GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Windows Malfunction Except AXC/AXE

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Driver Window Switch B+

1, 2, 3, 4

1

--

--

Passenger Window Switch B+

1, 2, 3, 4

2

--

--

LR Window Switch B+

1, 2, 3, 4

3

--

--

RR Window Switch B+

1, 2, 3, 4

4

--

--

LR Window Down Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

3

3

--

LR Window Up Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

3

3

--

Passenger Window Down Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

2

2

--

Passenger Window Up Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

2

2

--

RR Window Down Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

4

4

--

RR Window Up Signal

1, 2, 3, 4

4

4

--

Window Master Switch Lockout Control

1, 2, 3, 4

3, 4

3, 4

--

Driver Window Motor Control

1

1

1

--

Passenger Window Motor Control

2

2

2

--

LR Window Motor Control

3

3

3

--

RR Window Motor Control

4

4

4

--

Driver Window Switch Ground

--

1,3,4

1

--

Passenger Window Switch Ground

--

2

2

--

LR Window Switch Ground

--

3

3

--

RR Window Switch Ground

--

4

4

--

1. Driver Power Window Malfunction

2. Front Passenger Window Malfunction

3. Left Rear Power Window Malfunction

4. Right Rear Power Window Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The power window system will operate any time the ignition is in the ACC or RUN position. The power window system will also operate whenever the body control module (BCM) is in the retained accessory power (RAP) mode. The driver power window switch contains individual window switches for each of the power windows. All windows may be controlled up and down from the driver master control. The individual passenger power window switches will only control the up and down operation of their respective power window.

Each power window contains a reversible power window motor. The direction the window travels is dependent upon the polarity of the supply voltage. By reversing polarity of the supply voltage the window motor will move up or down. Each power window motor is internally circuit breaker protected.

Battery voltage is supplied to each power window switch through the accessory voltage supply circuit. The power window switch also receives a constant ground source. The power window motor control circuits are connected to ground through the normally closed up and down contacts of the power window switch. When the power switch is placed in the down position, the power window motor down control circuit is switched to 12 volts and is applied to the down side of the power window motor. Since the other side of the power motor is connected to ground through the normally closed contacts of the up switch, the window travels down. By placing the power window switch in the up position, the polarity of the power window motor is reversed and the window travels up.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Moveable Window Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Power Windows Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, command each window UP and DOWN using the window switches on the driver master control and by using their respective door window switches. Each window should perform the UP and DOWN functions from each switch.
  2. If the driver door window is inoperative, refer to Driver Power Window Inoperative.
    If the passenger door window is inoperative, refer to Passenger Power Window Inoperative
    If the left rear or right rear door window is inoperative, refer to Rear Power Window Malfunction.
  3. Disable the rear window switches by activating the window lockout switch on the driver master control. The rear power windows should be inoperative from the rear door window switches.
  4. If the rear window switches are still active, refer to Rear Window Lockout Malfunction.
  5. Command the express down function of the driver door window by pressing down on the driver’s window switch past the first detent and releasing. The driver’s window should roll completely down.
  6. If the function does not perform as specified, replace the driver window switch.

Circuit/System Testing

Driver Power Window Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X2 harness connector at the driver window switch.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal H and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal G and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance
  8. Connect the X2 harness connector at the driver window switch. Disconnect the harness connector at the driver window motor.
  9. Test for less than 1 ohm between the control circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  10. • Terminal A
    • Terminal B
    If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  11. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  12. Command the driver window UP and DOWN by using the driver window switch. The test lamp should illuminate when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  13. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test either control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the driver window switch.
  14. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the driver window motor.

Passenger Power Window Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the passenger window switch.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal F and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal G and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the ignition circuit terminal D and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the ignition circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  8. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal C and ground.
  9. Command the passenger window DOWN using the RF window switch on the driver master control, the test lamp should illuminate during the DOWN command.
  10. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  11. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  12. Command the passenger window UP using the RF window switch on the driver master control, the test lamp should illuminate during the UP command.
  13. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  14. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector passenger window switch and disconnect the harness connector at the passenger window motor.
  15. Test for less than 1 ohm between the control circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  16. • Terminal A
    • Terminal B
    If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the passenger window switch.
  17. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  18. Command the passenger window UP and DOWN by using the passenger window switch. The test lamp should illuminate when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  19. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test either control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the passenger window switch.
  20. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the passenger window motor.

Rear Power Window Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear window switch.
  2. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal F and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal G and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.

    Important: Check the lockout switch on the driver door switch and verify the rear window switches are enabled.

  6. Verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the control circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  8. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal C and ground.
  9. Command the rear window DOWN using the appropriate window switch on the driver master control, the test lamp should illuminate during the DOWN command.
  10. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  11. Connect a test lamp between the signal circuit terminal A and ground.
  12. Command the rear window UP using the window switch on the driver master control, the test lamp should illuminate during the UP command.
  13. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the signal circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
  14. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at rear window switch and disconnect the harness connector at the rear window motor.
  15. Test for less than 5 ohms between the control circuit terminal listed below and ground.
  16. • Terminal A
    • Terminal B
    If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the rear window switch.
  17. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  18. Command the rear window UP and DOWN by using the rear window switch. The test lamp should illuminate when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  19. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test either control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the rear window switch.
  20. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the rear window motor.

Rear Window Lockout Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear window switch.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
  3. Command the rear window lockout ON and OFF by pressing and depressing the lockout switch on the driver master control. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  4. If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuit tests normal, replace the driver window switch.
    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, replace the driver window switch.
  5. If all circuits test normal, replace the rear window switch.

Component Testing

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate window motor.
  2. Install a 30A fused jumper wire between one of the control terminals and 12V. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the other control terminal and ground. Reverse the jumper wires at least two times, the window motor should perform the UP/DOWN functions.
  3. If it does not perform as specified, replace the window motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Door Window Regulator Motor Replacement
    •  Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement
    •  Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Driver Side
    •  Door Lock and Side Window Switch Replacement - Passenger Side

Power Windows Malfunction AXC/AXE

Diagnostic Instructions

    • Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.
    • Review Strategy Based Diagnosis for an overview of the diagnostic approach.
    •  Diagnostic Procedure Instructions provides an overview of each diagnostic category.

Diagnostic Fault Information

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Driver Door Module B+

U0199 00

U0199 00

--

--

Driver Window Motor B+

U1511 00

U1511 00

--

B320A 4B

LR Window Switch B+

3

3

--

--

Passenger Door Module B+

U0200 00

U0200 00

--

--

Passenger Window Motor B+

U1511 00

U1511 00

--

B320A 4B

RR Window Switch B+

4

4

4

--

Driver Window Motor Serial Data

U1511 00

U1511 00

1

B320A 4B

Passenger Window Motor Serial Data (AXC)

2

2

2

--

LR Window Motor Control

3

3

3

--

Passenger Window Motor Control (AXE)

B3205 00

B3205 0B

B3205 00

--

RR Window Motor Control

4

4

4

--

Window Master Switch LR Down Control

B3820 00

B3820 00

B3820 00

--

Window Master Switch Lockout Control

B3821 00 or B3824 00

B3821 00 or B3824 00

B3821 00 or B3824 00

--

Window Master Switch LR Up Control

B3819 00

B3819 00

B3819 00

--

Window Master Switch RR Down Control

B3823 00

B3823 00

B3823 00

--

Window Master Switch RR Up Control

B3822 00

B3822 00

B3822 00

--

Driver Door Module Ground

--

U1511 00

1

--

LR Window Switch Ground

--

3

3

--

Passenger Door Module Ground

--

U1511 00

2

--

Passenger Window Motor Ground (AXC)

--

2

2

--

RR Window Switch Ground

--

4

4

--

1. Driver Window Malfunction

2. Passenger Window Malfunction

3. Left Rear Window Malfunction

4. Right Rear Window Malfunction

Circuit/System Description

The front and rear 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 switches that control all power window operations. 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 serial data message to the driver door window motor to move the window to the desired position.

When the DDM receives a request to operate the right side passenger windows from the master switch, a serial data message is sent to the PDM. The PDM examines the request and checks for messages from other vehicle control modules prohibiting the window movement. If no prohibitive messages have been received, the PDM will send a serial data message to the appropriate window motor to move the window as requested.

When the DDM receives a request to operate a rear window from the master switch, a serial data message is sent to the BCM. The BCM examines the request and checks for messages from other vehicle control modules prohibiting the window movement. If no prohibitive messages have been received, the BCM will send a serial data message to the appropriate rear window switch which will command the window motor as requested.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Moveable Window Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Component Connector End Views

Description and Operation

Power Windows Description and Operation

Electrical Information Reference

    •  Circuit Testing
    •  Connector Repairs
    •  Testing for Intermittent Conditions and Poor Connections
    •  Wiring Repairs

Scan Tool Reference

Control Module References for scan tool information

Circuit/System Verification

  1. Ignition ON, observe the operation of the power windows while commanding each window UP and DOWN by using their respective window switches, each window should perform the UP and DOWN function.
  2. If the driver window malfunctions, refer to Front Window Malfunction.
    If the front passenger window malfunctions (RPO AXC), refer to Front Window Malfunction.
    If the front passenger window malfunctions (RPO AXE), Passenger Window Malfunction.
    If either rear passenger power window malfunctions, refer to Rear Passenger Window Malfunction.
  3. Observe the scan tool Driver Window RF Switch, Driver Window LR Switch and Driver Window RR Switch parameters while using the driver master control switches. The parameter should change between Off/Up/Down/Express Down.
  4. If the value does not change between commanded states, replace the DDM.
  5. Observe the scan tool Window Lockout Switch parameter while pressing and depressing the window lockout switch on the driver master control. The parameter should change between On and Off.
  6. If the value does not change between commanded states, replace the DDM.
  7. (RPO AXC) Command the express up and express down functions of the driver and passenger door windows by pressing their window switches past the first detent and releasing and pulling their window switches past the first detent and releasing. The windows should perform the express up and express down function.
  8. If the function does not perform as specified, refer to Window Motor Programming - Express Function .

Circuit/System Testing

Front Window Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the X1 harness connector at the appropriate door module.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit 4 and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect the X1 harness connector at the door module.
  7. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Driver LF Window Switch parameters while using the driver power window switch on the DDM or the scan tool Passenger Window Switch parameters while using the passenger window switch on the PDM. The parameter should change between Off/Up/Down/ Express Up /Express Down.
  8. If the value does not change between commanded states, replace the door module.
  9. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the window motor.
  10. Test for less than 5 ohms between the ground circuit terminal 4 and ground.
  11. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  12. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal 1 and ground.
  13. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  14. If all circuits test normal, replace the window motor.

Passenger Window Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector X1 at the PDM.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal 5 and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal listed below and ground:
  5. • B+ circuit terminal 2
    • B+ circuit terminal 4
    If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect the harness connector at the PDM.
  7. Ignition ON, observe the scan tool Passenger Window Switch parameters while using the passenger power window switch. The parameter should change between Off/Up/Down /Express Down.
  8. If the value does not change between commanded states, replace the PDM.
  9. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the passenger window motor.
  10. Test for less than 1 ohm between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  11. If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuits test normal, replace the PDM.
  12. Test for less than 1 ohm between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
  13. If greater than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to voltage or an open/high resistance. If circuits test normal, replace the PDM.
  14. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  15. Ignition ON, command the passenger window UP and DOWN by using the passenger window switch. The test lamp should illuminate when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  16. If the test lamp does not illuminate during either of the commands, test either control circuit for a short to ground. If the circuits test normal, replace the PDM.
  17. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the passenger window motor.

Rear Window Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear window switch.
  2. Test for less than 1 ohm between the ground circuit terminal F and ground.
  3. If greater than the specified range, test the ground circuit for an open/high resistance.
  4. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal G and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground or an open/high resistance.
  6. Verify the scan tool LR Window Enable Cmd. and RR Window Enable Cmd. parameters are On.
  7. If not the specified value, press the window lockout switch on the driver master control.
  8. Test for greater than 9 volts between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
  9. If less than the specified range, test the control circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  10. Test for greater than 9 volts between the signal circuit terminal C and ground while commanding the rear window DOWN with a scan tool.
  11. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  12. Test for greater than 9 volts between the signal circuit terminal A and ground while commanding the rear window UP with a scan tool.
  13. If less than the specified range, test the signal circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuit tests normal, replace the BCM.
  14. Ignition OFF, connect the rear window switch and disconnect the harness connector at the rear window motor.
  15. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  16. Ignition ON, command the rear window UP and DOWN by using the rear window switch. The test lamp should illuminate when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  17. If the test lamp is always OFF during either of the commands, test either control circuit for a short to ground or open/high resistance. If the circuits test normal, replace the rear window switch
    If the test lamp is always ON , test either control circuit for a short to voltage. If the circuits test normal, replace the rear window switch.
  18. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the rear window motor.

Component Testing

Window Motor (Rear and RPO AXE Passenger)

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate window motor
  2. Install a 25A fused jumper wire between the control terminal A and 12 volts. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the control terminal B and ground. The window motor should perform the UP or DOWN function.
  3. If the function does not perform as specified, replace the window motor.
  4. Reverse the jumper wires; the window motor should perform the DOWN or UP function.
  5. If the function does not perform as specified, replace the window motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Door Window Regulator Motor Replacement
    •  Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement
    •  Control Module References for BCM, DDM and PDM replacement, setup, and programming