The A-pillar on an FJ Cruiser is located to the sides of the windshield. The exterior A-pillar trim is removable for easy servicing and bodywork. Should you take your FJ Cruiser off-road and damage the A-pillar, the panel can be unbolted and removed. To take off the exterior A-pillar, though, you have to remove the interior A-pillar, which functions as a trim piece between the dashboard and the headliner. Should you need to remove either A-pillar panel, you can do so in about 30 minutes.
Open up the doors. Remove the small plastic covers on the sides of the A-pillar grab handles, using the small-blade flat-head screwdriver. Remove the two bolts underneath those covers with the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket, then pull the handles off the A-pillars.
Slip your fingers between the headliner and the A-pillar trim panel. Pull the panel toward you to release the clips holding it in place. Take the A-pillar trim panel away from the FJ Cruiser.
Unbolt the single bolt underneath the A-pillar interior panel using the 3/8-inch ratchet and socket. Insert the plastic pry tool between the exterior A-pillar panel and the roof. Gently pry back the plastic pry tool to pop free the exterior A-pillar panel from the FJ Cruiser.
