Tesla Model X: Windshield Assembly (Remove and Replace)

Special tools required for this procedure:

1. Remove the hood assembly (refer to procedure).
2. Remove the cowl screen panel (refer to procedure).
3. Apply painter's tape to the panels that are adjacent to the windshield.
4. Remove the LH and RH upper B-pillar trim panels (refer to procedure).
5. Remove the LH and RH sun visors (refer to procedure).
6. Remove the screws that secure the front of the headliner to the body (torque 2 Nm).

   

7. Release the clips that secure the front of the headliner to the roof and partially lower the headliner.
8. Disconnect the electrical connectors at the front of the headliner.
9. Move the harness out of the working area. Secure it with tape, as necessary.
10. Remove the light/rain sensor (refer to procedure).
11. Release the overhead console harness assembly from the windshield.

    

12. Cut an appropriate length of square wire and insert the wire into the Centerstart tool.
13. Push the tool through the adhesive near the lower RH corner of the windshield. Puncture both lines of adhesive.

    Caution: Insert the tool on the RH side of the defrost mesh grille to avoid damaging the grille.

    

14. Pull the wire through and remove the tool.
15. Connect the T-handles to the wire.

Note: Use an assistant for the remainder of the removal steps to make removal easier.

16. Cut out the windshield.

Warning: To avoid personal injury, eye protection must be worn when performing this operation.

Caution: Take care not to damage component(s).

17. Clean the windshield with glass cleaner and a clean cloth.
18. Remove the covers from the vacuum cups on the windshield lift tool, then use glass cleaner and a clean cloth to clean the vacuum cups.

19. Position the windshield lift tool over the mount for the forward-facing camera, with the center cup toward the front of the vehicle.

    Warning: Ensure that none of the vacuum cups are positioned over a crack in the windshield. The vacuum cup will not attach securely, possibly causing the windshield to fall and cause injury.

    

20. Attach the vacuum cups of the windshield lift tool to the outer surface of the windshield. Pump each vacuum cup until the red line disappears.

    

21. If the windshield lift tool is not centered on the windshield, attach vacuum cup handles to the outer surface of the windshield to help guide the windshield when it is removed.
22. Connect the windshield lift tool to the gantry.
23. Raise the windshield off of the body, then roll the gantry away from the vehicle.
24. Place the windshield in a disposal container, on a workbench, on 2 windshield stands, or in another safe storage area.

Warning: Do not allow the windshield to be supported by the vacuum cups for an extended period of time. The vacuum cups eventually lose vacuum, possibly causing the windshield to fall and cause injury.

1. Use the adhesive scraper to remove the excess adhesive from the body.
2. Clean the remaining adhesive on the body with alcohol wipes. Allow the alcohol to dry fully before continuing to the next step.
3. Apply primer to the body as directed by the adhesive manufacturer. Ensure that the primer fully covers any nicks or scratches in the paint.

Warning: Check the expiration date of the primer and adhesive before use.

Note: Check the primer and adhesive packaging for the appropriate working times for each product. Prepare the necessary tools and work environment so that the the windshield can be installed within the specified working times.

Note: This procedure requires 2-3 tubes of adhesive.

5. Clean the etched area of the windshield with alcohol wipes. Allow the alcohol to dry fully before continuing to the next step.
6. Apply primer to the etched area of the windshield as directed by the adhesive manufacturer.

Note: Check the primer packaging for the appropriate wait time before applying adhesive.

7. Attach 2 vacuum cup handles to the outer surface of the windshield, 1 near each lower corner.
8. Position the windshield lift tool over the mount for the forward-facing camera, with the center cup toward the front of the vehicle.
9. Attach the vacuum cups of the windshield lift tool to the outer surface of the windshield. Pump each vacuum cup until the red line disappears.

    

10. Connect the windshield lift tool to the gantry. Do not lift the windshield yet.

Warning: Do not allow the windshield to be supported by the vacuum cups for an extended period of time. The vacuum cups eventually lose vacuum, possibly causing the windshield to fall and cause injury.

11. Cut the applicator tip on the adhesive tube in a triangular pattern: 8 mm wide, 14 mm tall.
12. Apply the adhesive to the body.
13. Lift the windshield, and roll the gantry to the vehicle.

     

13. Install the windshield. Align the locator posts to the holes in the body.
14. Ensure that the gaps between the windshield and the body are equal front to back and side to side. Evenly and progressively press the glass onto the spacers.
15. Clean off any excess adhesive that was extruded from the joint.

Warning: Do not drive the vehicle until the adhesive has cured. Refer to the adhesive packaging for the safe drive-away time.

16. Have an assistant use a hose to spray water along the edges of the windshield. Ensure that no water leaks into the interior.
17. Reinstall the components that were removed for access.

    Note:

    • Install a new light/rain sensor (refer to procedure).
    • Install a new overhead console harness assembly.
    • Calibrate the forward facing camera (refer to procedure).