Windshield Glass: Removal

NOTE: If the windshield glass is being removed to repair a dust/water leak, remove and reinstall the existing windshield glass.

Remove the cowl panel grille. For additional information, refer to FRONT END BODY PANELS article.
Remove the A-pillar trim panels. For additional information, refer to INTERIOR TRIM AND ORNAMENTATION article.
If equipped, remove the overhead console.
Remove the interior rear view mirror. For additional information, refer to REAR VIEW MIRRORS article.
Remove the sun visors.
Lower the front portion of the headliner.
Remove the windshield side moldings.
- Pull out starting at the top corner.

Fig 1: Windshield Side Molding

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Remove the upper windshield weatherstrip.
- Pull out starting at the corner.

Fig 2: Upper Windshield Weatherstrip

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Mark the outside of the windshield glass with a wax pencil to avoid damaging the glass stops when cutting the urethane.
Before cutting the urethane adhesive, remove dirt and other foreign material from the windshield pinch weld area.
- Use a clean shop towel or oil-free compressed air.

NOTE: Refer to manufacturer's instructions before using the tool.

Lubricate the urethane adhesive with water to aid the Rotunda Interior Auto Glass Cut-Out Knife Kit when cutting the urethane adhesive.

WARNING: Always wear eye protection when servicing a vehicle. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

WARNING: Wear protective gloves when handling components or parts that have pointed or sharp edges. Failure to follow this instruction may result in serious personal injury.

CAUTION: To avoid rust formation, use extreme care not to scratch the paint or primer, or otherwise damage the pinch weld during glass removal.

NOTE: Insert the blade into the special tool so that the flat side is against the glass. This will leave the entire urethane adhesive bead on the pinch weld and allow a dry fit of the replacement windshield glass.

NOTE: Support the windshield glass as necessary to prevent the glass from dropping while cutting the urethane adhesive.

Insert the special tool at the upper center of the windshield glass and work toward the bottom corners.

Fig 3: Identifying Special Tool (164-R2450) For Cutting Urethane Adhesive From Windshield Glass

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

CAUTION: Pump special tool 164-R2459 or equivalent slowly as cowl adhesive is cut to avoid breaking glass.

Using the special tool, distance the windshield from the body.

Fig 4: Identifying Special Tool (164-R2459) For Distance Windshield From Body

Courtesy of FORD MOTOR CO.

Insert the Rotunda Interior Auto Glass Cut-Out Knife Kit into the bottom of the urethane adhesive and cut from corner to corner.

NOTE: Removing the windshield glass requires more than one technician.

Carefully remove the windshield glass from the vehicle and place on a stable work surface.