Ford/Lincoln Glass Replacement Requirements

The role of the windshield is a lot more complex than simply allowing a view of the road ahead. It is considered a structural part of the vehicle as it contributes to the strength of the roof and A-pillars. The windshield helps to manage collision energy and has become an integral part of several advanced safety systems.

It is commonly asked, "What is required when replacing a windshield?" With this question in mind, we will be presenting a series of articles that highlight some of the requirements from the various OEMs. As always, it is important to read through each vehicle-specific procedure to ensure a complete, safe, and quality repair.

Let’s see what Ford/Lincoln has to say for the 2015-2024 model years.

• Apply Sika® Aktivator PRO, Dow® BETAPRIME™ 5504G, or Sika® Primer-207 to damaged clearcoat areas that did not expose bare metal.
• Avoid scratching the pinch weld. Repair all minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld following manufacturer's instructions for the product being used. Use the same brand primer and urethane adhesive.
• Ford/Lincoln specifies Motorcraft Ultra-Clear Spray Glass Cleaner ZC-23 (ESR-M14P5-A) to clean the inside of the new fixed glass.
• Apply one of the following to the new fixed glass Sika® Aktivator PRO, Dow® BETAPRIME™ 5504G or Sika® Primer-207.
• Apply one of Ford/Lincoln approved urethane adhesive: specifies SikaTack® MACH 60, SikaTack® MACH 30, Dow® BETASEAL™ Express, or Sika Tack ASAP Urethane Adhesive. Remember: Urethane must be the same brand as the chosen primer.

Ford requires the replacement of fixed glass if the original is removed from the vehicle and is equipped with any of the following features:

• The fixed glass is the windshield glass and equipped with a camera bracket.
• The fixed glass is the windshield glass and is equipped with adhesive moldings.
• The fixed glass is the windshield and equipped with Advanced Head Up Display (AHUD).
• The fixed glass is RIM encapsulated.

Ford/Lincoln does not approve the use of aftermarket windshield or side replacement glass. Stating non-OEM windshields may not have camera brackets in the proper location or may contain distortions that adversely affect the camera. This can result in key advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) features not functioning properly.

Ford/Lincoln also states that the use of non-OEM glass may also cause poor quality or secondary head up display (HUD) images, and increased road and wind noise.

If equipped with head-up display or a camera bracket, the replacement windshield must have locating pins and spacers to ensure proper alignment. With head-up display, the windshield must be installed with specific gaps to the A-pillar and roof. These specifications can be found in the Ford/Lincoln workshop manuals.

If equipped with a forward-facing camera, it will need to be calibrated.

To access vehicle-specific Ford/Lincoln windshield removal and installation procedures go to: www.motorcraftservice.com

To find the procedure go to: 5 Body Systems ➤ 01 Paint and Body ➤ 501-11 Glass, Frames, and Mechanisms ➤ General Procedures ➤ Fixed Glass.

For additional Ford/Lincoln information, check out the following pages:
Ford OEM Information
Lincoln OEM Information

Additional I-CAR Collision Repair News you may find helpful:

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• Collision Information Website Access: Ford/Lincoln
• Ford Collision Report: OE Glass Video
• Ford/Lincoln Fixed Glass Replacement With Adhesive Moldings
• Ford/Lincoln Position Statement: Use Of OEM Glass - UPDATE
• Stationary Glass Pinchweld Preparation - New Panel
• Step-By-Step: Accessing Ford/Lincoln Repair Information

---

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Damage Analysis of Stationary Glass

Course Ford Collision Repair Overview

Course I-CAR ADAS Courses

Course Stationary Glass Removal and Installation

Article validated in 2024