GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Removal Procedure

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant Remover (Cold Knife)
    • J 39032 Liftgate Glass Removal Tool
    • Solvent for cleaning the edge of the window (use GM Glass Cleaner P/N 1050427 or ispropyl alcohol)
    • 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.

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.

  1. Remove the back window wiper arm and washer hose from the liftgate.
  2. Apply masking tape to the painted surfaces around the liftgate window in order to help prevent paint damage.
  3. Open liftgate window.
  4. Remove the liftgate window garnish molding refer to interior trim for removal. Refer to Liftgate Garnish Molding Replacement in Body Rear End.
  5. Remove the electrical connector for from the rear window defogger on the liftgate window.
  6. Use J 24402-A orJ 39032 in order to cut the window from the pinchweld flange. Do this from inside the vehicle.

  7. Object Number: 401412  Size: SH
  8. Remove the liftgate window from the pinchweld flange with the aid of an assistant.
  9. Keep the blade of the knife as close to the pinchweld flange as possible in order to leave a base of urethane on the window.
  10. The liftgate window reveal molding retains the urethane adhesive in the cavity between the body and the opening. If the liftgate window reveal molding is damaged by cutting it too close to the window surface, replaced the window.
  11. Inspect the condition of the liftgate window opening and the urethane adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to the descriptions of short or extended method for guidelines.
  12. 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 products are approved for this application.

  13. After repairing the open as indicated, perform the following steps:
  14. Shake the pinchweld primer (#3 black) well.

  15. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH
  16. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area.
  17. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

Installation Procedure

  1. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the liftgate window in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the liftgate window in the opening.

  2. Object Number: 401412  Size: SH
  3. Use masking tape in order to mark the location of the liftgate window in the opening.
  4. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the liftgate window.
  5. Remove the liftgate window from the opening.
  6. Place the liftgate 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 liftgate window 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 the primed surface of the flange in the bonding area.
    8.5. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.
    8.6. Use care when applying the liftgate window prep (#1 clear) in order to prevent the liftgate window prep from running into the vision area of the liftgate window. This primer dries almost instantly and may stain the viewing area of the liftgate window.

    Object Number: 161424  Size: SH
  11. If installing a new window:
  12. 9.1.  Use a new dauber, to apply the liftgate 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 glass inner surface (reference the illustration of the primer/bonding areas).
    9.2. Apply liftgate window prep (#1 clear) to any exposed edges of the window.
    9.3. Wipe the primed area immediately with a lint free cloth.

    Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  13. Shake the liftgate window primer (#2 black) well.
  14. 10.1.  Use a new dauber, to apply the liftgate window primer (#2 black) to the areas which the liftgate window prep (#1 clear) was applied.
    10.2. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 6 minutes.

    Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  15. Cut the tip of the applicator nozzle as follows:
  16. If short method installation is being used, cut the tip to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 6.0 mm (1/4 in).


    Object Number: 401416  Size: SH
  17. If extended installation method is being used, cut the tip to provide an adhesive bead of approximately 10.5 mm (0.14 in) wide and 10.5 mm (0.14 in) high.

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

  21. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  22. When using the extended installation method, use the edge of the liftgate 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) liftgate window.
  23. Use rubber suction cups, and with the aid of a assistant, install the liftgate window into the opening.
  24. Align the tape on the liftgate window and the body.
  25. Press the liftgate window firmly into place.
  26. Tape the liftgate window to body in order to minimize movement.
  27. 19.1. Remove any excess urethane adhesive that may have squeezed out from the body.
    19.2. Warm or hot water is preferred in order to accelerate the cure of adhesive.
    19.3. Do not direct a hard stream of high pressure water at fresh urethane adhesive.
    19.4. Use a soft spray of water in order to watertest the liftgate window immediately.

    Important: Inspect the liftgate window for leaks.

  28. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane at the leak point.
  29. Retest the liftgate window for leaks.
  30. In order to properly cure the urethane adhesive, do the following:
  31. 22.1. Allow the vehicle to remain at room temperature of 22° C  (72° F) at 30 percent or less relative humidity.
    22.2. Allow a minimum of (6 hours) for the moisture curing urethane adhesive.
    22.3. Allow a minimum of (1 to 1 1/2 hours) for the chemical curing urethane adhesive.
    22.4. Partially lower a door window to prevent pressure build ups when closing doors prior to urethane adhesive cure.
    22.5. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured.
    22.6. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.
  32. Install the electrical connector for to the rear window defogger on the liftgate window.
  33. Install the liftgate window garnish molding refer to interior trim. Refer to Liftgate Garnish Molding Replacement in Body Rear End.
  34. Close liftgate window.
  35. Install the back window wiper arm and washer hose to the liftgate.
  36. Remove the tape from the painted surfaces.