Glass, Trim, and Interior Components
Glass, Trim, and Interior Components
This domain tests glass replacement, trim removal, and interior service. Expect windshield urethane systems, primers, suction cups, safe drive-away time, ADAS camera calibration, airbag/SRS safety, battery disconnect, trim clips, water leaks, and electrical connectors. The exam stresses that glass and trim work can affect structural integrity and safety systems.
Core rules
- Use the OEM-specified urethane and primer system; apply primer to the frit and pinchweld where required, and maintain the specified bead height and width.
- Do not reuse cured urethane. Observe the safe drive-away time, which depends on the adhesive and temperature.
- If the windshield carries a forward-facing camera or sensors, calibrate the ADAS after replacement according to OEM static or dynamic procedures.
- Disable the SRS and disconnect the battery before removing seats, headliners, or trim near airbags; wait the specified time for capacitor discharge.
- Use plastic trim tools and the correct clip removers; replace damaged clips rather than forcing trim.
- Check water drains, sunroof drains, and body seams after glass or trim work; water leaks often trace to disturbed seals.
- Reconnect electrical connectors fully and verify function of mirrors, defrosters, cameras, and sensors.
Worked example
A windshield with a lane-departure camera is replaced. The technician sets the glass, checks the bead, and releases the vehicle after one hour because the urethane feels firm. Reasoning: the safe drive-away time is specified by the adhesive manufacturer and temperature, not by touch. In addition, the camera must be calibrated after the glass is installed; otherwise lane-departure and automatic braking may be inaccurate. The correct process is to follow the urethane TDS, wait the full safe drive-away time, and perform the OEM calibration with the specified targets or dynamic drive.
Traps
- Reusing urethane or skipping primer.
- Releasing the vehicle before the safe drive-away time.
- Forgetting ADAS calibration after windshield replacement.
- Removing trim without disabling the SRS.
- Breaking clips and leaving trim loose or rattling.
- Not checking for water leaks after glass work.