2026-06-03

Glass - Backlight (Remove and Replace)

Correction code 10204102 FRT 1.32 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.

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CAUTION
For Europe only: Only technicians who have been trained in working with diisocyanates and have completed all required certification courses are permitted to perform procedures using urethane and other products containing diisocyanates. Proper personal protective equipment (PPE) must be worn when working with products containing diisocyanates.
  • 2026-06-03: Added instructions to use Spider tool. Added warning to set drill clutch to 1 while using Spider tool.

Remove

  1. Open all the doors and fully lower all the windows.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    If the vehicle is being powered down, latch the rear doors to prevent accidental closure.
  2. Move the LH and RH front seats fully forward.
  3. Remove the LH 2nd row seat side bolster. See Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace).
  4. Remove the LH side rail trim. See Trim - Side Rail - LH (Remove and Install).
  5. Remove the LH upper C-pillar trim. See Trim - C-Pillar - Upper - LH (Remove and Replace).
  6. Release the clip and tabs (x4) that attach the LH rear C-pillar trim to the body, and then set the trim aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Pull the rear of the trim forward, and then upward to remove it.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Plastic trim tool
  7. Disconnect the backlight electrical connector from the FM antenna amplifier.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  8. Disconnect the backlight glass heater ground strap from the LH C-pillar.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  9. Remove the RH 2nd row seat side bolster. See Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace).
  10. Remove the RH side rail trim. See Trim - Side Rail - LH (Remove and Install).
  11. Remove the RH upper C-pillar trim. See Trim - C-Pillar - Upper - LH (Remove and Replace).
  12. Release the clip and tabs (x4) that attach the RH rear C-pillar trim to the body, and then set the trim aside.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Pull the rear of the trim forward, and then upward to remove it.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Plastic trim tool
    Figure 1. LH shown; RH similar
  13. Disconnect the backlight harness electrical connector from the tuner.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Plastic trim tool
  14. Disconnect the antenna connector from the tuner.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Small flat head screwdriver
  15. Release the clip that attaches the antenna harness to the body.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Clip pry tool
  16. Disconnect the antenna harness from the tuner and body harness.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Small flat head screwdriver
  17. Remove the package tray trim. See Trim - Package Tray (Remove and Replace).
  18. Remove the RH side antenna harness from the backlight glass.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Peel the tape back found at each end of harness housing seal.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Plastic trim tool
  19. Disconnect the RH harness electrical connector from the heater grid.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Gently disconnect the harness. Do not damage the heater grid.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  20. Remove the LH side antenna harness from the backlight glass.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Peel the tape back found at each end of harness housing seal.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Plastic trim tool
  21. Disconnect the LH harness electrical connector from the heater grid.
    Warning IconA warning icon, calling your attention to a possibly risky situation
    CAUTION
    Gently disconnect the harness. Do not damage the heater grid.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Pick Miniature Soft Grip, 90 degree tip, 6 in
  22. Open liftgate from exterior switch
  23. Remove rear seal from backlight glass
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x seal
  24. Remove front seal from backlight glass
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    1x seal
  25. Insert starter tool from inside the vehicle through the adhesive bead at the bottom area of the backlight glass
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Use guard to prevent damage to rear deck panel
  26. Release line from starter tool and wrap line around exterior of backlight glass assembly
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Ensure enough length is pulled through glass, Verify line sits underneath glass and seal
  27. Attach anchor point to interior of backlight glass assembly and secure line
  28. Secure interior side of line to spider cutting tool
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Follow instructions on spider tool, Feed line through opening of the cutting tool and tie a knot to secure in place, If spindle is not turned the proper direction the cutting tool will be damaged. IMPORTANT: if a drill is used to wind up string on spider tool, drill clutch must be set to 1 to avoid risk of injury
  29. Secure spider cutting tool to interior side of backlight glass assembly
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Note orientation of the cutting line, Make sure line warps over large pully and holds at a 90 degree angle
  30. 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.
  31. 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 2. Plastic guard to protect the headliner
  32. Remove backlight assembly from vehicle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    2x suction cup handles, Recommend assistance, Lift up on glass from interior of vehicle to ease removal,Lower the trunk right before latching
  33. Remove old urethane from vehicle

Install

  1. Wipe urethane path on vehicle with IPA to clean
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow 1 minute for IPA to dry
  2. Secure double suction cup handles onto both side of backlite glass
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Clean glass under suction cups if needed, Allow 1 minute for IPA to dry
  3. Position backlight glass onto vehicle for dry-fit and note any locations where net pads need to be adjusted
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recommend assistance
  4. Check gap and flush of glass to all surrounding areas
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Make notes of any needed adjustments, Refer to CVIS for latest specifications https://service.teslamotors.com/protected-doc/ModelS/TheoryOp/InspectionStandards/index_frames.html
  5. Remove glass and place upside down on stand
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    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 vehicle along 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 backlight glass along old urethane path
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Allow primer to dry before applying urethane
  9. Install backlight glass onto vehicle
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Recommend assistance, Open the trunk again
  10. Check gaps and flushness to vehicle before fully seating windshield
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Refer to CVIS for latest specifications https://service.teslamotors.com/protected-doc/ModelS/TheoryOp/InspectionStandards/index_frames.html
  11. Close trunk
  12. Remove the double suction cup handles and any glass fitment equipment
  13. Connect the antenna harness to the tuner and body harness.
  14. Install the clip that attaches the antenna harness to the body.
  15. Connect the antenna connector to the tuner.
  16. Connect the RH harness electrical connector to the heater grid.
  17. Install the RH side antenna harness on the backlight glass.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Apply a small piece of tape at each end of the seal clip.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Harness tape
    • Scissors
  18. Connect the backlight harness electrical connector to the tuner.
  19. Connect the backlight glass heater ground strap to the LH C-pillar.
  20. Connect the LH harness electrical connector to the heater grid.
  21. Install the LH side antenna harness on the backlight glass.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Apply a small piece of tape at each end of the seal clip.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    TIp
    Use of the following tool(s) is recommended:
    • Harness tape
    • Scissors
  22. Connect the backlight electrical connector to the FM antenna amplifier.
  23. Install the package tray trim. See Trim - Package Tray (Remove and Replace).
  24. Install the clip and tabs (x4) that attach the LH rear C-pillar trim to the body.
    Informational PurposesAn informational icon, calling your attention
    Note
    Slide the back tabs into package tray, and then push the front tabs toward the rear.
  25. Install the LH upper C-pillar trim. See Trim - C-Pillar - Upper - LH (Remove and Replace).
  26. Install the LH side rail trim. See Trim - Side Rail - LH (Remove and Install).
  27. Install the LH 2nd row seat side bolster. See Bolster - Side - Seat - 2nd Row - LH (Remove and Replace).
  28. Raise the LH 2nd row seat.
  29. Repeat step 24 through step 28 for the RH side of the vehicle.
  30. Move the LH and RH front seats to the original positions.
  31. Raise all the windows and close all the doors.
  32. 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.