GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant (Cold Knife) Remover
    • J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool
    • J 25070 Heat Gun
    • Cartridge-type caulking gun
    • Commercial-type utility knife
    • Razor blade scraper
    • Suction cups
  1. Remove the T-tops, if equipped.
  2. Remove the wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement Wiper Arm Replacementin Windshield Wiper/Washer Systems.
  3. Remove the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacementin Body Front End.
  4. Remove the windshield reveal molding. Refer to Windshield Reveal Molding Replacement Windshield Reveal Molding Replacement.
  5. Caution: If broken glass falls into the defroster outlets, it can be blown into the passenger compartment and cause personal injury.

  6. Place masking tape around the windshield opening in order to protect the painted surfaces and in order to aid in cleanup after the installation.

  7. Object Number: 296235  Size: SH
  8. Use the J 24402-Aor the equivalent to make a preliminary cut into the urethane adhesive around the perimeter of the windshield (1) except for the lower corners. Stay as close to the edge of the windshield as possible.
  9. Remove the I/P upper trim pad. Refer to Instrument Panel Compartment Door Lock Cylinder Replacement Lock Cylinder Replacement - IP Compartment Door
  10. Cover the defroster outlets.
  11. Remove the inside rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement Rearview Mirror Replacement.
  12. Use the Installing the Case Bushing Installing the Case Bushing or the equivalent cut around the perimeter of the windshield from inside the vehicle.
  13. Remove the windshield (1).
  14. 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.


    Object Number: 301427  Size: SH
  15. Remove the windshield reveal molding.
  16. 12.1. Grasp the lower corner of the windshield reveal molding by hand and slowly pull the reveal molding away from the windshield.
    12.2.  If the windshield reveal molding will not release, use a utility knife in order to cut around the windshield in order to remove the windshield reveal molding.
    12.3. The windshield reveal molding fills the cavities between the body and windshield and can not be reused if stretched or damaged.

    Object Number: 326804  Size: SH
  17. Remove the lower windshield supports (2) from the cowl panel (1), if equipped.

  18. Object Number: 71179  Size: SH

    Important: Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the windshield when removing. This will allow the urethane adhesive to be separated from the windshield and leave a base of urethane on the pinchweld flange. The only suitable lubrication is clear water.

  19. Use the J 24402-A or J 39032 tool in order to remove the windshield.

  20. Object Number: 397306  Size: SH
  21. Remove the windshield from the vehicle with the aid of an assistant.
  22. The following components may reveal the causes of a broken windshield:
  23. • The flange of the windshield opening
    • The windshield reveal molding
    • The windshield
  24. Look for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the windshield:
  25. • High weld
    • Solder spots
    • Hardened spot weld sealer
    • Any other obstruction or irregularity in the pinchweld flange.

       Important: If corrosion of the pinchweld flange is present, or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are required, the pinchweld flange must be refinished in order to restore the bonding area strength. If paint repairs are required, mask the flange bonding area prior to applying 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.

  26. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:
  27. • Inspect the condition of the windshield opening and the adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to Short Method Description short method or Extended Method Description extended method for guidelines.
    • 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.
    • Remove all traces of broken glass from the outer cowl panel, seats, floor and defroster ducts.
    • 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.

Installation Procedure

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.

After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following:

  1. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least one minute.
  2. 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.


    Object Number: 245283  Size: SH
  3. Use a new dauber to apply the pinchweld primed (black #3) to the surface of the bonding area.
  4. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes. Ensure that all nicks and scratches are covered.

  5. Object Number: 326804  Size: SH
  6. Install the lower windshield supports (2) to the cowl panel (1), if equipped.

  7. Object Number: 378502  Size: SH
  8. Install the spacers and the VIN plate filler strip.

  9. Object Number: 397314  Size: SH
  10. Install the reveal molding to the edge of the windshield. If the original reveal molding is damaged it must be replaced.
  11. Install a new acoustic strip if needed.

  12. Object Number: 397306  Size: SH
  13. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the windshield in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the windshield in the opening.

  14. Object Number: 397307  Size: SH
  15. Use masking tape (1) in order to mark the location of the windshield in the opening.
  16. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the windshield.
  17. Remove the windshield from the opening.
  18. Place the windshield inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  19. 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.
  20. 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.
  21. 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.

  22. 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.
  23. Important: Do not remove all traces of the adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive.

  24. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least one minute.
  25. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the surface of the pinchweld flange.
  26. Allow the pinchweld primer to dry for approximately 10  minutes.

  27. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH

    Important: Use care when applying the glass prep (clear #1) in order to prevent the windshield prep from running into the vision area of the windshield. This primer dries almost instantly, and may stain the viewing area of the windshield if not applied evenly.

  28. Use a new dauber in order to apply glass prep (clear #3) to the area approximately 10 mm to 6 mm (3/8 in to 5/8 in). around the entire perimeter of the window inner surface.
  29. Apply a second coat of the glass prep number (clear #1) to the same area of the glass.
  30. Wipe the primed glass area immediately with a clean lint free cloth.
  31. Shake the glass primer (black #2) for at least one minute.

  32. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  33. Use a new dauber in order to apply the glass primer (black #2) to the same areas that glass prep (clear #1) was applied.
  34. The glass must be installed within 8  hours after applying the primer to the glass. The primed surface of the glass must be kept clean.

  35. Allow the glass primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  36. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  37. Cut the tip of the applicator nozzle as follows:
  38. 25.1. 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).
    25.2. If using the extended method, cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) wide and12.7 mm (1/2 in ) high.

    Object Number: 161429  Size: SH
  39. Use a cartridge type caulking gun to apply a smooth, continuous bead of urethane adhesive.
  40. If reusing the original glass apply the new urethane adhesive on the top of the fresh trimmed urethane adhesive.

  41. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  42. When using the extended method do the following:
  43. If installing a new glass (3) apply the urethane adhesive (2) to the freshly primed pinchweld flange.

    If applying urethane adhesive to the inside edge of the windshield reveal molding (1) use the windshield reveal molding as a guide for the nozzle.


    Object Number: 397306  Size: SH
  44. Use suction cups, along with the aid of an assistant to install the windshield into the opening.

  45. Object Number: 378502  Size: SH
  46. Place the windshield on the lower supports.

  47. Object Number: 397307  Size: SH
  48. Align the tape lines on the windshield and the body.
  49. Press the windshield firmly into place.
  50. Tape the windshield to the body in order to minimize movement.
  51. Clean any excess urethane adhesive from the body.

  52. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH
  53. Use a soft spray in order to watertest the windshield immediately.
  54. Using warm water is preferred in order to accelerate the curing of the urethane adhesive.

  55. Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water at the fresh applyied urethane adhesive.
  56. Inspect the windshield for leaks.
  57. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  58. Retest the windshield for leaks.
  59. Caution: At least 24 hours are required for complete curing of repair material. The repair area should not be physically distrubed until after that time. Insufficient curing of urethane adhesive may allow unrestrained occupants to be ejected from the vehicle resulting in personal injury.

  60. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane.
  61. 40.1. Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature (21°C or 70°F) at 30 percent relative humidity.
    40.2. Allow a minimum of 6 hours for the moisture curing urethane adhesive.
    40.3. Allow a minimum of 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours for the chemical curing urethane adhesive.
    40.4. Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
    40.5. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is fully cured.
    40.6. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

    Notice: Use the correct fastener in the correct location. Replacement fasteners must be the correct part number for that application. Fasteners requiring replacement or fasteners requiring the use of thread locking compound or sealant are identified in the service procedure. Do not use paints, lubricants, or corrosion inhibitors on fasteners or fastener joint surfaces unless specified. These coatings affect fastener torque and joint clamping force and may damage the fastener. Use the correct tightening sequence and specifications when installing fasteners in order to avoid damage to parts and systems.

  62. Install the windshield side reveal molding screws.
  63. Tighten
    Tighten the windshield side reveal screws to 2 N·m(18 lb in).

  64. Install the windshield frame filler panel with two screws.
  65. Tighten
    Tighten the windshield frame filler panel screws to 2 N·m(18 lb in).

  66. Install the door sealing weatherstrip to the upper pinchweld flange.
  67. Install the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacementin Body Front End.
  68. Install the wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper/Washer Systems.
  69. Remove the windshield reveal molding. Refer to Windshield Reveal Molding Replacement Windshield Reveal Molding Replacement.
  70. Install the inside rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement Rearview Mirror Replacement.