Removing A-Pillar Cover on 2009 S80

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 10 Mar 2019, 13:35

Hi,

I’ve been finding that my driver’s side floor is constantly wet, and that the A-pillar is wet after it rains. I’m assuming this is due to an issue with the sunroof drain tubing.

I’m trying to remove the cover for the A-pillar, but I feel like I’m having to use a lot of force to get it to budge even a little. Most of the resistance seems to be coming from around the airbag port (“IC Airbag”). There is also the airbag that I’m worried I’m going to affect.

Anyone have any ideas? Attached is a picture so you can see what I have.

Thanks!

Post by **matthew1** » 10 Mar 2019, 15:26

Here's A-pillar info for Gen 1 S80. So it'll be different. How different I can't say. I cross-posted this on MVS Facebook so maybe someone will pop in with a photo.

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 10 Mar 2019, 16:48

Thanks. I had seen some of these posts regarding removing the pillar cover on the first generation of S80s. But I’m thinking there might be something different on the second generation.

If you look closely on the picture I posted, you can see some water staining on the pillar cover.

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 16 Mar 2019, 13:36

Anyone have any ideas how to remove a second generation a-pillar cover?

Steve H · Post by **Steve H** » 14 Apr 2019, 18:46

For the P3 gently pull the air bag plate off with a small screwdriver or bone tool. Under that is a very long T30, I think, screw that must be removed. Then pull down the rubber door seal down to the dash and up beyond. Start at the top of the A pillar and pull away from the windshield from the top then you have a pop in pin to release about mid down and then you lift out the a pillar trim from the dash.

Steve H · Post by **Steve H** » 14 Apr 2019, 18:55

Also when I went to remove mine it really helps me to search eBay for a used part and look at the pictures of the back side of the part to see that all holds it on.

Post by **oragex** » 14 Apr 2019, 19:14

On P2 models, there is a plastic pin with a securing strap attaching the pillar to the metal frame. The idea for the strap is to keep the pillar cover trim in place when the curtain airbag deploys, so the trim doesn't flow with force into driver's face. If P3 has the same securing pin, careful to install it properly back in place for safety reasons.

Also, when the drain tubes clog and water overflows the sunroof tray and leaks down the roof liner, most surely the curtain airbag also gets wet. It is good to inspect it as this may happen over several years, so it stays wet long time plus in winter time it freezes up and ice expands and can damage the curtain material. It also takes long time to dry once with the pillar cover removed and it's exposed, mine took over 1 week to dry in summer time.

This is why it's so important to inspect the drain tubes every summer and wash them yearly - it takes literally 2 min to clear them www.youtube.com/watch?v=cRGQJjWf9D0

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 21 Apr 2019, 10:44

Thank you, everyone. I actually figured it out myself a while ago. I posted a reply with the solution, but it’s not here anymore. I don’t know what happened to it.

The drain tubes were actually fine. I could only replicate the problem by spraying water on the car with a hose, and the water was coming in from the top left corner of the windshield and dripping down the a-pillar, making it seem like a sunroof drain problem.

drewmeister2 · Post by **drewmeister2** » 23 Jun 2019, 11:20

Does anyone know of a good product to seal the windshield? I’m thinking I’m just going to have to get the windshield replaced (which should solve the leak from the windshield, right?), but I hate to do that, as the windshield is still in good condition, despite being 10 years old.

Thanks!

Steve H · Post by **Steve H** » 23 Jun 2019, 14:25

My 2008 XC70 was leaking water on the windshield right above the passenger sun visor. You could literally push up on the windshield from the inside and see it rise some from the outside watching it. I could take a feeler gauge and slide it between the glass and polyurethane sealer material. I talked to a body shop friend and he said to absolutely not use silicone because it would cause issues with future windshield sealing. He said for me to remove my a pillar trim and remove the visor and center information center/sunroof control plastic and drop down the headliner just a little. I also removed the passenger hand grip. I cleaned the grove between the windshield and body from the center of the windshield around the corner going down the A pillar. I let the alcohol dry good and I wrapped the head liner with paper and I used what he told me, polyurethane windshield sealant that is used to install a new windshield. I used a caulk gun and a mirror to see what I was doing and a mechanic mirror while sitting on the passenger seat using a headlight to shine into the mirror to see what I was doing. I smoothed it with my finger. Warning protect your head liner. This stuff sticks to anything it touches. No leaks so far.