2026-06-02

Glass - Backlight (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 1020030042 FRT 1.44 NOTE: Unless otherwise explicitly stated in the procedure, the correction code and FRT listed above reflect all of the work required to perform this procedure, including the linked procedures. Do not stack correction codes unless explicitly told to do so. NOTE: See Flat Rate Times to learn more about FRTs and how they are created. NOTE: See Personal Protection to make sure you are wearing proper PPE when performing the procedure below. NOTE: See Ergonomic Precautions for safe and healthy working practices.

  • 2026-06-02: Added detailed instructions for using Spider tool. Added warnings to set drill clutch to 1 while using the Spider tool with a drill.
  • 2024-12-10: Added new caution about Pre-Installation Glass Inspection service requirements.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
Warning
Wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) including cut-resistant gloves and safety glasses when performing this procedure.
Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
CAUTION
New glass components (windshield, roof, door, and fixed glass) must be inspected before installation to meet Tesla’s internal standards of quality. Perform the inspection described in Pre-Installation Glass Inspection before beginning this procedure.
Equipment:
  • Portable Bench: 1054720-00-A
  • Retractable Blade Knife: 1082497-00-A
  • Double Suction Cup Handles: 1080599-00-A
  • Gap and Flush Tool: 1588904-00-A
  • Caulk and Adhesive Gun: 1080593-00-A
  • 1571168-00-A WRD Spider 3 Glass Removal Kit
  • 1126456-00-A Battery Powered Drill

Remove

  1. Open all doors and lower the windows.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Latch the rear doors to prevent accidental closure.
  2. Move both front seats fully forward.
  3. Remove the LH side rail trim. See Trim - Side Rail - LH (Remove and Replace).
  4. Remove the LH side bolster. See Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace).
  5. Remove the LH C-pillar trim. See Trim - C-Pillar - LH (Remove and Replace).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    No need to remove the bolt that attaches the LH seatbelt anchor to the body.
  6. Disconnect the LH antenna filter harness connector.
  7. Release the clip that attaches the LH side backlight harness to the body.
  8. Repeat step 3 through step 7 on the RH side of the vehicle.
  9. Remove the package tray trim. See Trim - Package Tray (Premium) (Remove and Replace).
  10. Open the trunk.
  11. Apply masking tape to the exterior of both roof pillars to protect the paint.
  12. Insert a starter tool from inside the vehicle through the adhesive bead at the bottom area of the backlight glass.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Use a guard to prevent damage to the rear deck panel.
  13. Release the line from the starter tool and wrap the line around the exterior of the backlight glass assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure that enough length is pulled through the glass. Verify that the line sits underneath the glass and seal.
  14. Attach an anchor point to the interior of the backlight glass assembly and secure the line.
  15. Secure the interior side of the line to the spider cutting tool.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Follow the instructions on the spider tool. Feed the line through the opening of the cutting tool and tie a knot to secure it in place. If the spindle is not turned in the proper direction, the cutting tool will be damaged.
  16. Secure the spider cutting tool to the interior side of the backlight glass assembly.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Note the orientation of the cutting line. Make sure that the line wraps over the large pulley and holds at a 90° angle.
  17. Install an angle driver to an electric drill and set the drill clutch to 1.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Failure to set the drill clutch to 1 may result in serious injury.
  18. Use the drill to turn the spindle on the cutting tool. Begin cutting urethane around the glass.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Do not begin cutting the windshield without first setting the drill clutch to 1. Failure to do so may result in serious injury.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    Warning
    Wear appropriate eye and hand protection while cutting the glass assembly.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Place a plastic guard to protect the headliner and package tray when cutting in those areas.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Move the cutting tool as needed while keeping the line close to a 90° angle.
    Figure 1. Plastic guard to protect the headliner
  19. Install suction cup handles (x2) and remove the backlight assembly from the vehicle.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Recommend assistance.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Lift up on the glass from the interior of the vehicle to ease removal. Lower the trunk right before it latches.
  20. Scrape the old urethane from the vehicle.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Razor blade

Install

  1. Clean the urethane path on the vehicle with IPA. Allow 1 minute for the IPA to dry.
  2. Secure double suction cup handles onto both side of backlite glass
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Clean the glass under the suction cups if needed. Allow 1 minute for IPA to dry.
  3. Position the backlight glass onto the vehicle for dry-fit and note any locations where net pads need to be adjusted.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Recommend assistance
  4. Check the gap and flush of glass to all of the surrounding areas.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
  5. Remove the glass and place it upside down on a stand.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Recommend assistance
  6. Perform any net pad adjustments for backlight glass if necessary.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    6x side edge net pads, 3x upper net pads, 3x rear net pads
  7. Apply urethane primer to the vehicle along the old urethane path.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make sure to add primer over any areas that were scratched during windshield removal. Allow primer to dry before applying urethane.
  8. Apply urethane primer to the backlight glass along the old urethane path.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow primer to dry before applying urethane.
  9. Prepare the caulking gun and urethane. The opening must be 8 mm wide and 13 mm tall.
  10. Apply urethane to the body along the original path.
  11. Install the backlight glass onto the vehicle.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Recommend assistance
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Open the trunk again.
  12. Remove the tape from the exterior of both roof pillars.
  13. Close the trunk via the interior switch.
  14. Check gaps and flush to vehicle before fully seating the windshield.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
  15. Wipe down any debris or visible urethane from the glass and body. Allow 1 minute for IPA to dry.
  16. Apply tape to secure the backlight glass to the body while the urethane cures.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Refer to the urethane instructions for dry time. Remove the suction cups from the glass.
  17. Install the package tray trim. See Trim - Package Tray (Premium) (Remove and Replace).
  18. Fasten the clip that attaches the LH side backlight harness to the body.
  19. Connect the LH antenna filter harness connector.
  20. Install the LH C-pillar trim. See Trim - C-Pillar - LH (Remove and Replace).
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    No need to install the bolt that attaches the LH seatbelt anchor to the body.
  21. Install the LH side bolster. See Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace).
  22. Install the LH side rail trim. See Trim - Side Rail - LH (Remove and Replace).
  23. Repeat step 17 through step 22 on the RH side of the vehicle.
  24. Move both front seats back to their original positions.
  25. Connect a laptop with Toolbox to the vehicle. See Toolbox (Connect and Disconnect).
  26. In Toolbox, click the Actions tab, type "VCRIGHT" into the search field, click on TEST-RESET_VCRIGHTvia Service Mode Plus:
    • Low Voltage ➜ Power Distribution ➜ Reset VCRIGHT
    • Mid Voltage ➜ Power Distribution ➜ Reset VCRIGHT
    via Toolbox:(link)    , click Run, and allow the routine to complete.
  27. Disconnect the laptop from the vehicle. See Toolbox (Connect and Disconnect).
  28. Raise all windows and close all doors.
  29. Remove the masking tape after the urethane has cured.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Do not drive the vehicle until the adhesive manufacturer’s recommended minimum drive-away time has passed. Dow Betaseal Express has a drive-away time of 1 hour minimum in temperatures of 0˚F (-18˚C) or warmer. If necessary, leave the tape applying pressure to the glass on the vehicle and advise the customer that they can remove it after 24 hours. Additionally, advise the customer that they should avoid high driving speeds and speed bumps for the next 24 hours.