GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Diagnostic Fault Information

Perform the Diagnostic System Check - Vehicle prior to using this diagnostic procedure.

Circuit

Short to Ground

Open/High Resistance

Short to Voltage

Signal Performance

Driver Window Switch Voltage Supply

1,2,3

1,2,3

--

--

Passenger Window Switch Voltage Supply

2

2

--

--

Lockout Switch Control

3

3

--

--

Rear Window Switch Control

3

3

3

--

Front Window Motor Control

1,2

1,2

1,2

--

Rear Window Motor Control

3

3

3

--

Driver Window Switch Ground

--

1,2,3

1,2,3

--

1. Driver Power Window Inoperative

2. Front Passenger Power Window Inoperative

3. Rear Power Window Inoperative

Circuit/System Description

When the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCY position, or retained accessory power (RAP) is enabled and the driver’s window switch is activated to the DOWN position, battery positive voltage is applied to the window motor causing the window to open. When the driver’s window switch is activated to the UP position, battery positive voltage is applied to the window motor in the opposite direction and the window closes.

The driver’s window switch also controls the front passenger, left rear and right rear door windows.

When the ignition switch is in the RUN or ACCY position, or RAP is enabled and an individual window switch is activated to the DOWN position, battery positive voltage is applied to the window motor causing that window to open. When the individual window switch is activated to the UP position, battery positive voltage is applied to the window motor in the opposite direction causing that window to close.

The driver window switch has an express-down feature that allows the window to be lowered completely without holding the switch. The switch is labeled AUTO. Press the bottom of the switch part way and release it and the driver window will open a small amount. Press the switch all the way down and release it and the window will go completely down automatically.

To stop the window while it is lowering, press and release the top of the switch.

Reference Information

Schematic Reference

Power Window Schematics

Connector End View Reference

Power Door Systems 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 the appropriate door window UP and DOWN by pressing the appropriate Window switch. Observe the operation of the appropriate door windows
  2. If all power windows are inoperative, refer to All Power Windows Inoperative.
    If the front driver door window is inoperative, refer to Driver Power Window Inoperative.
    If the front passenger window is inoperative, refer to Front Passenger Power Window Inoperative.
    If either left rear or right rear door window is inoperative, refer to Rear Passenger Power Window Inoperative.
    If both rear door windows are inoperative, refer to Lockout Switch Malfunction.
  3. Ignition ON, command the express down function door window by pressing Auto on the drivers window switch past the first detent and releasing. The driver window should roll completely down.
  4. If the driver window fails to roll completely down, replace the driver window switch.

Circuit/System Testing

All Power Windows Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the B+ harness connector C1 at the driver window switch.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the ground circuit terminal E 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 B and ground.
  5. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance. If the PWR WNDW circuit breaker is open, check the B+ circuit for a short to ground. If the circuit tests normal, test or replace the Center Console Fuse Block.
  6. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the driver window switch.

Driver Power Window Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the driver window motor.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  3. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
  5. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  6. Ignition OFF, connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  7. Ignition ON, command the driver window UP and DOWN by pressing the driver window switch. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  8. If the test lamp is always OFF during either of the commands, test for a short to ground on either of the control circuits, if the circuit tests normal, test or replace the Driver Window switch.
  9. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the driver window motor.

Front Passenger Power Window Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the passenger window switch.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
  3. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal H and ground.
  5. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the B+ circuit terminal A and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate, test the B+ circuit for an open/high resistance, if the PWR WNDW circuit breaker is open, test the B+ circuit for a short to ground.
  8. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal D and control circuit terminal H.
  9. Command the front passenger window UP and DOWN by pressing the passenger window control on the driver window switch. The test lamp should illuminate during either of the commands.
  10. If the test lamp is always OFF, test for a short to ground on either control circuit. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the driver window switch.
  11. Ignition OFF, reconnect the passenger window switch.
  12. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the Passenger Window Motor.
  13. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  14. 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, test or replace passenger window switch.
  15. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
  16. 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, test or replace the passenger window switch
  17. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  18. Ignition ON, command the front passenger window UP and DOWN by pressing the passenger window switch. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  19. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test for a short to ground on either control circuit. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the passenger window switch.
  20. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the Passenger Window Motor

Rear Passenger Power Window Inoperative

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear passenger Window Switch.
  2. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal D and ground.
  3. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  4. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal H and ground.
  5. 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, test or replace the driver window switch.
  6. Ignition ON, verify that a test lamp illuminates between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  7. If the test lamp does not illuminate and the Lockout Switch is CLOSED, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance, if the circuit tests normal, replace the Center Console Fuse Block.
  8. Connect a test lamp between the control circuit terminal D and control circuit terminal H.
  9. Command the appropriate rear passenger window UP and DOWN by pressing the appropriate window control on the driver window switch. The test lamp should illuminate during either of the commands.
  10. If the test lamp is always OFF, test for a short to ground on either control circuit. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the driver window switch.
  11. Ignition OFF, reconnect the appropriate rear passenger Window Switch.
  12. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate rear passenger Window Motor.
  13. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal A and ground.
  14. 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, test or replace the appropriate passenger Window Switch.
  15. Ignition OFF, test for less than 1.0 ohm of resistance between the control circuit terminal B and ground.
  16. 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, test or replace the appropriate passenger Window Switch
  17. Connect a test lamp between control circuit terminal A and control circuit terminal B.
  18. Ignition ON, command the appropriate rear passenger window UP and DOWN by pressing the appropriate rear passenger Window Switch. The test lamp should turn ON when commanding the UP and DOWN states.
  19. If the test lamp remains OFF during either of the commands, test for a short to ground on either control circuit. If the circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate rear passenger Window Switch.
  20. If all circuits test normal, test or replace the appropriate rear passenger Window Motor.

Lockout Switch Malfunction

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector C2 at the Center Console Fuse Block.
  2. Connect a test lamp between the Lockout Switch control circuit terminal F9 and ground.
  3. Ignition ON, command the rear window lockout ON and OFF by pressing and depressing the Lockout Switch on the driver window switch. The test lamp should turn ON and OFF when changing between the commanded states.
  4. If the test lamp is always OFF, test the control circuit for an open/high resistance, if the PWR WNDW circuit breaker is open, test the control circuit for a short to ground.
    If the test lamp is always ON, test the control circuit for a short to voltage.
  5. If all circuits tests normal, test or replace the driver window switch.

Component Testing

Driver Window Switch

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the driver window switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminals E and F and the B+ circuit terminal B with the LR Switch in the INACTIVE position.
  3. If less than infinite resistance, replace the Driver Window switch.
  4. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal E and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the UP position.
  5. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  6. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal F and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the DOWN position.
  7. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  8. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminals G and H and the B+ circuit terminal B with the RR Switch in the INACTIVE position.
  9. If less than infinite resistance, replace the Driver Window switch.
  10. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal G and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the UP position.
  11. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  12. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal H and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the DOWN position.
  13. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  14. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminals B and A and the B+ circuit terminal B with the Passenger Switch in the INACTIVE position.
  15. If less than infinite resistance, replace the driver window switch.
  16. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal B and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the UP position.
  17. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  18. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal A and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the DOWN position.
  19. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  20. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminals C and D and the B+ circuit terminal B with the Driver Switch in the INACTIVE position.
  21. If less than infinite resistance, replace the driver window switch.
  22. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal C and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the UP position.
  23. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.
  24. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal D and the B+ circuit terminal B with the switch in the DOWN position.
  25. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the driver window switch.

Passenger Window Switch

  1. Ignition OFF, disconnect the harness connector at the appropriate passenger window switch.
  2. Test for infinite resistance between the signal terminals F and G and the B+ circuit terminal A with the switch in the INACTIVE position.
  3. If less than infinite resistance, replace the appropriate passenger window switch.
  4. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal F and the B+ circuit terminal A with the switch in the UP position.
  5. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the appropriate passenger window switch.
  6. Test for less than 2 ohms of resistance between the signal terminal G and the B+ circuit terminal A with the switch in the DOWN position.
  7. If greater than 2 ohms, replace the appropriate passenger window switch.

Window Motor

  1. Install a 30-amp fused jumper wire between the control terminal A and 12 volts. Momentarily install a jumper wire between the control terminal B and ground. The appropriate Window Motor should perform the UP or DOWN function.
  2. If the function does not perform as specified, replace the appropriate Window Motor.
  3. Reverse the jumper wires; the appropriate Window Motor should perform the DOWN or UP function.
  4. If the function does not perform as specified, replace the appropriate Window Motor.

Repair Instructions

Perform the Diagnostic Repair Verification after completing the diagnostic procedure.

    •  Console Electrical Center or Junction Block Replacement
    •  Front Side Door Window Switch Replacement - Left Side
    •  Front Side Door Window Switch Replacement - Right Side
    •  Rear Side Door Window Switch Replacement
    •  Front Side Door Window Regulator Replacement
    •  Rear Side Door Window Regulator Replacement