2023 Land Rover Defender
By Alfredo Calva
VIN#: SALE2EEU3P2166996
GLASS Part # LR184682
DOT # 682
1 Replacing the windshield on a 2023 Land Rover Defender can be time-consuming. Many parts have to be removed for this installation. Since this vehicle is equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), always begin by doing a thorough pre-inspection followed by a pre-scan.
2 Start working on the vehicle. Remove the interior parts first to confirm that you have the correct windshield and that the brackets that hold the camera are the same. Then, ply the cover off with your tool of choice.
3 Grab the camera firmly with two hands and slide it up off the bracket.
4 This cover needs to be transferred to the new windshield. Squeeze the tabs to remove it.
5 Remove the rain sensor. Use a pick tool while pressing on the metal bracket to release the pressure. It releases fairly easily this way.
6 The A-pillar covers must be removed to unplug the heated windshield connectors. Pull the cover off a bit first to access the clips behind it and start removing them.
7 Now you should have enough space to get to the clips. Push on the tabs to release them.
8 You need to remove a safety strap after the clips. Pull it as far as possible and line it up so you can slide it off. Repeat the process on the other side.
9 After removing both A-pillar covers, unplug all four windshield heater connectors.
10 Once the interior parts are removed, it’s time to start removing the exterior parts. Begin by removing the plastic cover in front of the cowling. Twist the clips and ply them off.
11 After removing all the clips, pull them off toward the front of the vehicle.
12 Unplug all the windshield wiper fluid hoses by opening the locking plastic clip and pulling them apart.
13 The windshield wipers came off fairly easily on this specific vehicle. I would have used a windshield wiper puller if they had not.
14 Remove the clips on both side ends of the cowling.
15 Remove the three 10-millimeter bolts on the center of the cowling.
16 You have to remove the two-side A-pillar moldings before you completely take off the cowling. Remove the lower cover first, and ply off the driver’s side first.
17 Slide the cover off toward the center of the vehicle.
18 Unscrew the 30-torx screw.
19 Hold the moulding firmly and slide it down to remove it.
20 Separate the cowling from the glass, retaining the moulding by simply plying it up with your tool of choice.
21 Do the same on the other side, then work your way toward the middle.
22 Now you can remove the cowling. Pull it up between the hood and the windshield.
23 Use your preferred tool to cut the glass out. There’s enough space to use a variety of tools.
24 Prep the body of the vehicle and the glass according to your urethane manufacturer’s recommendations.
25 Reinstall all the parts in reverse order, set the windshield wipers at the correct parked position, plug in all the windshield wiper fluid hoses, reinstall all the clips, connect all four heater connectors. Note: don’t forget to put the safety strap back on the A-pillar. Now that everything is reinstalled, it’s time for a recalibration followed by a post-scan and a post-inspection. This vehicle is safe to be back on the road after reaching the urethane’s minimum drive-away time.
Alfredo Calva is the president of Alfredo’s Auto Glass in Corona, Calif.
alfredosautoglass@hotmail.com.
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