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Autopapyrus · Kia Sportage (3rd generation, SL)
https://autopapyrus.com/guides/kia/sportage/windshield-replacement/
Compiled automatically from service literature and owner experience. Specs are for the typical configuration — check them against your exact car before you start.

Kia Sportage (3rd generation, SL): Windshield Replacement

Replacing the windshield on a third-generation Kia Sportage requires carefully cutting out the old glass along the polyurethane bead, thoroughly preparing the body opening, and precisely installing the new glass, then allowing the adhesive enough time to cure. If the vehicle has a rain sensor and a heated wiper area, disconnect the connectors before starting work. Work with a helper because of the size of the glass (about 10-12 kg (22-26 lb)). Incorrect installation can lead to water leaks, wind whistling at speed, and a cabin that is no longer properly sealed.

Difficulty: Hard Time: 2-3 hours (+ 1-2 hours adhesive cure time) Steps: 17 Tools: polyurethane cutting wire (or a special windshield knife), glass primer, polyurethane windshield adhesive-sealant, masking tape, suction cups, clean rags, degreaser, plastic trim tools

Part

  • 🔩 Windshield (aftermarket equivalents Fuyao 4438AGNBLHMV1B, Pilkington, Saint Gobain, with wiper park area heating and a VIN window), sealing molding 861303W000 (OE Kia), polyurethane windshield adhesive
There's a full repair manual for this car Every system, wiring diagrams and torque specs — not just this job. Haynes AutoFix (online) and 4 more. See manuals →

Step by step

17 steps
  1. Disconnect the negative battery terminal and let the car sit for 5-10 minutes so the airbag system capacitors can discharge.
  2. From inside the cabin, remove the A-pillar trim (plastic clips) and fold the headliner down about 10-15 cm (4-6 in) along the upper edge of the windshield.
  3. Remove the wiper arms (undo the 12-14 mm retaining nuts), then remove the plastic cowl panel below the windshield. It is held by clips and screws.
  4. If the windshield is heated or has a rain sensor, disconnect the power connectors (usually at the top of the glass, behind the rearview mirror).
  5. Protect the hood and fenders with heavy cloth or cardboard so that glass fragments or tools do not scratch the paint.
  6. From inside the cabin, cut through the old polyurethane bead around the perimeter of the glass with a special cutting wire or windshield knife. Use a sawing motion and hold the tool at an angle of 30-40 degrees to the body surface so you do not damage the paint on the opening.
  7. Once the bead is cut through, carefully lift the glass off with suction cups (at least 2). Work with a helper, because the glass is fragile and heavy.
  8. Remove the remains of the old polyurethane from the body opening with a plastic scraper or a special knife, leaving a base layer of adhesive 1-2 mm thick (it acts as a primer). Do not scrape down to bare metal, as this will cause corrosion.
  9. Degrease the body opening and the edge of the new glass with a dedicated degreaser or isopropyl alcohol, and let it dry for 5 minutes.
  10. Apply primer (adhesion activator) in a thin layer to the body opening and to the ceramic frit band around the perimeter of the new glass. Allow the time specified in the primer instructions (usually 10-15 minutes).
  11. Apply a continuous bead of polyurethane adhesive 8-10 mm high around the entire perimeter of the body opening or the glass edge (depending on the adhesive instructions). Work quickly, because the adhesive starts to set after 10-15 minutes.
  12. Place the new glass into the opening using suction cups and align the gaps around the perimeter (an even 3-5 mm). Press the glass against the body with light pressure from your palms around the entire perimeter.
  13. Secure the glass with masking tape at several points (top and sides) so it does not slip while the adhesive cures.
  14. Install the new molding (rubber seal) around the glass perimeter. Snap it into the groove starting at the bottom edge and working toward the upper corners.
  15. Reconnect the heating and rain sensor connectors (if equipped), then reinstall the pillar trim and the cowl panel.
  16. Leave the car stationary on level ground for at least 1 hour (preferably 2-3 hours) for the adhesive's initial cure. The bead reaches full strength after 24 hours.
  17. After 24 hours, check for leaks at a car wash under a stream of water. If there are any leaks, redo the entire bead.

Common mistakes and warnings

  • Replacing a windshield is a high-difficulty job that requires special tools and skills. Incorrect installation can cause the glass to come out in a crash and can affect airbag deployment (the windshield acts as a backstop for the passenger airbag). If you have no experience working with auto glass, take the car to a certified repair shop. Polyurethane adhesive is toxic, so work in a well-ventilated area or outdoors and avoid contact with skin and eyes.