2024 Volkswagen Jetta
by Alfredo Calva
VIN#: 3VWEM7BU1RM032823
GLASS Part # FW06213
DOT # 1038
- Working on Jettas has always been fun. There have been some changes over the years, but overall, it’s a relatively easy installation. Since newer-model Jettas are equipped with Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS), the only challenging part of this installation is removing the cover behind the rearview mirror. Start the installation with a pre-inspection of the exterior and interior of the vehicle. Also test the rain sensor and perform a pre-scan since this vehicle is equipped with ADAS.
- First, remove the interior parts. The cover behind the rearview mirror breaks down into two separate parts. You can use any tool to separate the upper part. Start prying it off at the top, and slide it up once the upper part is separated.
- As you can see, the upper cover has two plastic hooks on the bottom. Slide the cover up to remove it.
- Grab the lower cover and slide it down to remove it.
- Hold the rearview mirror with one hand and turn it counterclockwise to dismount it.
- Remove the metal clip with a pick tool to remove the rain sensor.
- The rain sensor can sometimes be difficult to remove, especially on a cold day. Warm it up on the outside with a heat gun, and then slowly peel it off from the bottom until it separates from the gel completely.
- It’s easier to dismount the camera if the metal retainer clips are removed. You can use a pick tool.
- Once the metal clips are removed, separate the camera on the left side, then slide it toward the left to completely remove it from the bracket.
- Start working on the outside of the vehicle. Pry the side mouldings up with your tool of choice and work your way down.
- A metal clip on the fender holds the moulding at the very bottom. Be careful not to lose the clip. After separating the moulding from the clip, slide the moulding down to separate the small plastic tab under the fender.
- Remove the rubber seal and the windshield wipers. Use a wiper puller to dismount the wipers if necessary.
- To separate this wire harness from the cowling, pry it up with your tool of choice. Be gentle since it’s plastic.
- To remove the cowling, start in the center and remove the driver side first. Pull it up slowly with your favorite tool.
- Now that we’ve removed all the necessary parts, we must cut out the glass. There is enough space on the sides and on the top, and many different tools can be used to cut out the glass.
- Here’s an example of why it is important to inspect the glass thoroughly. The urethane used to glue the bracket down squeezed out into the rain sensor area. If not removed, it will prevent the rain sensor from setting correctly into the bracket and potentially prevent it from working properly. Remove the urethane with a sharp plastic stick.
- Prep the body of the vehicle and the glass according to your adhesive manufacturer’s recommendations.
- When reinstalling, use the cowling glass cleaner as lubrication to make installing the cowling onto the retainer moulding easier. Reinstall all exterior parts in reverse order.
- Apply new gel to the rain sensor.
- Be sure to apply enough gel for complete contact with the glass.
- Before reinstalling the camera, clean the camera’s viewing area thoroughly.
- Reinstall the heater hood cover. Make sure you plug it back in.
- To install the rearview mirror, line up the metal bracket with the windshield bracket and turn it clockwise until it locks into place. Align the lower cover on the bottom and slide it up toward the headliner to reinstall it.
- Align the upper cover, slide it down toward the lower cover and push it into position. Everything should set flush back in place.
- Complete the installation with a recalibration, followed by a test drive and a post-scan to ensure everything is functioning correctly. This vehicle is safe to be back on the road.
Alfredo Calva is the president of Alfredo’s Auto Glass in Corona, Calif.
alfredosautoglass@hotmail.com.
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