GMC Acadia Broken Window Replacement

DIY Acadia Window Replacement — No GMC Dealership Needed (Save $$$)

Disclaimer

This guide outlines how I replaced the passenger side window on my 2017 GMC Acadia Limited. I'm not a professional—just someone with a little know-how and a couple of beers in the garage. This isn’t dealership-level advice, and there are no torque specs. Proceed at your own risk. This also works as a guide for accessing replacing the window regulator.

Difficulty: 2–3 beers 🍻

Parts Needed

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Tools Used

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Disconnect the Battery (Optional)

Every how-to guide starts with this. I didn’t do it, and I lived—but feel free to follow the manual here.

Step 2: Remove Handle Trim

Use a trim removal tool to pop off the handle trim from underneath. Behind it are two T30 Torx screws. Remove them both.

GMC Acadia handle trim before removal GMC Acadia handle trim removed showing Torx screws Close-up of T30 Torx screw T30 Torx head screw

Step 3: Door Handle Screw

Behind the interior door handle is another hidden Torx screw. Pry off the cover and remove the screw.

Prying off cover behind interior handle Revealed Torx screw behind door handle

Step 4: Loosen the Door Panel

Use your trim tool to work around the panel from the bottom up. Apply solid pressure. Watch the joint where the panel meets near the mirror—pry off the triangular trim there too.

Starting to loosen the door panel with trim tool Crowbar used to loosen Acadia door panel Removing triangular mirror trim clip

Step 5: Unclip Electrical Connectors

Once the panel’s free, detach the wiring by pressing the tabs. Pull off the panel far enough to reach inside and release the connectors from the clips holding them to the door. You'll want slack so you can unplug them safely.

Electrical connectors exposed after panel removal

Step 6: Remove the Door Lock Cable

Push in the clips and press the housing straight through. With the slack created, remove the ball from its socket. Straightforward once you see it in action.

Removing the door lock cable from inside panel Cable ball end removed from socket

Step 7: Remove Styrofoam Mount

This thing is held in by terrible plastic clips. Pry or snip the heads off, and plan to replace them later. They're not salvageable with dignity.

Styrofoam mount and door clips Using pliers on stubborn plastic clips Plastic clip close-up—replace with new ones

Step 8: Remove Weather Barrier

Peel the glued plastic barrier off slowly. The adhesive usually stays on the plastic. Set it somewhere clean.

Peeling off weather barrier on GMC Acadia

Step 9–11: Strip & Clean the Window Channels

Take off the inner and outer window seals. There’s broken glass hidden in the folds and inside the channels. Vacuum aggressively—anything you miss will crunch forever. This includes the top inner trim and the rubber seals.

Removing top interior trim to clean out glass Glass shard found in inner trim fold Removing weather stripping on outer trim Glass shard lodged in outer trim

Step 12: Window Mount Access

Pull the rubber grommet to expose one mount screw. Reconnect the electrical connectors, turn the car to ON, and lower the regulator until you can reach the bolts. Use a 10mm socket to remove them.

Small access hole to window mount screw Larger access hole to window mounting clamp 10mm bolt holding window to regulator

Step 13: Vacuum Out the Door

Clean out the door cavity completely. Yes, it’s a pain. No, you don’t want to skip it. Glass will rattle forever if you do.

Step 14: Install the Guide Channel

Put the inner window channel and weather stripping back in. Ensure it’s fully seated.

Step 15: Install the New Window

Insert the glass from outside the door, feeding it into the channel slowly and evenly. Let it rest on the mounts and secure it with the two 10mm bolts. You’re over the hump.

Installing replacement window into regulator Window installed—garage beer victory

Step 16–17: Reinstall Outer and Inner Trim

Slide the exterior and interior weather trim pieces back into place. If the plastic tab broke during removal, it’s okay—it happens. Either order a replacement or accept a slight wobble like the rest of us.

Exterior trim with broken tab being reinstalled Interior window weather stripping being reinstalled

Step 18–19: Reconnect and Reinstall

Push the electrical clips back into their original spots and reconnect all plugs. Hook up the door lock cable and secure it in place. Then rehook the top of the panel and align all clips. Push until everything snaps into place.

Final alignment and panel reinstallation

Step 20: Replace Screws and Trim

Reinstall all Torx screws and snap the trim covers back into place. You’re done with the hard parts.

Step 21: Recharge the Battery (if applicable)

If your window rolls up slow or the car won’t start, it's probably because you left the key on during step 12. Recharge the battery. Celebrate with a cold one.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I replace my own Acadia window? Yes. If you’re comfortable using basic hand tools and can follow this guide, it’s a straightforward weekend task.
  • What models does this guide apply to? The instructions apply to GMC Acadia Limited (2013–2017) and any vehicle using GM part #15124002, including the Buick Enclave, Chevy Traverse, and Saturn Outlook.
  • How do I prevent rattling after replacement? Thoroughly vacuum broken glass from seals, channels, and inside the door. Especially inside rubber folds. Skipping this is why other people have noisy windows.
  • Will I break any clips? Yes, probably. Keep some extras on hand—it’s worth being prepared.
  • Is the driver side the same? Mostly yes, but the door lock and mirror wiring are slightly different.

Vehicles Using Window Part #15124002

  • GMC Acadia 2013–2017 (Limited)
  • Chevrolet Traverse 2013–2017
  • Buick Enclave 2013–2017
  • Saturn Outlook 2009–2010

That’s the whole job. If this helped, share it with someone else so they can skip the guesswork. And vacuum. Always vacuum.




2012 GMC Acadia Base Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2012 GMC Acadia Denali Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2012 GMC Acadia SLE Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2012 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2012 GMC Acadia SLT Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2011 GMC Acadia Base Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2011 GMC Acadia Denali Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2011 GMC Acadia SLE Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2011 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2011 GMC Acadia SLT Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2010 GMC Acadia Base Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2010 GMC Acadia SLE Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2010 GMC Acadia SL Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2010 GMC Acadia SLT Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2009 GMC Acadia Base Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2009 GMC Acadia SLE Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2009 GMC Acadia SLT Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2008 GMC Acadia Base Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2008 GMC Acadia SLE Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated
2008 GMC Acadia SLT Sport Utility 4-Door 3.6L 3564CC 217Cu. In. V6 GAS DOHC Naturally Aspirated



 

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