I have a new 2021 limited hybrid and looking to wire in a dash cam. Wanting to run wires under the A pillar trims, I searched and stumbled on a great YouTube video showing how to remove the pillar trim panels by pressing the 2 small pins on the clip to free it from the steel pillar. (I say "stumbled" because I am actually working on my wife's 2014 Altima and needed the same how to info)
I do not want any wires running OVER the airbags circuit. Everything will be threaded under as to not inhibit the airbag deployment.
While preparing to take on the Rav4 project, I'm currently also installing an aftermarket nav headunit in a 2014 Altima. Those tethering clips have no release pins. When you pop the top metal paw clip, the panel loosens enough to reveal the 2 green tethering clips further down the panel. These have to be cut in half to be able to remove the plastic panel. The clips must be replaced with every time the panel is removed. Luckily I discovered that info early on so I ordered a 10 pack on Amazon before I tackled the job. Fed all the headunit antenna wires, mic and dashcam UNDER the airbags and respective wiring.
One other important note.
DISCONNECT YOUR BATTERY WHEN EVER WORKING AROUND AIRBAGS!
I know this is suppose to be a place for Rav4 World material but I thought it was interesting to know that all tethering clips are NOT the same.
Which brings me back to my 2021 Rav4 dash cam project. I realize that the rav clips appear to be reusable because they have release pins. But what if I mess up and deform one or both. How do I get a replacement ahead of time before I start this project? Not available on Amazon yet.
More likely your dealership. Just be sure to obtain at least a couple before going into the project. Think Ebay has them but not cheap. Around $10 apiece. I got the green Altima ones on Amazon for about $15 for a package of 10. But did not find the Rav4 clips.
Btw. These clips are a safety feature so don't reuse if you mangle one. Best replace. The shop manual says the Altima are not reusable. Believe me. No way you'd get those green pieces out intacted. I had a heck of a time getting the larger remaining halves of those Altima clips out of the metal pillar.
Anyway. Remember I said safety feature? The clips are an in-direct part of the side curtain airbag system. They are designed to allow the airbag to pop the plastic trim piece out of the way but still hold the panels from coming off completely and striking the driver and front passenger in the face. Thus the term tethering clip.
Toyota part #
62217-42050
Here's a few pictures I found online showing the newer Rav4 clips. Hard to actually find a picture! The red circle shows one of the 2 "pins" on each clip. The other pin is on opposite side. Use a long needle nose and squeeze the 2 pins towards each other as in the video. If you look hard at the closeup you can see the pins are connected to the part of the clip that spreads and locks the clip into the metal pillars rectangular receiving hole. By squeezing the pins towards each other, the retainer parts are moved inward and frees the clip.
Good luck.
