GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Tools Required

    • J 24402-A Glass Sealant (Cold Knife) Remover
    • 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: 379401  Size: SH

    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. Remove the lift window reveal molding. Refer to Rear Window Reveal Molding Replacement
  2. Remove the rear compartment lift window inner panel.
  3. Disconnect the rear window defogger connectors on both sides of the window, if equipped.
  4. Tape must not touch window sealant surface.
  5. 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.

  6. Use safety glasses and gloves.

  7. Object Number: 379404  Size: SH
  8. When cutting the secondary rear inner urethane bead DO NOT cut through the wiring harness (2) in the urethane.

  9. Object Number: 71179  Size: SH

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

  10. Use J 24402-A or J 39032 in order to remove the lift window.

  11. Object Number: 71184  Size: SH
  12. With the aid of an assistant remove the lift window 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 lift window:
  4. • The flange of the lift window opening
    • The lift window reveal molding
  5. Inspect for any of the following problems in order to help prevent future breakage of the lift window :
  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. 4.1. Inspect the condition of the lift window opening and the adhesive bead to determine which installation method should be used. Refer to Short Method Description or Extended Method Description for guidelines.
    4.2. 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 lift window and the pinchweld flange.
    4.3. Remove all traces of broken glass from the outer cowl panel, seats, floor and defroster ducts.
    4.4. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the lift window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  9. After repairing the opening as indicated, shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least 1 minute.

  10. Object Number: 245283  Size: SH

    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.

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

  13. Object Number: 379395  Size: SH
  14. Install the reveal molding (1) to the edge of the lift window (2). If the original reveal molding is damaged it must be replaced. Refer to Rear Window Reveal Molding Replacement .

  15. Object Number: 71184  Size: SH
  16. With the aid of an assistant, dry fit the lift window in the opening in order to determine the correct way to position the window in the opening.
  17. With the aid of assistant and using suction cups remove the lift window from the opening.
  18. Place the lift window inside up on a clean, protected surface.
  19. If the original lift window is being reused remove all but a thin film of the existing urethane adhesive from the lift window surface by using a clean utility knife or razor blade scraper.
  20. Important: Do not remove all traces of the adhesive. Remove all mounds or loose pieces of urethane adhesive.

  21. If the extended method is being used remove all but approximately 2 mm (3/64 in) of the existing bead of adhesive from the pinchweld flange.
  22. Clean around the edge of the inside surface of the lift window with a 50/50 mixture of isopropyl alcohol and water by volume on a dampened lint free cloth.
  23. Shake the pinchweld primer (black #3) for at least 1 minute.
  24. Important: Do not apply the (black #3) primer to the existing bead of the urethane adhesive. Apply only to nicks, scratches or the primed surfaces.

  25. Use a new dauber to apply the primer to the surface of the pinchweld flange.
  26. Allow the pinchweld primer to dry for approximately 10 minutes.

  27. Object Number: 161424  Size: SH

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

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

  32. Object Number: 245290  Size: SH
  33. Use a new dauber in order to apply the glass primer (black #2) to the same areas (2) that glass prep (clear #1) was applied.
  34. 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.

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

  36. Object Number: 161427  Size: SH
  37. If using the short method, cut the tip of the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 6.0 mm (1/4 in).
  38. If using the extended method, cut the applicator nozzle in order to provide a bead of 12.7 mm (1/2 in) wide and 12.7 mm (1/2 in ) high.

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

  42. Object Number: 245315  Size: SH
  43. When using the extended method, use the edge of the lift 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 lift window (3).
  44. If applying urethane adhesive to the inside edge of the lift window reveal molding (1) use the lift window reveal molding as a guide for the nozzle.


    Object Number: 71184  Size: SH
  45. With the aid of an assistant, use the suction cups in order to install the lift window into the opening.
  46. Press the lift window firmly into place.
  47. Tape the lift window to the body in order to minimize movement until the urethane adhesive cures.

  48. Object Number: 706194  Size: SH
  49. Clean any excess urethane adhesive from the body.

  50. Object Number: 95572  Size: SH

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

  51. Use a soft spray of warm water in order to immediately water test the lift window.
  52. Inspect the lift window for leaks.
  53. If any leaks are found, use a plastic paddle in order to apply extra urethane adhesive at the leak point.
  54. Retest the lift window for leaks.
  55. 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.

  56. The following conditions must be maintained to properly cure the urethane adhesive:
  57. 37.1. Partially lower a door window in order to prevent pressure buildups when closing doors before the urethane adhesive cures.
    37.2. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive is cured. Refer to the above curing times.
    37.3. Do not use compressed air in order to dry the urethane adhesive.

    Object Number: 379401  Size: SH
  58. Connect the rear window defogger connectors on both sides of the window, if equipped.
  59. Install the lift window reveal molding. Refer to Rear Window Reveal Molding Replacement .
  60. Install the rear compartment lift window inner panel.
  61. Remove the protective coverings and tape from the vehicle and the headliner.
  62. Close the liftgate window.