GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant Remover (Cold Knife)
    • J 39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool
    • Solvent for cleaning the window (use GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427 or equivalent
    • Household cartridge-type caulking gun
    • Commercial-type utility knife used to cut around the edge of the window
    • Rubber suction grips

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.

  1. Place protective coverings around the window removal area in order to perform the following steps:
  2. Apply masking tape to the painted surfaces around the rear window in order to prevent paint damage.
  3. Remove the rear quarter trim finish panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
  4. Disconnect the rear window defogger electrical connectors from the right and left side of the rear window.
  5. Remove the rear window garnish molding. Refer to Rear Window Garnish Molding Replacement

  6. Object Number: 161474  Size: SH
  7. Remove the rear window reveal molding.
  8. 6.1. 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.
    6.2.  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.
    6.3. The rear window reveal molding fills the cavity between the body and window and can not be reused if stretched or damaged.

    Object Number: 264800  Size: SH

    Important: Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the windshield, this will allow the urethane adhesive to be separated from the rear window.

  9. Use the J 24402-A and J 39032 to remove the rear window.

  10. Object Number: 397306  Size: SH
  11. Remove the rear window from the vehicle with aid of an assistant.
  12. The following components may reveal the causes of a broken rear window:
  13. • The flange of the rear window opening
    • The rear window reveal molding
    • The rear window
  14. Look for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the rear window:
  15. • High weld
    • Solder spots
    • Hardened spot weld sealer
    • Any other obstruction or irregularity in the pinchweld flange.
  16. Inspect the condition of the rear window opening and the adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to the descriptions of short or extended method for guidelines.
  17. 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. 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 ® and PPG DP40 ®, or equivalent product are approved for this application.

  18. After repairing the opening as indicated, perform the following steps:
  19. Shake the pinchweld primer (#3 black) well.

  20. Object Number: 245283  Size: SH
  21. Use a new dauber to apply the primer (1) to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area.
  22. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

Installation Procedure


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

  2. Object Number: 397307  Size: SH
  3. Use masking tape (1) in order to mark the location of the rear window (2) in the opening.
  4. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the rear window.
  5. Remove therear window from the opening.
  6. Place the rear window inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  7. If the original window is being reused, remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive from the window surface using a utility knife or equivalent.
  8. Clean the inside surface of the windshield with GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427 or equivalent.
  9. If an extended method installation is being performed:
  10. 8.1. Remove all but a thin film of the existing bead of adhesive from the pinchweld flange.
    8.2. It is not necessary to remove all traces of adhesive, but there should not be any mounds or loose pieces left.
    8.3. Shake the pinchweld primer (#3 black) well.
    8.4. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to any exposed painted surfaces (or scratches in the metal) of the flange in the bonding area.
    8.5. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

    Object Number: 397314  Size: SH
  11. Install the rear window reveal molding to the edge of the window. If the original reveal molding is damaged it must be replaced.
  12. Install a new acoustic strip if needed.
  13. Important: Use the following procedure:

  14. 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 and may stain the viewing area of the windshield.

  15. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH
  16. If installing a new window:
  17. 12.1.  Use a new dauber, to apply the windshield prep (#1 clear) to the area approximately 10 mm to 16 mm (3/8 in 5/8 in) around the entire perimeter of the glass inner surface (reference the illustration of the primer/bonding areas).
    12.2. Apply the windshield prep (#1 clear) to any exposed edges of the window.
    12.3. Wipe the primed area immediately with a lint free cloth.

    Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  18. Shake the windshield primer (#2 black) well.
  19. 13.1.  Use a new dauber, to apply the windshield primer (#2 black) to the same areas that the windshield prep (#1 clear) was applied.
    13.2. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 6 minutes.

    Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  20. Cut the tip of the applicator nozzle as follows:
  21. 14.1. If short method installation is being used, cut the tip to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 6.0 mm (1/4 in).
    14.2.  If extended installation method is being used, cut the tip to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 12.7 mm (1/2 in) wide and 12.7 mm (1/2 in) high.

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

  24. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  25. When using the extended installation method, use the edge of therear window or the inside edge of the reveal molding as a guide for the nozzle in order to apply the (2) urethane adhesive to the inner surface of the (3) rear window.

  26. Object Number: 397306  Size: SH
  27. Use rubber suction cups, and with the aid of a assistant, install the rear window into the opening.

  28. Object Number: 397307  Size: SH
  29. Align the tape on the rear window and the body.
  30. Press therear window firmly into place.
  31. Tape the rear window to body in order to minimize movement.
  32. 21.1. Remove any excess urethane adhesive that may have squeezed out from the body.
    21.2. Use a soft spray of water in order to water test the windshield immediately.
    21.3. Warm or hot water is preferred in order to accelerate the cure of urethane adhesive.
    21.4. Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water at fresh urethane adhesive.

    Important: Inspect the rear window for leaks:

  33. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane at the leak point.
  34. Retest rear window for leaks.
  35. Use the following procedure in order to properly cure the urethane adhesive.
  36. • Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature of 22 °C ( 72° F) at 30% or less relative humidity.
    • Allow a minimum of (6 hours) for the moisture curing urethane adhesive.
    • Allow a minimum of (1 to 1 1/2 hours) for the chemical curing urethane adhesive.
    • Partially lower a door window to prevent pressure build ups when closing doors prior to urethane adhesive cure.
    • Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured.
    • Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

    Object Number: 161474  Size: SH
  37. Install the remaining rear window reveal molding to the rear window.
  38. Connect the rear window defogger electrical connectors to the right and left side of the rear window.
  39. Install the rear quarter trim finish panels. Refer to Rear Quarter Upper Trim Panel Replacement in Interior Trim.
  40. Remove the tape from the painted surfaces.