GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant (Cold Knife) Remover
    • J 39032 Rear Glass Removal Tool
    • Urethane Adhesive Kit GM P/N 12346392 or Equivalent
    • Isopropyl Alcohol or Equivalent
    • Cartridge-type Caulking Gun
    • Commercial-type Utility Knife
    • Razor Blade Scraper
    • Suction Cups
    • Plastic Paddle

Removal Procedure

    Important: Before cutting out a stationary window, apply a double layer of masking tape around the perimeter of the painted surfaces and inner trim around the window.

  1. Remove the rear quarter trim finish panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.

  2. Object Number: 401856  Size: SH
  3. Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical connectors from the right and left sides of the rear window.
  4. Caution: When working with any type of glass or sheet metal with exposed or rough edges, wear approved safety glasses and gloves in order to reduce the chance of personal injury.

  5. Use safety glasses and gloves.
  6. Open the rear compartment lid in order to access the reveal molding (1).

  7. Object Number: 161474  Size: SH

    Important: The rear window reveal molding fills the cavity between the body and window and cannot be reused if stretched or damaged.

  8. Remove the rear window reveal molding.
  9. 4.1. Grasp the lower corner of the rear window reveal molding (2) with your hand and slowly pull the reveal molding away from the rear window.
    4.2.  If the rear window reveal molding will not release use a utility knife to cut around the windshield to remove the rear window reveal molding.

    Object Number: 105253  Size: SH
  10. Using a sharp utility knife, make a preliminary cut around the perimeter of the rear window, cut as close to edge of the rear window as possible.

  11. Object Number: 71179  Size: SH

    Important: Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the rear window . This will allow the urethane adhesive to be separated from the rear window. Leave a base of urethane on the pinchweld flange. The only suitable lubrication is clear water.

  12. Use the J 24402-A or J 39032 in order to cut the rear window from the pinchweld flange.
  13. Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the window when cutting around the stationary window to achieve the best cut.


    Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  14. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to lift the rear window from the opening.

Installation Procedure

  1. Verify all primers and urethane adhesive are within expiration dates.
  2. Caution: When replacing stationary windows, use Urethane Adhesive Kit GM P/N 12346392 (Canadian P/N 10952983), or a urethane adhesive system meeting GM Specification GM3651G, to maintain original installation integrity. Failure to use the urethane adhesive kit will result in poor retention of the window which may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.

  3. Inspect the following components for the causes of a broken rear window:
  4. • The flange of the rear window opening
    • The rear window reveal molding
  5. Inspect for any of the following conditions in order to prevent damage to the rear window:
  6. • A high weld
    • Solder spots
    • Hardened spot weld sealer
    • Any obstruction or irregularity in the pinchweld flange

    Important: If corrosion of the pinchweld flange is present, or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are necessary, refinish the pinchweld flange in order to present a clean primer only surface. If paint repairs are required, mask the flange bonding area prior to the application of the color coat in order to provide a clean primer only surface. Materials such as BASF DE17®, DuPont 2610®, Sherwin-Williams PSE 4600 and NP70® and Martin-Semour 5120 and 5130® products are approved for this application.

  7. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:
  8. 4.1. Inspect the condition of the windshield opening and the adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to Short Method Description or Extended Method Description for guidelines.
    4.2. Remove no more of the urethane adhesive from the pinchweld than necessary in order to maintain the original shape. This will ensure the proper clearance between the windshield and the pinchweld flange.
    4.3. Remove all traces of broken glass from the outer cowl panel, seats, floor and defroster ducts.
    4.4. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the windshield with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  9. After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least one minute.

  10. Object Number: 245283  Size: SH

    Caution: Failure to prep the area prior to the application of primer may cause insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive. Insufficient bonding of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.

  11. Use a new dauber to apply the pinchweld primer (black #3) to the pinchweld surface (1) of the bonding area on the body only.
  12. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes. Ensure that all nicks and scratches are covered.

  13. Object Number: 301113  Size: SH
  14. Install the new rear window reveal molding. Refer to Rear Window Reveal Molding Replacement .
  15. Start from the center and hand press the rear window reveal molding onto the rear window

  16. Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  17. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the rear window in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the rear window in the opening.
  18. Use masking tape in order to mark the location of the rear window in the opening.
  19. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the rear window.
  20. With the aid of an assistant and the suction cups, remove the rear window.
  21. Place the windshield inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  22. If the original windshield is being reused remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive from the windshield surface by using a clean utility knife or razor blade scraper.
  23. Important: Do not remove all traces of the urethane adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive.

  24. If the extended method is being used remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing bead of adhesive from the pinchweld flange.
  25. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the windshield with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  26. Important: Do not apply the (black #3) primer to the existing bead of the urethane adhesive. Apply the primer only to nicks, scratches or the primed surfaces.

  27. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least 1 minute.
  28. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the surface of the pinchweld flange.
  29. Allow the pinchweld primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  30. Object Number: 154028  Size: SH

    Important: Use care when applying the prep (clear #1) on the window. This primer dries almost instantly, but may stain the viewing area of the window if not applied evenly.

  31. Use a new dauber in order to apply glass prep (clear #1) to the area approximately 10-16 mm (3/8-5/8 in) around the entire perimeter of the window inner surface.
  32. • Install the glass within 8 hours after applying the primer to the glass.
    • Keep the primed surface of the glass clean.
    • Allow the glass primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
  33. Shake the rear window primer (black #2) for at least 1 minute.

  34. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  35. Use a new dauber, in order to apply the rear window primer (black #2) to the areas of the rear window (1) to which prep (clear #1) was applied.
  36. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  37. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  38. If using the short method, cut the tip of the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 6.0 mm (1/4 in).
  39. • For the short method, cut the tip in order to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 6.0 mm (0.25 in).
    • For the extended method, cut the tip in order to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 10.5 mm (0.14 in) wide and 10.5 mm (0.14 in) high.

    Object Number: 161429  Size: SH
  40. Use a cartridge-type caulking gun, apply a smooth continuous bead of new urethane adhesive.
  41. When using the short method, apply the urethane adhesive to the existing bead of urethane adhesive on the body.

  42. Object Number: 105247  Size: SH
  43. When using the extended method, use the edge of the rear window or the inside edge of the reveal molding as a guide for the nozzle in order to apply the urethane adhesive to the inner surface of the rear window.

  44. Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  45. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to install the rear window into the opening.
  46. Align the tape on the rear window and on the body.
  47. Press the rear window firmly into place in order to wet-out and seat the urethane adhesive.
  48. Tape the rear window in two places to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.

  49. Object Number: 706194  Size: SH
  50. Clean any excess urethane adhesive from the body.

  51. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH

    Important: Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water to the freshly applied urethane adhesive.

  52. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately water test the rear window.
  53. Inspect the rear window for leaks.
  54. If you have found any leaks, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  55. Retest the rear window for leaks.
  56. Caution: Insufficient curing of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.

       • For the moisture-curing type of urethane adhesive, allow a minimum of 6 hours at 21°C (70°F) or greater and with at least 30 percent relative humidity. Allow at least 24 hours for the complete curing of the urethane adhesive.
       • For the chemical-curing type of urethane adhesive, allow a minimum of 1 hour .
    Do NOT physically disturb the repair area until after these minimum times have elapsed.

  57. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane adhesive:
  58. • Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure build-ups when you close doors prior to the urethane adhesive cure.
    • Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured. Refer to the above curing times.
    • Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

    Object Number: 161474  Size: SH
  59. Install the rear window reveal molding.
  60. In order to access the reveal moldings (2) opening the rear compartment lid.

  61. Object Number: 401856  Size: SH
  62. Connect the rear window defogger electrical connectors to the right and left sides of the rear window.
  63. Install the rear quarter trim finish panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
  64. Remove the protective coverings and tape from the vehicle and the headliner.
  65. Close compartment lid.