Power Windows Malfunction
Power Windows Malfunction
Diagnostic Instructions
* Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
* Review Strategy Based Diagnosis (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) for an overview of the diagnostic procedure.
* Diagnostic Procedure Instructions (Initial Inspection and Diagnostic Overview) provide an overview of each diagnostic category.
Diagnostic Fault Information
Circuit/System Description
The front power windows are controlled by the driver door module (DDM) and front passenger door module (PDM). The DDM and PDM each contain power window switches that are integrated into the module. The DDM contains the master power window switch that controls all power window operations. The DDM communicates via the GMLAN serial data circuit with the body control module (BCM) to control the rear window functions from the driver master window switch. The BCM is hard wired to each rear power window switch with circuits for window up, window down, and an enable circuit. The rear window switches contain internal logic that when supplied with voltage from the BCM over the enable circuit will driver the appropriate window in the direction commanded. The power window switch contained in the PDM controls the front passenger window operation only.
When the driver power window switch is activated to a desired position, the DDM examines the request and checks for messages from other vehicle control modules prohibiting window movement. If no prohibitive messages have been received, the DDM will send a LIN serial data message to the driver window motor to move the window to the desired position.
When the front passenger power window switch is activated to a desired position, the PDM examines the request and checks for messages from other vehicle control modules prohibiting window movement. If no prohibitive messages have been received, the PDM will send a LIN serial data message to the front passenger window motor to move the window to the desired position.
The rear power window switches are supplied with battery voltage from individual right and left WNDW fuses located in the rear fuse block. When a rear power window switch is activated to the DOWN position, voltage is aplied to the motor down circuit and the motor up circuit serves as the path to ground. The window motor will drive in the downward direction until the switch is released or the window has fully opened. When the window switch is activated to the UP position, voltage is aplied to the motor up circuit and the motor down circuit serves as the path to ground. Ground for the left rear power window switch is supplied at G200 and the right rear power window switch receives ground at G201.
Reference Information
Schematic Reference
Moveable Window Schematics ([1][2]Electrical Diagrams)
Connector End View Reference
Component Connector End Views (Connector Views)
Description and Operation
Power Windows Description and Operation (Power Windows Description and Operation)
Electrical Information Reference
* Circuit Testing (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Connector Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
* Wiring Repairs (Component Tests and General Diagnostics)
Scan Tool Reference
Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for scan tool information
Circuit/System Verification
1. Ignition ON, observe the appropriate scan tool window switch parameters for the driver and front passenger window switches while activating all window switches to the UP, DOWN, and EXPRESS positions.
• If the readings do not change as the switches are activated, refer to Power Window Switch Malfunction - Front.
2. Operate the driver and front passenger windows with the driver power window switch to the UP, DOWN, and EXPRESS positions. The driver and front passenger windows should operate to the appropriate position as the switch is activated.
• If the windows do not operate as the switch is activated, refer to Power Window Motor Malfunction - Front.
3. Operate each rear window with the driver power window switch to the UP, DOWN, and EXPRESS positions. The rear windows should operate to the appropriate position as the switch is activated.
• If the rear windows do not operate as the switch is activated, refer to Rear Window Malfunction - From Master Switch.
4. Operate each rear window with the appropriate rear power window switch to the UP and DOWN positions. The rear windows should operate to the appropriate position as the switch is activated.
• If the rear window does not operate as the switch is activated, refer to Power Window Malfunction - Rear.
Circuit/System Testing
Power Window Switch Malfunction - Front
Ignition ON, with a scan tool, observe the appropriate window switch parameters for the driver and front passenger window switches while activating all window switches to the UP, DOWN, and EXPRESS positions.
If the readings do not change as the switches are activated, replace the appropriate door control module.
Rear Window Malfunction - From Master Switch
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear power window switch.
2. Ignition ON, verify a test lamp illuminates between the window switch enable circuit terminal D and ground.
• If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the enable circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
3. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the window switch UP signal circuit terminal C and ground.
4. Ignition ON, with the driver master power window switch, command the appropriate rear window UP and DOWN. The test lamp should illuminate ON and OFF as the switch is activated.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
5. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the window switch DOWN signal circuit terminal B and ground.
6. Ignition ON, with the driver master power window switch, command the appropriate rear window UP and DOWN. The test lamp should illuminate ON and OFF as the switch is activated.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
7. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the inoperative rear power window switch.
Power Window Motor Malfunction - Front
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative power window motor.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the power window motor ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the B+ circuit terminal 3 and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
4. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the inoperative power window motor.
Power Window Malfunction - Rear
1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative rear power window switch.
2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 5.0 ohms between the rear power window switch ground circuit terminal E and ground.
• If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
3. Ignition ON, test for B+ between the rear power window switch voltage supply circuit terminal H and ground.
• If less than the specified range, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal and the B+ fuse is open, replace the appropriate rear power window switch.
4. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the power window switch.
5. Disconnect the harness connector at the inoperative rear window motor.
6. Connect a test lamp between the motor control circuit terminal B and ground.
7. Ignition ON, operate the power window switch to the UP and DOWN positions. The test lamp should illuminate ON and OFF as the switch is operated.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the appropriate power window switch.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the appropriate power window switch.
8. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between the motor control circuit terminal A and ground.
9. Ignition ON, operate the power window switch to the UP and DOWN positions. The test lamp should illuminate ON and OFF as the switch is operated.
• If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the appropriate power window switch.
• If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the appropriate power window switch.
10. If all circuits test normal, replace the inoperative rear power window motor.
Repair Instructions
Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification (Verification Tests) after completing the diagnostic procedure.
* Front Side Door Window Regulator Motor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Rear Side Door Window Regulator Motor Replacement (Service and Repair)
* Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement (Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement)
* Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Driver Side (Service and Repair)
* Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Passenger Side (Service and Repair)
* Control Module References (Programming and Relearning) for BCM, DDM, and PDM replacement, setup, and programming