Upper Rear Window Replacement

Special Tools Required 

KTC Trim Tool Set SOJATP2014*

*Available through the Honda Tool and Equipment Program, 888-424-6857

1. Remove these items:
   • Hatch side trims, both sides (see TRIM REMOVAL/INSTALLATION - HATCH AREAS )
   • Hatch spoiler (see HATCH SPOILER REPLACEMENT )
   • Rear window wiper motor (see INSTALLATION )
2. Remove the upper seal (A) from the edge of the upper rear window. If necessary, cut the upper seal with a utility knife.
   Fig 1: Removing Upper Seal From Edge Of Upper Rear Window

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
3. Remove the antenna terminal cover (A).
   1. Carefully insert the appropriate trim tool.
   2. Use the trim tool (B) to gently pry the cover up partially to detach the hooks (C, D), then rotate the cover, and detach the hook (E).
      Fig 2: Removing Antenna Terminal Cover

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
4. Disconnect the hatch ground connector (A) and the upper rear window defogger connectors (B).
   Fig 3: Identifying Hatch Ground Connector And Upper Rear Window Defogger Connectors

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
5. Pull the upper rear window molding (A), then remove it.
   Fig 4: Identifying Upper Rear Window Molding

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
6. If the old upper rear window will be reinstalled, make alignment marks (A) across the glass and the body with a grease pencil.
   Fig 5: Identifying Alignment Marks Across Glass And Body

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
7. Apply protective tape along the inside and the outside edges of the hatch. Make a hole with an awl through the adhesive from inside the vehicle at a corner area of the upper rear window. Push the piano wire through the hole, and wrap each end around a piece of wood.
8. With a helper on the outside, pull the piano wire (A) back and forth in a sawing motion. Hold the piano wire as close to the upper rear window (B) as possible to prevent damage to the hatch, and carefully cut through the adhesive (C) around the entire upper rear window.
   Fig 6: Pulling Piano Wire Back And Forth In Sawing Motion

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.

   Cutting positions 

   Fig 7: Identifying Cutting Positions

   Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
9. Carefully remove the upper rear window.
10. Scrape smooth the old adhesive with a knife until there is a thickness of about 2 mm (0.08 in) on the bonding surface around the entire upper rear window opening flange:
    • Do not scrape down to the painted surface of the body; damaged paint will interfere with proper bonding.
    • Remove the fasteners from the hatch.
11. Clean the hatch bonding surface with a sponge dampened in isopropyl alcohol. After cleaning, keep oil, grease and water from getting on the surface.
12. If you are reinstalling the old upper rear window, scrape off all of the old adhesive, the fasteners and the rubber dams from the upper rear window. Clean the bonding surface on the inside face and the edge of the upper rear window with isopropyl alcohol. Make sure the bonding surface is kept free of water, oil, and grease.
13. Attach a new upper seal (A) with adhesive tape along the upper edge of the upper rear window (B):
    • Before installing the upper seal, apply primer to the area where its adhesive tape will be stuck in inside face of the upper rear window.
    • Be sure the upper seal with the alignment marks (C) on the upper edge of the upper rear window.
      Fig 8: Attaching Upper Seal With Adhesive Tape Along Upper Edge Of Upper Rear Window

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
14. Attach a new rubber dam A, B, C and the fasteners (D, E) with the adhesive tape to the inside face of the upper rear window (F) as shown:
    • Before installing the rubber dams and the fasteners, apply primer to the area where the adhesive tape will be stuck to the inside face of the upper rear window.
    • Make sure the rubber dams and the fasteners align with the alignment marks (G).
    • Be careful not to touch the upper rear window where adhesive will be applied.
      Fig 9: Attaching Rubber Dam A, B, C And Fasteners (D, E) With Adhesive Tape To Inside Face Of Upper Rear Window

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
15. Attach the fasteners (A, B) to the hatch as shown.
    Fig 10: Identifying Hatch Fasteners

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
16. Set the upper rear window (A) in the opening, and center it. Make alignment marks (B) across the upper rear window and the body with a grease pencil at the four points shown. Make sure the fasteners (C) contact with the edge of body hole. Be careful not to touch the upper rear window where the adhesive will be applied.
    Fig 11: Identifying Alignment Marks On Upper Rear Window And Body

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
17. Remove the upper rear window.
18. Apply a light coat of glass primer to the upper rear window (A) along the edge of the rubber dams (B) as shown, then lightly wipe it off with gauze or cheesecloth:
    • Apply the glass primer to both corner areas of the upper rear window using the printed dots (C) on the upper rear window as a guide.
    • Do not apply body primer to the upper rear window, and do not mix up the body primer applicators and the glass primer applicators.
    • Never touch the primed surfaces with your hands. If you do, the adhesive may not bond to the upper rear window properly, causing a leak after the upper rear window is installed.
    • Keep water, dust, and abrasive materials away from the primed surfaces.
      Fig 12: Applying Light Coat Of Glass Primer To Upper Rear Window Along Edge Of Rubber Dams

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
19. Carefully apply a light coat of body primer to any exposed paint or metal around the flange where new adhesive will be applied. Let the primer dry for at least 10 minutes:
    • Do not apply body primer to any remaining original adhesive on the flange.
    • Be careful not to mix up the body primer applicators and the glass primer applicators.
    • Never touch the primed surfaces with your hands.
      Fig 13: Applying Light Coat Of Body Primer To Any Exposed Paint Or Metal Around Flange

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
20. Cut a "V" in the end of the nozzle (A) on the adhesive cartridge as shown.
    Fig 14: Identifying Adhesive Cartridge Nozzle End Cut Dimensions

    Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
21. Pack adhesive into the cartridge without air pockets to ensure continuous delivery. Put the cartridge in a caulking gun, and run a continuous bead of adhesive (A) to the upper rear window (B) along the edge of the rubber dams (C) as shown:
    • Use the printed dots (D) on the upper rear window as a guide, apply the adhesive to both side areas of the upper rear window.
    • Apply the adhesive within 30 minutes after applying the glass primer. Make a slightly thicker bead at each corner.
      Fig 15: Applying Continuous Bead Of Adhesive To Upper Rear Window Along Edge Of Rubber Dams

      Courtesy of AMERICAN HONDA MOTOR CO., INC.
22. Hold the upper rear window with suction cups over the opening, align it with the alignment marks you made in step  16, and set it down on the adhesive. Lightly push on the upper rear window until its edges are fully seated on the adhesive all the way around.
    NOTE: Do not open or close any of the doors for about an hour until the adhesive is dry.
23. Remove the excess adhesive with a putty knife or a shop towel dampened in isopropyl alcohol.
24. Wait at least an hour for the adhesive to dry, then spray water over the upper rear window and check for leaks. Mark the leaking areas, let the upper rear window dry, then seal with sealant. Let the vehicle stand for at least 4 hours after the upper rear window installation. If the vehicle has to be used within the first 4 hours, it must be driven slowly.
25. Reinstall all remaining removed parts.
    NOTE: Advise the customer not to do the following things for 2 to 3 days:
    • Slam the doors with all the windows rolled up.
    • Twist the body excessively (such as when going in and out of driveways at an angle or driving over rough, uneven roads).