Removal and installation of interior trim elements — Hatchback models (Opel Astra H)

Caution: When working near Supplemental Restraint System (SRS) components, use caution and follow the appropriate safety precautions (see Chapter "Controls and Operating Techniques", Sections 13 and 16)!

Attention: When connecting the battery, no one should be in the car!

A-pillar trim

1. Disconnect the wires and insulate the battery terminals (see Chapter 5).

2. Use a screwdriver to pry off the service cover on the front pillar trim (see accompanying illustration) and carefully separate it by gradually moving the screwdriver along the perimeter of the cover.



3. Insert a plastic wedge under the A-pillar trim and press the retainer, remove the trim from the pillar by pulling it upwards.

4. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim.

Upper B-pillar trim section

5. Disconnect the wires and insulate the battery terminals (see Chapter 5).



6. Disconnect the appropriate seat belt anchorage from the front seat (see Chapter 48).

7. Using a screwdriver, pry off the service cover of the upper section of the B-pillar trim (see accompanying illustration) and carefully separate it by gradually moving the screwdriver along the perimeter of the cover.



8. Insert a plastic wedge under the B-pillar trim and press out the 6 clips, then separate the upper and lower trim sections (see illustration 44.7). Pull the seat belt out of the upper anchor height adjuster and remove the upper trim section from the pillar.

9. Install in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim. Tighten the seat belt mounting screw to the required torque (see Specifications), after lubricating its thread with a fixing compound. Check that the belt strap is not twisted and can be freely wound off the drum. Check that the belt is functioning properly (see Chapter "Controls and operating techniques").

Lower B-pillar trim section

10. Remove the inner door sill trim (see below).

11. Insert a plastic wedge under the B-pillar trim and press the 4 clips, then separate the upper and lower trim sections and remove the lower section from the pillar (see accompanying illustration).





12. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim.

C-pillar trim

13. Disconnect the wires and insulate the battery terminals (see Chapter 5).

14. Remove the rear seat together with the backrest (see Section 49).

15. Remove the lower trim by pressing the side panel fasteners (see accompanying illustration).



16. Disconnect the appropriate seat belt fastening from the side panel.

17. Using a screwdriver, pry off the service cover of the upper section of the C-pillar trim (see accompanying illustration) and carefully separate it, gradually moving the screwdriver along the perimeter of the cover. Insert a plastic wedge under the C-pillar trim and press the 5 fasteners.





18. Pull the seat belt out of the guide and remove the pillar trim.

19. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim. Tighten the seat belt fastening screw to the required force, having previously lubricated its thread with a fixing compound. Check that the belt strap is not twisted and can be freely wound on the drum. Check the operation of the belt (see Chapter "Controls and operating techniques").

Side trim of the luggage compartment

20. Remove the rear seat together with the backrest (see Chapter 49).

21. Remove the C-pillar trim (see above) and the tailgate trim (see below).

22. Remove the 3 upper trim mounting screws (see accompanying illustration), and then disconnect the electrical wiring connector.



23. Using a plastic wedge, press the 3 fasteners, separate the trim from the tailgate frame and remove it from the luggage compartment.



24. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim.

Interior trim of thresholds

25. Open the front and rear doors and remove the seals from the door openings (see Section 37).

26. Using a plastic wedge, press out the 5 fasteners and separate the threshold trim from the door openings (see accompanying illustration) and pull it up.



27. Installation is performed in the reverse order of removal. Before installation, check the condition of the clamps and the correctness of their mating with the threshold trim, replace if necessary.

Note: Check the wiring - wires laid along the doorway should not be pinched! Make sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim.

Rear sill trim

28. Open the tailgate.

29. On Astra GTC models, remove the luggage compartment floor cover, remove the towball, fold the rear seat back forward and remove the luggage compartment.

30. Using a plastic wedge, press out the 4 fasteners on the rear edge, then 4 more fasteners on the luggage compartment side and remove the rear door frame trim (see accompanying illustration).

Note: On Astra GTC models, the trim is secured on the luggage compartment side with three clips.

31. Installation is carried out in the reverse order of removal, making sure that the inner edge of the seal is on top of the trim.