Honda Element. Manual - part 601

Fig. 8: Hitting Upper Clip In Front Pillar Trim With Rubber Mallet 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

3. Pull the top of the A-pillar trim (A) back by hand to remove the upper clip (B) from the body (C). 

Fig. 9: Identifying Upper Clip From Body 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

4. Pull the A-pillar trim (A) by hand to detach the clip. Pull the trim up from the dashboard (B), then 

disconnect the tweeter connector (C) (if equipped) and remove the trim. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Interior Trim - Element

  

Fig. 10: Identifying Trim Up From Dashboard 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

5. If the side curtain airbag has deployed, replace the A-pillar trim and all clips on the trim with new ones.  

6. If the side curtain airbag has not deployed, remove the upper clip (A) from the removed A-pillar trim (B) 

and discard it. Then check the trim: 



To prevent the side curtain airbags from deploying improperly and possibly causing injury, inspect 
the A-pillar trim and replace it if it has any of these types of damage: 



Any cracks, deformations, or stress-whitened areas in the A-pillar trim  



Any cracks or stress-whitening in the clip seating surfaces (C, D)  



Check if the clip (E) is damaged or stress-whitened, and if necessary, replace it with a new one.  



Replace the upper clip with a new one. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Interior Trim - Element

  

Fig. 11: Identifying Clip Seating Surfaces 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

7. Before installing the A-pillar trim (A), whether it is being replaced or reinstalled, temporarily remove the 

new upper clip (B). 

Fig. 12: Identifying Upper Clip 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

8. Carefully install a new upper clip (A) to the A-pillar trim (B). Be sure that the grommet (C) is nearest to 

the top of the pin (D) as shown. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Interior Trim - Element

  

Fig. 13: Installing Upper Clip To A-Pillar Trim 
Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC. 

9. Reinstall the A-pillar trim (A). 

-1 Connect the tweeter connector (for some models).  

-2 Insert the bottom of the trim into the dashboard (B).  

-3 Place the trim over the A-pillar (C), and fit its upper clip (D), and lower clip into the holes (E) in 
the A-pillar, then lightly push the trim into place. 

NOTE:



Make sure the side curtain airbag isn't tucked down under the 
clips and ribs.  



Push lightly on the upper clip. If you push too hard, the clip will 
be damaged, and it will not hold the trim properly. 

 

2007 Honda Element EX 

2007-08 ACCESSORIES AND EQUIPMENT Interior Trim - Element