Windshield Glass: Installation

WARNING: This page is about a different car, the 2013 Ford Explorer. However, it is still accessible from the selected car via links, so may be relevant.

NOTE: For additional material guidelines, refer to the manufacturer's installation information.

Dry fit the windshield glass to the existing urethane adhesive bead on the body pinch weld. Align the windshield glass in the opening for a uniform fit.
Use a non-permanent pencil to make alignment marks on the windshield glass at the setting blocks (if equipped) and the body to aid in the installation alignment of the windshield glass.
Remove the windshield glass and place on a stable surface.
WARNING: Repair any corrosion found on the pinch weld. The pinch weld is a structural component of the vehicle. Corrosion left unrepaired may reduce the structural integrity of the vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s).

NOTE: Avoid scratching the pinch weld. Repair all minor scratches or exposed metal on the pinch weld following manufacturer's instructions. Use the same brand pinch weld primer, glass primer and urethane adhesive.

Using an appropriate tool, trim the urethane adhesive leaving a 1-2 mm (0.04-0.08 in) base of original equipment urethane adhesive on the pinch weld.

Fig 1: Trimming Urethane Adhesive Leaving
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Using a soft brush or vacuum, remove any dirt or foreign material from the pinch weld.
If installing the original windshield glass, remove the excess urethane adhesive.
NOTE: Be sure to use the same brand and cure-rate products for the urethane adhesive and glass primer. Do not mix different brands of urethane adhesive and glass primer. For additional information, refer to the Material Chart in this procedure.

If installing a new windshield glass, apply glass primer according to manufacturer's instructions. Allow at least 6 minutes to dry.
Cut the urethane adhesive applicator tip to specification.

Fig 2: Identifying Urethane Adhesive Applicator Tip Dimension
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
NOTE: Use either a high-ratio, electric or battery-operated caulk gun that will apply the urethane adhesive with less effort and continuous bead.

Apply urethane adhesive on top of the existing trimmed urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld, starting and ending at the bottom of the windshield near the center, making sure there are no gaps in the bead.

Fig 3: Identifying Existing Trimmed Urethane Adhesive Bead Dimensions
Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.
Install the windshield glass on the vehicle aligning it with the markings made previously.
WARNING: Improper curing of the urethane adhesive may adversely affect glass retention, which is important for restraint system performance during a crash. Carefully follow the urethane adhesive manufacturer's curing instructions. Do not drive the vehicle until the urethane adhesive seal has cured. Failure to follow these instructions may result in serious injury to vehicle occupant(s) during a crash.

After the urethane adhesive has cured, check the windshield glass seal for air or water leaks through the urethane adhesive bead and add urethane adhesive as necessary.
Position the front portion of the headliner.
Install the RH and LH sun visors and clips.
- Connect the sun visor electrical connectors and install the sun visors.
- Install both the sun visor screws.
- Install the sun visor screw covers.
- Install both the sun visor clips and retaining screws.
Connect the rain sensor/windshield camera defroster connector.
Install the overhead console. REFER to CONSOLE - OVERHEAD .
Install the interior rear view mirror. REFER to INTERIOR REAR VIEW MIRROR .
Install the interior A-pillar trim panels. REFER to A-PILLAR TRIM PANEL .
Install the cowl panel grille. REFER to COWL PANEL GRILLE .
Install the windshield applique bracket. REFER to APPLIQUE - WINDSHIELD .