GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant Remove Knife
    • J 38454 Windshield Removal Knife
    • J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool
    • GM Adhesive Caulking Kit P/N 12346392 or equivalent
    • Solvent for cleaning the window (use GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427 or isopropyl alcohol)
    • Household cartridge-type caulking gun
    • Commercial-type utility knife used to cut around the edge of the window
    • Rubber suction grips
    • Plastic Paddle

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.

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.

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.

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.

Caution: If broken glass falls into the defroster outlets, it can be blown into the passenger compartment and cause personal injury.

  1. Open the hood.
  2. Place protective coverings around the window.
  3. Remove the windshield wipers arms and blades. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement in Wipers/Washers Systems.
  4. Remove the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in Body Front End.
  5. Mask off the area around the windshield to protect painted surfaces and headliner, and to aid in cleanup after installation.
  6. Remove the windshield reveal molding. Refer to Park Brake Support Replacement
  7. Remove the rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement
  8. Remove the windshield garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  9. Using a utility knife, make a preliminary cut around the perimeter of the windshield, staying as close to the edge of the windshield as possible.

  10. Object Number: 71179  Size: SH
  11. Cut out the windshield keeping blade as close to edge of windshield as possible using J 39032 or J 24402-A .
  12. From inside of vehicle, cut lower urethane adhesive bead on the windshield using J 38454 .
  13. With aid of a helper, use suction cups to lift the windshield from the vehicle.
  14. The following components may reveal the causes of a broken windshield:
  15. • The flange of the windshield opening
    • The windshield reveal molding
    • The windshield
  16. Look for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the windshield:
  17. • 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 present a clean primer only surface.

  18. 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. Using materials such as BASF DE17 ®, DuPont 2610 ® and PPG DP40  ®. products are approved for this application.
  19. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:

  20. Inspect the condition of the windshield opening and the adhesives bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to Short Method Description short method or Extended Method Description extended method for guidelines.
  21. Remove no more of the windshield urethane adhesive than necessary in order to maintain the original shape. This will ensure the proper clearance between the windshield and the pinchweld flange of the opening.
  22. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the windshield with one of the following cleaners:
  23. • GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427.
    • A clean isopropyl alcohol dampened cloth.

Installation Procedure

After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following:

  1. Shake the pinchweld primer (#3 black) well.

  2. Object Number: 245283  Size: SH
  3. Use a new dauber to apply the primer (#1) to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area.
  4. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
  5. Install the windshield reveal molding to the edge of the windshield. Refer to Park Brake Support Replacement .
  6. 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.

  7. Object Number: 337416  Size: SH
  8. Use masking tape (1) in order to mark the location of the windshield in the opening.
  9. Slit the masking tape at the top and side edge of the windshield.
  10. Remove the windshield from the opening.
  11. Place the windshield inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  12. If the original windshield is being reused, remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive from the windshield surface using a utility knife.
  13. Clean the inside surface of the windshield with GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427.
  14. If the extended method is being performed do the following:
  15. 12.1. Remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in.) of the existing bead of adhesive from the pinchweld flange.
    12.2. Do not remove all traces of the adhesive, but all mounds or loose pieces should be removed.
    12.3. Shake the pinchweld primer (#3 black) well.
    12.4. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area.
    12.5. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

    Object Number: 397314  Size: SH

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

  16. Apply windshield prep number (#1 clear).

  17. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH
  18. Use a new dauber in order to apply window prep (#1 clear) to the area approximately 10 mm to 16 mm (3/8 in. to 5/8 in). around the entire perimeter of the window inner surface.
  19. Apply glass prep number (#1 clear) to any exposed edges of the window.
  20. Wipe the primed area immediately with a lint free cloth.
  21. Shake windshield primer number (#2 black) well.

  22. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  23. Use a new dauber in order to apply the primer (#2 black) to the same areas that windshield (1) prep (#1 clear) was applied.
  24. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  25. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  26. Cut the tip of the applicator nozzle as follows:
  27. 20.1. If you use the short method, cut the tip of the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 6.0 mm (1/4 in).
    20.2. If you use the extended method, cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of approximately 12.7 mm (1/2  in.) wide and 12.7 mm (1/2 in.) high.

    Object Number: 161429  Size: SH
  28. Use a cartridge type caulking gun to apply a smooth, continuous bead of urethane adhesive around the edge of the windshield where the primer was applied.
  29. When using the short method, apply the urethane adhesive to the existing bead of urethane adhesive on the body.

  30. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  31. When using the extended method, use the edge of the windshield or the inside edge of the windshield reveal molding (1) as a guide for the nozzle in order to apply the urethane adhesive (2) to the inner surface of the windshield (3).

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

  34. Object Number: 337416  Size: SH
  35. Align the tape lines on the windshield and the body.
  36. Press the windshield firmly into place.
  37. Tape the windshield to the body in order to minimize movement.
  38. Clean any excess urethane adhesive on the body.

  39. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH
  40. Use a soft spray in order to watertest the windshield immediately.
  41. Warm or hot water is preferred in order to accelerate the cure of the adhesive.

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

  42. Inspect the windshield for leaks:
  43. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.

  44. Retest the windshield for leaks.
  45. Important: Use the following procedure in order to properly cure the urethane adhesive.

       • Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature (21°C or 70°F) at 30 percent relative humidity.
       • Allow a minimum of 6 hours for the moisture curing urethane adhesive.
       • Allow a minimum of 1 hour to 1 1/2 hours for the chemical curing urethane adhesive.
       • Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
       • Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is fully cured.

  46. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.
  47. Install the windshield garnish molding . Refer to Windshield Pillar Garnish Molding Replacement in Interior Trim.
  48. Install the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement .
  49. in Body Front End.

  50. Install the windshield wipers arms and blades. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement in Wipers/Washers Systems.
  51. Install the rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  52. Remove the protective tape and the coverings from the windshield area.
  53. Wipe the windshield area with a clean, dampened cloth using GM Window Cleaner GM P/N 1050427 or isopropyl alcohol in order to clean the surface of the windshield of the excess urethane adhesive.
  54. Allow to air dry.

  55. Close the hood.