GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant Remover (Cold Knife)
    • J 39032 Stationary 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


    Object Number: 473523  Size: SH

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

  1. Remove the spare tire stowage cover. Refer to Spare Tire Cover Replacement in Body Rear End.
  2. Remove the spare tire and wheel assembly from the spare tire carrier.
  3. Gently disengage the plastic retainers that retain the rear door hinge cover (1).
  4. Remove the rear door hinge cover (1) from the vehicle.
  5. Remove the rear window wiper arm, if equipped. Refer to Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement in Wiper/Washer System.
  6. Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical connectors.
  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.

  8. Use safety glasses and gloves.

  9. Object Number: 379905  Size: SH

    Important: The rear door window reveal molding fills the cavities between the body and rear door window and can not be reused if stretched or damaged.

  10. Remove the rear door window reveal molding.
  11. Grasp the lower corner of the rear door window reveal molding by hand and slowly pull the reveal molding away from the rear door window.
  12. If the rear door window reveal molding will not release, use a utility knife in order to cut around the rear door window in order to remove the reveal molding.

  13. 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.

  14. Use the J 24402-A orJ 39032 in order to remove the rear door window.
  15. Gently unseat the rear door window retainer-male ends on the window from the rear door window retainer-female ends on the door.
  16. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to lift the rear door 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 problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the rear window:
  6. • 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 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 rear window opening and the urethane adhesive bead in order to determine which installation method should be used.
    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 rear door window and the pinchweld flange.
    4.3. Remove all traces of broken glass from the vehicle.
    4.4. 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.

    Object Number: 245283  Size: SH
  9. After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least 1 minute.
  10. 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 primed (black #3) to the surface of the bonding area.
  12. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes. Ensure that all nicks and scratches are covered.
  13. Install a new rear door window reveal molding. If the original reveal molding is damaged it must be replaced. Refer to Rear Window Reveal Molding Replacement .
  14. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the rear door window in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the window in the opening.
  15. Use masking tape in order to mark the location of the rear door window in the opening.
  16. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the rear door window.
  17. With the aid of an assistant and the suction cups, remove the rear door window.

  18. Object Number: 488774  Size: SH
  19. Place the rear door window (1) inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  20. If the original window is being reused, remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive (2) from the window surface by using a clean utility knife or razor blade scraper.
  21. Important: Do not remove all traces of the adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive .

  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. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  24. 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.

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

  28. Object Number: 154028  Size: SH

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

  29. Use a new dauber in order to apply the 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.

  30. Object Number: 379890  Size: SH
  31. Apply a second coat of glass prep (clear #1) to the same area of the glass.
  32. Wipe the glass primed area immediately with a clean lint free cloth.

  33. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  34. Shake the glass primer (black #2) for at least 1 minute.
  35. Use a new dauber in order to apply the glass primer (black #2) to the same areas that the glass prep (clear #1) was applied.
  36. The glass primer (black #2) is good up to 8 hours after applying it to the glass. The primed surface of the glass must be kept clean.

  37. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  38. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  39. If using the short method, cut the tip of the applicator nozzle in order to provide an bead approximately 6.0 mm (0.25 in).
  40. If using the extended method, cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of approximately 12.7 mm (0.5 in) wide and 12.7 mm (0.5 in) high.

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

  44. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  45. When using the extended method, use the edge of the rear door 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 door window.
  46. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to install the rear door window into the opening.
  47. Align the tape on the rear door window and the body.
  48. Press the rear door window (2) firmly into place.
  49. Tape the rear door window to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.

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

  52. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH

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

  53. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately watertest the rear door window.
  54. Inspect the rear door window for leaks.
  55. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  56. Retest the rear door window for leaks.
  57. 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.

  58. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane.
  59. 40.1. Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
    40.2. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured. Refer to the above curing times.
    40.3. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.
  60. Install the plastic retainers to the rear door hinge cover. Replace with new retainers as needed.
  61. Connect the rear window defogger electrical connectors.
  62. Install the rear window wiper arm, if equipped. Refer to Rear Window Wiper Arm Replacement in Wiper/Washer System.
  63. Install the rear door hinge cover to the vehicle. Ensure that the plastic retainers are completely engaged.
  64. Install the spare tire and wheel assembly to the spare tire carrier.
  65. Install the spare tire stowage cover. Refer to Spare Tire Cover Replacement in Body Rear End.
  66. Remove the protective coverings and tape from the vehicle and the headliner.