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Home / Collision Repair News / GM Glass Replacement Requirements

GM Glass Replacement Requirements

Posted on 10 November 2016 | Share:
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2016 Cadillac CT6

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 are 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 2016-2025 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 helps 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.

Per the Adhesive Installation Of Windshields document: " If corrosion of the pinch-weld flange is present or if sheet metal repairs or replacements are required, the pinch-weld 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."

GM has a specific warning for glass replacement: "Window Retention Warning: When replacing stationary windows, use a urethane adhesive system that meets the FMVSS 212 crash test standard, suitable for structural glass bonding. 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."

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:

  • "GM does not approve the use of aftermarket or non-Genuine Original Equipment (OE) glass for windshield replacement."
  • "Aftermarket glass may have varying material, dimensional, and clarity specifications that do not meet the exact standards designed, engineered, tested, and validated for use with GM vehicle' Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS)."

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:

Related I-CAR Courses

Course Damage Analysis of Stationary Glass

Course General Motors (GM) Company Collision Repair Overview

Course I-CAR ADAS Courses

Course Stationary Glass Removal and Installation

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