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: 488787  Size: MH

    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. Gently pry loose and remove the windshield pillar trim panels from the vehicle.
  2. Caution: If broken glass falls into the defroster outlets, it can be blown into the passenger compartment and cause personal injury.

  3. Cover the defroster grille outlets as needed.
  4. Remove the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in Body Front End.
  5. Remove the inside rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  6. Turn the windshield support (3) along the bottom of the windshield (2) counterclockwise.
  7. Gently pry and remove the windshield supports (3) from the cowl.
  8. 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.

  9. Use safety glasses and gloves.

  10. Object Number: 488769  Size: MH

    Important: The windshield reveal molding (1) fills the cavities between the body and windshield and can not be reused if stretched or damaged.

  11. Remove the windshield reveal molding (1).
  12. Grasp the lower corner of the windshield reveal molding (1) by hand and slowly pull the reveal molding away from the windshield (4).

  13. Object Number: 379905  Size: SH
  14. If the windshield reveal molding will not release, use a utility knife in order to cut around the windshield in order to remove the windshield reveal molding.

  15. Object Number: 71179  Size: SH

    Important: Keep the cutting edge of the tool against the windshield when removing the windshield. This will allow the urethane adhesive to be separated from the windshield. Leave a base of urethane on the pinchweld flange. The only suitable lubrication is clear water.

  16. Use the J 24402-A  (1) or J 39032 in order to remove the windshield (2).

  17. Object Number: 488769  Size: MH
  18. Gently unseat the windshield retainer-male end (3) on the windshield (4) from the windshield retainer-female end (2) on the body.

  19. Object Number: 379903  Size: SH
  20. With the aid of an assistant and suction cups, remove the windshield from the vehicle.

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 windshield:
  4. • The flange of the windshield opening
    • The windshield reveal molding
  5. Inspect for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the windshield:
  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 pinchweld flange must be refinished in order to restore the bonding area strength. 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®, 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. • Inspect the condition of the windshield opening and the adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used.
    • 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 windshield and the pinchweld flange.
    • Remove all traces of broken glass from the outer cowl panel, seats, floor and defroster ducts.
    • Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the windshield with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.

    Object Number: 245283  Size: SH
  1. After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least 1 minute.
  2. 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.

  3. Use a new dauber to apply the pinchweld primer (black #3) to the surface of the bonding area (1).
  4. Allow the primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes. Ensure that all nicks and scratches are covered.

  5. Object Number: 378502  Size: SH
  6. If using the extended method, install the spacers and the VIN plate filler strip.

  7. Object Number: 397314  Size: SH
  8. Install the reveal molding to the edge of the windshield. If the original reveal molding is damaged, it must be replaced.
  9. Install a new acoustic strip, if needed.

  10. Object Number: 488787  Size: MH
  11. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the windshield (2) in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the windshield in the opening.
  12. Use masking tape (1) in order to mark the location of the windshield (2) in the opening.
  13. Slit the masking tape at the top edge of the windshield.
  14. With the aid of an assistant and using suction cups, remove the windshield (2) from the opening.

  15. Object Number: 488774  Size: SH
  16. Place the windshield (1) inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  17. If the original windshield (1) is being reused, remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive (2) from the windshield (1) surface by using a clean utility knife or razor blade scraper.

  18. Object Number: 350365  Size: SH

    Important: Do not remove all traces of the adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive.

  19. If the extended method is being used remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing bead of adhesive (2) from the pinchweld flange.
  20. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the windshield with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  21. 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.

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

  25. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH

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

  26. Use a new dauber in order to apply 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.

  27. Object Number: 379890  Size: SH
  28. Apply a second coat of the glass prep number (clear #1) to the same area of the glass.
  29. Wipe the primed glass area immediately with a clean lint free cloth.
  30. Shake the glass primer (black #2) for at least 1 minute.

  31. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  32. Use a new dauber in order to apply the glass primer (black #2) (2) to the same areas that glass prep (clear #1) was applied.
  33. 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.

  34. Allow the glass primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

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

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

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

  43. Object Number: 488787  Size: MH
  44. Install the windshield supports (3) to the body.
  45. With the aid of an assistant, use suction cups in order to install the windshield (2) into the opening.
  46. Place the windshield (2) on the windshield supports (3). Twist the support to the up position.
  47. Align the tape lines (1) on the windshield (2) and the body.

  48. Object Number: 706204  Size: SH
  49. Press the windshield firmly into place.
  50. Tape the windshield to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.

  51. Object Number: 706194  Size: SH
  52. Clean any excess urethane adhesive on the body.

  53. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH

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

  54. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately watertest the windshield.
  55. Inspect the windshield for leaks.
  56. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  57. Retest the windshield for leaks.
  58. 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.

  59. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane.
  60. 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.
  61. Install the air inlet grille. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in Body Front End.
  62. Install the inside rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
  63. Install the windshield pillar trim panels to the vehicle. Ensure that the plastic retainers are completely engaged.
  64. Remove the protective coverings and tape from the vehicle and the headliner.