Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair

GLASS-LIFTGATE

REMOVAL

NOTE: Windshield removal shown, liftgate glass similar.




1. Before proceeding with the following repair procedure, review all warnings and cautions. Refer to Windows and Glass / Service Precautions.
2. Remove the liftgate trim panels. Refer to Trunk / Liftgate Shock / Support.
3. Remove rear window wiper arm, if equipped.
4. Disconnect the wire connectors from rear window defogger terminals and, rear window mounted radio antenna, if equipped.
5. Using an assistant and a wire-type windshield cutout tool (1, 3 and 4), cut and separate the urethane adhesive (2) securing the backlite to the liftgate.
6. Carefully remove the backlite from the vehicle.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION:
- To help prevent water leaks, partially roll down the left and right door glass before installing the liftgate glass. This avoids pressurizing the passenger compartment if a door is slammed before the urethane is cured.
- Protect all painted and trimmed surfaces from coming in contact with urethane or primers.




1. If the liftgate glass (1) is being reused, remove the as much original urethane (3) as possible from the glass surface using a razor knife (2).






NOTE:
- To prevent corrosion, do not damage paint on the liftgate glass fence when removing original urethane.
- The liftgate glass fence should be cleaned of most of its old urethane adhesive. A small amount of old urethane, approximately 1 mm in height should remain on the fence. Do not completely remove all old urethane from the fence, the paint finish and bonding strength will be adversely affected. Replace any missing or damaged spacers around the perimeter of the liftgate glass fence.

2. Using a razor knife (2), level the original bead of urethane (1) on the liftgate glass fence (3) to a thickness of approximately 1 mm (0.04 in.) and remove the loose adhesive.




3. Replace any damaged or missing spacers (1 and 3).
4. Using an assistant, position the liftgate glass (2) into the liftgate glass opening and against the support spacers.
5. Verify the liftgate glass lays evenly against the lift-gate fence at the top, bottom and sides of the opening. If not, the fence must be formed to the shape of the liftgate glass.
6. Mark the liftgate glass and fence with a grease pencil or pieces of masking tape to use as a reference for installation.
7. Using an assistant, remove the liftgate glass from the liftgate glass opening and place it on a suitable padded work surface.






WARNING: Do not use solvent based glass cleaners to clean the liftgate glass before applying glass prep and primer or poor glass adhesion may result.

8. Clean the inside of the liftgate glass with an ammonia based glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
9. Apply glass prep adhesion promoter 25 mm (1 in.) wide (1) around the perimeter of the liftgate glass (2) and 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the edge of the glass and wipe dry with a clean lint-free cloth until no streaks are visible.
10. Apply glass primer 25 mm (1 in.) wide around the perimeter of the liftgate glass and 5 mm (0.2 in.) from the edge of the glass. Allow at least three minutes drying time.
11. Using a flashlight, verify that the primer is completely and evenly installed along the perimeter of the liftgate glass.
12. Re-prime any area that is not fully and evenly primed.




13. Clean the liftgate glass fence with an ammonia based glass cleaner and a lint-free cloth.
14. Apply pinch weld primer 15 mm (0.75 in.) wide (1) around the liftgate glass fence (2). Allow at least three minutes drying time.
15. Using a flashlight, verify that the primer is completely and evenly installed along the liftgate glass fence.
16. Re-prime any area that is not fully and evenly primed.






CAUTION: Always apply the bead of adhesive to the backlite. Always install the backlite within 5 minutes after applying the adhesive.

NOTE: If the original urethane adhesive has been exposed for more than 12 hours, the entire adhesive area will need to be re-primed prior to installing new adhesive.

17. Apply approximately a 10 mm (0.4 in.) wide bead of adhesive (1) with a triangular nozzle triangular nozzle approximately 6 mm (0.230 in.) from the edge of the glass (2) starting at the bottom center of the glass.




18. Run the end of the adhesive bead (1) on the lift-gate glass (2) parallel to the start of the bead and smooth the ends flush.




19. Using an assistant, position the liftgate glass (2) over the liftgate glass opening and against the support spacers (1 and 3).
20. Using the grease pencil marks or tape as reference points, align the liftgate glass to the opening.
21. Carefully lower the liftgate glass onto the liftgate glass fence.

CAUTION: It is not possible to move the liftgate glass after installation. The liftgate glass should never be pressed into place by more than one person, because the glass can break if pressed simultaneously on both sides.

22. Push the liftgate glass inward until the glass comes into contact with the spacers located on each side of the liftgate glass fence.
23. Connect the wire connectors to the rear window defogger terminals and, rear window mounted radio antenna, if equipped.
24. Install the liftgate trim panels.
25. Install the rear window wiper arm, if equipped.