Shattered Backlight Window

Discussion in 'Challenger Mechanical Problems Forum | TSB's' started by SRT-Tom, Jul 6, 2012.

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  1. Jul 6, 2012 at 5:31 PM #1
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    My Challenger was parked outside in 97 degree heat with the windows up. When I went outside to drive it, I was shocked to see that my backlight window had shattered (see photos).

    I have heard that heat alone will not crack the glass. There must first be a defect or crack in it. Is this true?

    I had to file a comprehensive claim with my insurance company. Safelite is coming to my house tomorrow to install the new glass. I spent 2 hours vacuuming glass out of my car and I'm out $250 deductible. Not a happy camper!!

    This is the first time that I ever experienced a problem like this. I really question the quality of the glass in our cars. :Frustrated:
     

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    Last edited: Jul 6, 2012
  2. Jul 7, 2012 at 6:57 AM #2
    Storm Rider

    Storm Rider Full Access Member

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    That sux. I see in the pics that your older T-Bird didn't have that problem with the same heat. Is yours the first one to do this or have you heard of others?
     
  3. Jul 7, 2012 at 7:18 AM #3
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    This is the first Challenger, that I know, that has had this problem.

    I think that there must have been a defect in the glass from the factory. I have been told that heat, alone, will not crack a window.
     
  4. Jul 7, 2012 at 9:58 AM #4
    jonmandude

    jonmandude Full Access Member

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    That's terrible, sorry to hear. There must have been a defect. Mine was in 102 temperature (107 heat index) on Thursday with no issues.
     
  5. Jul 7, 2012 at 4:58 PM #5
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I got an OEM replacement window installed today (Sat.) at Safelite for $405. My share was the $250 deductible. They did nice work and the glass has a national lifetime warranty. After 90 minutes, my Challenger was as good as new. I would highly recommend Safelite.
     
  6. Jul 8, 2012 at 2:24 AM #6
    Shaggy

    Shaggy Well-Known Member Staff Member Administrator

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    Heat alone won't, but with a little help from say a small pebble or something of that nature can finish the job. In your first pic, it looks like the cracking started at the bottom middle. Maybe something small the window there?
     
  7. Jul 8, 2012 at 7:04 AM #7
    Storm Rider

    Storm Rider Full Access Member

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    Glad everything is done the way you wanted it. I had Safelite do the back glass on my wife's PT Cruiser and they did an awesome job.
     
  8. Jul 18, 2012 at 6:07 PM #8
    SRT-Tom

    SRT-Tom Well-Known Member Staff Member Super Moderator Article Writer

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    I got a pleasant surprise today. As a result of writing a letter to Ralph Gilles, Chrysler called to inform me that they will be reimbursing me for my $250 insurance deductible.

    I guess it pays to go to the top instead of dealing with Customer Service.

    Ralph is the man!
     
  9. Jul 19, 2012 at 7:08 AM #9
    Storm Rider

    Storm Rider Full Access Member

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    That is great news. A CEO who stands behind his brand.
     
  10. May 23, 2013 at 9:11 PM #10
    Model maker

    Model maker Full Access Member

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    Glad that worked out for you. How did you get ahold of this Ralph Gilles ? I have a few questions I would like to ask him about why a new car has several panel alignment issues or why a brand new challenger was found to have an area around the nose & fender repainted ? I will make sure not to leave my windows up in the heat.
     
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