GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant Remover (Cold Knife), or equivalent
    • J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Kit, or equivalent
    • GM P/N 12346392 Urethane Adhesive Kit, or equivalent
    • Isopropyl alcohol or equivalent
    • Cartridge-type caulking gun
    • Commercial-type utility knife
    • Razor blade scraper
    • Rubber suction cups

Notice:  DO NOT close the lift window panel with the struts attached unless the window is installed and the window adhesive fully cured. The window adds strength and rigidity to the lift window panel. Attempting to close the lift window panel, with the struts installed, without a window or with the window adhesive not fully cured, could cause the panel to crack.


    Object Number: 71973  Size: SH
  1. Remove the window outer auxiliary seal.

  2. Object Number: 71238  Size: SH
  3. Remove the rear lift window panel. Refer to Rear Lift Window Panel Weatherstrip Replacement Lift Window Panel Replacement - Rear in Body Rear End.
  4. Place the panel upside down on a clean protective surface.

  5. Object Number: 476333  Size: SH
  6. Remove the front weather-strip.
  7. 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: 71179  Size: SH

    Important: Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the rear window when removing 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.

  8. Use the J 24402-A or J 39032 in order to cut the rear window from the pinchweld flange. Do this from inside the vehicle in order to protect the outer paint surface.

  9. Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  10. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to lift the rear window from the opening.
  11. Inspect the following components for the causes of a broken rear window:
  12. • The flange of the rear window opening
    • The rear window reveal molding
    • The rear window
  13. Inspect for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the rear window:
  14. • 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 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 NP 70 and Martin-Semour 5120 and 5130 products are approved for this application.

  15. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:
  16. Inspect the condition of the rear window opening and the urethane adhesive bead in order to determine which installation method you will use. Refer to Short Method Description or Extended Method Description for the guidelines.
  17. Remove all traces of broken glass from the vehicle.
  18. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the rear window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.

Installation Procedure

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.

Notice:  DO NOT close the lift window panel with the struts attached unless the window is installed and the window adhesive fully cured. The window adds strength and rigidity to the lift window panel. Attempting to close the lift window panel, with the struts installed, without a window or with the window adhesive not fully cured, could cause the panel to crack.

Notice: Until the new urethane has cured, air pressure from a closing door may cause the stationary window to move causing a leak. To prevent this, lower a window before closing the door.

  1. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following:
  2. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least one minute.

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

  6. Object Number: 71973  Size: SH
  7. Install the inner seal to the rear of the lift window opening, if removed.
  8. 5.1. Remove the protective film from the seal.
    5.2. Start flush at a forward edge of one side of the panel and work around to the opposite side edge.
    5.3. Trim any excess length of the seal flush to the side of the panel.
    5.4. Roll the entire length of the seal to ensure adhesive contact.

    Object Number: 476333  Size: SH
  9. Install the front seal to the rear lift window panel. Refer to Rear Lift Window Panel Weatherstrip Replacement in Body Rear End.

  10. Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  11. 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.
  12. Use masking tape in order to mark the location of the rear window in the opening.
  13. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the rear window.

  14. Object Number: 412291  Size: SH
  15. With the aid of an assistant and the rubber suction cups, remove the rear window.
  16. Place the rear window inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  17. If the original rear window is being reused, remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing urethane adhesive from the rear window surface, using a utility knife or razor blade scraper.
  18. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the rear window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  19. Important: Do not remove all traces of the adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive .

  20. 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.
  21. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least one minute.
  22. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the surface of the pinchweld flange.
  23. Allow the pinchweld primer to dry for approximately 10  minutes.
  24. If the extended method is being performed, do the following:

  25. Object Number: 154028  Size: SH

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

  26. If installing a new non encapsulated window:
  27. 19.1. Use a new dauber, to apply the rear window prep (clear #3) to an area approximately 10 to 16 mm (3/8 to 5/8 in) around the entire perimeter of the rear glass inner surface.
    19.2. Apply the rear window prep (clear #1) to the same area of the glass.
    19.3. Wipe the primed window area immediately with a lint-free cloth.
    19.4. Shake the glass primer (black #2) for at least one minute.
  28. If installing a new encapsulated window:
  29. 20.1. Use a new dauber, to apply the rear window prep (clear #3) to an area approximately 10 to 16 mm (3/8 to 5/8 in) around the entire perimeter of the rear glass inner surface. The glass must be installed within 8 hours after applying the primer to the glass.
    20.2. The primed surface of the glass must be kept clean.
    20.3. Allow the glass primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
  30. Shake the rear window primer (black #2) for at least one minute.

  31. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  32. 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.
  33. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  34. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  35. 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).
  36. If using the extended method, cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead 10.5 mm (0.14 in.) wide and 10.5 mm (0.14 in.) high.

  37. Object Number: 161429  Size: SH
  38. Use a cartridge-type caulking gun, apply a smooth continuous bead of new urethane adhesive around the edge of the rear window where the primer was applied.
  39. When using the short method, apply the urethane adhesive to the existing bead of urethane adhesive on the body.

  40. Object Number: 105247  Size: SH
  41. 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.

  42. Object Number: 71183  Size: SH
  43. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to install the rear window into the opening.
  44. Align the tape on the rear window and on the body.
  45. Press the rear window firmly into place in order to wet-out and seat the urethane adhesive.
  46. Tape the rear window in places to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.
  47. Clean any excess urethane adhesive from the body.

  48. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH

    Important: Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water at the fresh urethane adhesive.

  49. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately water test the rear window.
  50. Inspect the rear window for leaks.
  51. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane at the leak point.
  52. Retest the rear window for leaks.
  53. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane.
  54. 38.1. Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature (21°C or 70°F) at 30 percent relative humidity.
    38.2. Allow a minimum of 6 hours for the moisture curing urethane adhesive.
    38.3. Allow a minimum of 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours for the chemical curing urethane adhesive.
    38.4. Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
    38.5. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is fully cured. Refer to the above curing times.
    38.6. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

    Object Number: 71233  Size: SH
  55. Install the struts (only after the urethane has cured).
  56. Connect the defogger electrical connections.

  57. Object Number: 284756  Size: SH
  58. Connect the antenna connection.