Some 2001 and later Volkswagen vehicles use A-pillar mount airbags. A-pillar pods should NOT be used on these vehicles..
1. Remove a-pillar trim by locating upper seam and prying outward. Use clean hands and avoid using any type of tool to pry. Once a small opening is created at the pillar top, use some force to release the 4 plastic mounting clips. With a-pillar cover pulled out, lift upwards and remove completely.
2. On a clean surface, lay out gauge pod and a-pillar trim. There will be a faint imprint on the a-pillar trim outlining the top of the dashboard. The bottom (plastic) edge of the gauge pod should be positioned to follow this line and rest on the dashboard. The dashed line in the drawing below represents the top of the dashboard.
3. Line edges up and wrap the fabric tabs over the a-pillar trim. Use sharp scissors to precisely notch the tabs where any protrusions of the pillar trim exist. Use masking tape to secure fabric tabs during test fitment. With gauge pod positioned, test fit the assembled gauge pod and a-pillar trim to check fitment. Adjust as required.
4. Once you have the pod positioned correctly, begin to mark the a-pillar trim for drilling.* See diagrams below for approximate positioning of the hole to be drilled. The hole should be at least 3/8” in diameter to accommodate tubing and wiring. The position of the hole should be such that the tubing can easily route from the gauge without any sharp bends. Before drilling the hole, be sure you are happy with the positioning of the gauge pod and have test fitted the assembled unit in the car with gauge and fittings installed. The hole should not be visible with gauge pod installed. Measure twice, drill once.
5. Fit gauge and secure using the gauge’s supplied mounting hardware. Some gauges’ u-brackets may need to be modified to fit within the tight constraints of this installation. Simply bend the u-bracket to clear the a-pillar trim. Install any fittings, tubing or wiring at this point. The gauge and lighting (LEDs have polarity!) should be tested prior to permanent installation. This is also a good time to be sure your gauge is clocked correctly.
6. With gauge secured, mount pod on the a-pillar trim. The three fabric tabs should be wrapped tightly and secured to the back of the a-pillar trim. For a permanent installation, use contact cement or glue of choice. For a temporary installation, use foil tape or duct tape to secure the fabric tabs to the back of the trim. During mounting, hold pod tightly against trim to assure a flawless seam between pod and trim. Consider using tape to hold tabs in place if gluing tabs one by one. Remember, tabs should be wrapped tight and glued to the back of the stock trim. No adhesive or screws should be used to fasten the gauge pod to the visible area of the stock A-pillar trim.
Download pdf VW Passat B5 A-Pillar Gauge Pod Installation Instructions
