How to Replace the Rear Window in a 1996 Saturn SL2

A broken piece of window glass can leave the interior of a vehicle open to weather elements in addition to being a safety hazard for travelers inside the vehicle. The window should be replaced at the first sign of damage to avoid any future problems. The rear window can be changed in a short amount of time by most backyard mechanics in a 1996 Saturn SL2 with simple hand tools after gaining access to the inside of the rear door.

Instructions

1

Place a towel behind the window crank and move it back-and-forth the detach the retainer behind the crank on models with manual windows, and remove the crank from the door.

2

Place a screwdriver behind the power window switch, pry it away from the door and disconnect the electrical connector from the back of the switch on models equipped with power windows.

3

Remove the retaining screw with a screwdriver just behind the inside door latch. Place a screwdriver behind the door latch trim, pry it away from the door and disconnect the electrical connection. Disconnect the control rod from the door handle with pliers.

4

Remove the armrest retaining screw and door trim panel retaining screws with a screwdriver.

5

Pull the door trim panel away from the door to disengage the trim panel from the hooks on the door.

6

Pull the plastic water shield from the door.

7

Pull the outside door handle out and push the center of the retaining clips into the retaining clip with a small screwdriver to detach the handle.

8

Pull out the outer sealing strip on the window glass opening.

9

Remove the outer door panel screws and remove the door panel.

10

Remove the retaining screws holding the window glass to the window lift with a screwdriver

11

Raise the window glass by hand through the window opening, tilt the top of the glass toward the outside of the vehicle and remove it.

12

Tilt the top of the new glass toward the outside of the vehicle, place it through the window opening and lower it onto the window lift.

13

Install the screws holding the window glass to the window lift with a screwdriver.

14

Place the outer door panel back onto the door and install the retaining screws with a screwdriver. Place thread-lock compound on the screws before installation.

15

Push the outer sealing strip onto the window glass opening.

16

Push the door handle back into place to engage the retaining pins.

17

Stick the plastic water shield onto the inner door.

18

Push the door trim panel onto the door to engage the trim panel to the hooks on the door.

19

Install the armrest retaining screw and door trim panel retaining screws with a screwdriver.

20

Connect the control rod to the back of the interior door handle with pliers. Connect the electrical connection, set the door handle trim piece back into the door trim panel and install the retaining screw with a screwdriver

21

Connect the electrical connection to the back of the power window switch and set the switch back into the door trim panel on models equipped with power windows.

22

Push the window crank onto the shaft on models equipped with manual windows.