Liftgate Window Glass: Service and Repair

BACKLITE

REMOVAL

1. Open liftgate.
2. Remove liftgate trim panel.
3. Disconnect heated backlite (HBL) connector.
4. Remove wiper arm.
5. Remove CHMSL lens.
6. Using a razor knife, slide the blade between the liftgate glass and the inboard edge of the reveal molding.
7. Cut around the interior perimeter of the reveal molding and severe the cap of the reveal molding.
8. Using a cold knife, cut urethane bonding from around liftgate glass. A pneumatic cutting device can be used if available.
9. Separate glass from Liftgate.

INSTALLATION

CAUTION: Open a window before installing glass. This will avoid pressurizing the passenger compartment. If a door or liftgate is slammed before urethane is cured, water leaks can result.

1. Trim the urethane from the liftgate glass opening flanges. Leave a 3 mm (0.1 in.) level base of urethane on the flanges.
2. Starting in the corners, press reveal molding onto glass.
3. Place replacement glass into liftgate opening and position glass in the center of the opening against flange.
4. Verify the glass lays evenly against the fence at the sides, top and bottom. If not, the flange must be formed to the shape of the new glass.
5. Using a grease pencil or equivalent, make references marks on the glass and body.
6. Remove replacement glass from liftgate opening.
7. Position the glass inside up on a suitable work surface.

WARNING: DO NOT USE SOLVENT BASED GLASS CLEANER TO CLEAN WINDSHIELD BEFORE APPLYING GLASS PREP AND PRIMER. POOR ADHESION CAN RESULT.

8. Clean inside of glass with Mopar(R) Glass Cleaner and lint-free cloth.
9. Apply PVC (vinyl) primer 25 mm (1 in.) wide around edge of glass. Wipe with clean/dry lint-free cloth.
10. If necessary, apply fence primer around edge of fence. Allow at least eighteen minutes drying time.
11. Apply a 10 mm (0.4 in.) bead of urethane around glass border.
12. Position glass into liftgate opening and reference marks.
13. Push the glass inward until the reveal molding is seated onto the liftgate frame. Use care to avoid excessive squeeze-out of adhesive.
14. Open windows to prevent pressure build-up while the urethane is curing.
15. Apply 150 mm (6 in.) lengths of 50 mm (2 in.) masking tape spaced 250 mm (10 in.) apart to hold glass in place until urethane cures.
16. Install the wiper arm.
17. Install CHMSL lens.
18. Connect heated backlite (HBL) connector.
19. After urethane has cured, remove tape strips and water test to verify repair.
20. Install liftgate trim panel.