GM 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 GM has to say for the 2016-2024 model years.

• GM identifies different adhesives to be used, depending on the vehicle and which glass is being installed.
• It is important to stay within the same product line, do not intermix primers or adhesives.
• Be sure to refer to the urethane manufacturer’s directions for curing time specifications, and do not use adhesive after its expiration date.
• Pinch-weld primer is to be applied to any exposed painted areas on the pinch-weld flange. Black primer should not be applied to the existing bead of the urethane adhesive on the pinch-weld flange. Primer is to be applied only to nicks, scratches or the primed surfaces.
• During the installation process, it is important to keep the door glass open until the stationary glass installation is complete. This will help to prevent the sealant from cracking should the doors be opened and closed, causing a pressure change.
• GM identifies two specific tools:
• BO-24402-A Glass Sealant Remover (Cold Knife).
• BO-39032 Stationary Glass Removal Tool, or equivalent in order to remove the window.

GM has a specific warning for glass replacement: "Window Retention Warning: When replacing stationary windows, only use a single component adhesive kit, or an adhesive system meeting GM Specifications, to maintain original installation integrity. Failure to use the single component 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."

To access vehicle-specific GM stationary glass removal and installation procedures, go to: www.acdelcotds.com.

To find the procedure, go to: Body Systems ➤ Fixed and Moveable Windows ➤ Repair Instructions

When it comes to OEM glass and ADAS components that need to see through the windshield, General Motors has a Windshield Replacement Position Statement that addresses the following:

• "General Motors DOES NOT APPROVE the use of aftermarket or non-Genuine OE glass."
• "Aftermarket glass may have different material, dimensional, and clarity specifications than what was designed, engineered, tested, and validated for use with ADAS and may lack General Motors installation quality controls."

Per our contact at GM: "For vehicles equipped with a forward-facing camera (front view camera). If the windshield was replaced or R&I, the Frontview camera module must be calibrated."

For additional GM information, check out the following pages:
Chevrolet OEM Information
GMC OEM Information
Buick OEM Information
Cadillac OEM Information

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

• ADAS, Calibration, And Scanning Article Hotspot
• Collision Information Website Access: General Motors
• Stationary Glass Pinchweld Preparation - New Panel
• Step-By-Step: Accessing General Motors Repair Information

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