Ford Escape: Interior Trim and Ornamentation / Removal and Installation - C-Pillar Trim Panel

Special Tool(s) / General Equipment

Removal

NOTE: LH (left hand) shown, RH (right hand) similar.

NOTE: Removal steps in this procedure may contain installation details.

1. Remove the loadspace trim panel.
   Refer to: Loadspace Trim Panel (501-05 Interior Trim and Ornamentation, Removal and Installation).
   

1. Remove the rear seatbelt retractor and pretensioner anchor bolt and position the seatbelt aside.
   Torque: 30 lb.ft (40 Nm)

1. NOTE: Seats removed for clarity.

   Remove the C-pillar trim panel bolt.
   Torque: 22 lb.in (2.5 Nm)

1. Release the C-pillar trim panel lower clips.
   Use the General Equipment: Interior Trim Remover

1. NOTICE: The C-pillar trim panel must be positioned downward to allow the upper clips to release correctly. Failure to follow this direction may cause damage to the C-pillar trim panel.

   Slide the C-pillar trim panel down, aligning the clips to the slots in the sheet metal.
   

1. Remove the C-pillar trim panel while feeding the rear seatbelt retractor and pretensioner through the opening.
   

Installation

1. NOTE: During installation, make sure the seatbelt webbing is not twisted and the seatbelts and buckles are accessible to the occupants.

   To install, reverse the removal procedure.
   

1. Inspect and position the rear door weather strip lip so that it overlaps the top of the C-pillar trim panel.
   

1. Check the active restraint system for correct operation.
   Refer to: Seatbelt System Functional Tests (501-20A Seatbelt Systems, General Procedures).