firmly tug the panel away up at the top(plastic panel tools from harbour frieght 5 bucks) till it comes away about 2 inches. then reach behind it with pliers and rotate the clips 45 degrees, while gently pulling the panel away from the beam. not a good design IMO. if you snap the clips you should be able to get replacements from toyota dealerships.

 

also there should be absolutely no worry about the air bag. I was helping a friend install a new rear panel on his xB (interior, in the trunk area) and we were worried about setting off the air bag too, but theres no mechanism which will set off an airbag thats attached to the actual panel, the panels are just made so that they will be forced out of the way if/when the airbag goes off. all the sensors/etc. for the airbags are within the frame/wire harness and just tugging on the pillar isn't enough to set it off. hope that helped haha
good luck! let us know abotu your results

 

Its always good idea to unplug the batteries dealing with anything that involves a airbag regardless of sensors,etc.
A good set of interior pulling tools will save you a lot of headaches

 

agreed! the white clips you'll find holding the trim pieces together can be a huge pain sometimes (especially if you break it.....)