When you replace a cracked windshield, determine the cause of the crack and the corrected condition before you install a new window.

The cause of the crack may be an obstruction, or a high spot, somewhere around the flange of the opening. Cracking may not occur until pressure from the high spot or the obstruction becomes particularly high due to the following conditions:

If a windshield is broken, the glass may have already fallen or been removed from the adhesive. You may have to remove a cracked or otherwise imperfect windshield that is still intact.

If a crack extends to the edge of the window, mark the point on the cab where the crack meets the reveal molding with a grease pencil. Later, when you examine the flange of the opening for the cause of the crack, start at the point marked.

Tools Required

J 24402-A Cold Knife Glass Sealant Remover

1. Place protective coverings around the windshield removal area.
2. Remove the windshield wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement in Wipers/ Washer Systems.
3. Remove the radio antenna mast. Refer to Fixed Antenna Mast Replacement in Entertainment.
4. Remove the air inlet grille panels. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in Body Front End.



5. Remove the windshield supports (2) from the cowl.
6. Remove the rear view mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
7. Remove the drip rail seals in the area of the windshield.
8. Remove the windshield garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Garnish Molding Replacement .
9. Remove the defroster vent grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
10. Place protective coverings over the defroster outlets and the instrument panel.



11. Remove the reveal molding from the windshield.

Use a utility knife in order to cut the molding away from the windshield.

12. Remove the windshield using the J 24402-A .

12.1.

Insert the blade between the windshield and the urethane adhesive.

12.2.

Keep the blade against the windshield edge. Cut the adhesive from the windshield.

13. With the aid of an assistant, remove the windshield from the vehicle.
14. Clean the loosed adhesive from the pinchweld flange by wiping the area with a dry cloth.
15. Do not scrape away the old adhesive that is still attached to the pinchweld flange. You may damage the paint.
16. Inspect the following components in order to determine the cause of the broken windshield in order to prevent future breakage:

•	The windhsield opening

•	The reveal molding

•

The glass

17. Look for any of the following conditions in the pinchweld flange:

•	High weld spots

•	High solder spots

•	Hardened spot weld sealer

•	Other obstructions

•	Other irregularities

1. The Urethane Adhesive Caulking Kit GM P/N 12346284 contains the following items:

•	4 different primers

•	Urethane adhesive with nozzle

•

Daubers

•	Instructions with warnings

2. Use the urethane adhesive caulking kit when you replace any urethane adhesive-installed window using the short or extended method.
3. You may use an equivalent urethane adhesive system as long as the system meets GM Specification GM3651M.
4. Always follow the system manufacturer's application, handling, and curing instructions.

Other materials required for windshield installation that are not included in the service kit are the following items:

1. If the original windshield is being installed, clean all of the old urethane adhesive off of the windshield using a razor knife.

Use repair kit GM P/N 12346284 or equivalent that contains the necessary primers and adhesives.

Important: A new reveal molding must be used when installing a windshield.




2. Install the reveal molding to the windshield.



3. Apply the clear primer to the windshield.

•	Cover an area 18 mm (0.75 in) from the glass edge.

•	Apply the primer to the edge of the reveal molding that faces the inside surface of the windshield.

•	Wipe the primer dry immediately.

4. Apply the black primer to the same area as the clear primer.

Allow the primer to dry.

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.

5. Apply a bead of urethane 10 mm (0.40 in) high over the primer.



6. Install the windshield supports (2) to the cowl.



7. With the aid of a helper, lift the windshield into place.
8. Install the rearview mirror. Refer to Inside Rearview Mirror Replacement .
9. Remove the protective coverings from the defroster outlets and the instrument panel.
10. Install the defroster vent grille. Refer to Defroster Grille Replacement in Instrument Panel, Gauges and Console.
11. Install the windshield garnish moldings. Refer to Windshield Garnish Molding Replacement .
12. Install the roof drip rail seal.
13. Install the air inlet grille panels. Refer to Air Inlet Grille Panel Replacement in Body Front End.
14. Install the windshield wiper arms. Refer to Windshield Wiper Arm Replacement in Wipers/ Washer Systems.
15. Install the radio antenna mast. Refer to Fixed Antenna Mast Replacement in Entertainment.
16. Use a light flow of water (warm or hot) in order to test the windshield for water leaks.
17. Allow the vehicle to stand for a minimum of 6 hours at room temperature, 22°C (70°F) at 30 percent humidity, in order to let the adhesive dry.