GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Windows Description and Operation RPO AXC/AXE

Power Window System Components

The power window system consists of the following components:

    • Driver door module (DDM)
    • Body control module (BCM)
    • Passenger door module (PDM)
    • Rear door power window switches
    • Power window motors in each of the doors (circuit breaker protected)

Power Window System Operation

The driver master control contains 4 power window switches which are integral components to the Driver Door Module (DDM). Closing any of the normally open switches provides the DDM with a request for power window operation. The switches for the 2 front windows have 3 positions up, down, and express down, while the switches for the rear windows have only 2 positions, up and down. Each of these switches and their positions is a direct input into the DDM. Upon receiving a request for power window operation, the DDM, transmits a GMLAN message indicating the switch and it's changed position.

The passenger door module (PDM) contains a single power window switch that is an integral component. Closing of this normally open, rocker switch provides the PDM with a request for the front passenger power window operation. The switch for the front passenger window has 2 positions up and down. Each of these switch positions is a direct input to the PDM.

The 2 rear passenger doors have their own switches. A switch activation alone can control the up and down functions of the rear windows. However the BCM, upon receiving a GMLAN message from the DDM, can send a signal to the appropriate rear window switch which will activate their respective rear window motors.

Driver Power Window Operation

The switch for the driver power window has 3 positions up, down, and express down and its position is a direct input into the driver door module (DDM). When the driver power window motor module receives LIN message from the DDM, the driver power window motor module will apply power and ground to the driver door window motor to move the window as requested.

Front Passenger Power Window Operation RPO AXE

The switch for the front passenger power window has 3 positions up, down, and express down and its position is a direct input into the passenger door module (PDM). When the passenger power window motor module receives LIN from the PDM, the passenger power window motor module will apply power and ground to the passenger door window motor to move the window as requested.

The front passenger power window can also be operated from the driver master control. The front passenger window switch on the driver master control has 3 positions UP, Down and Express Down and its position is a direct input into the DDM. Upon receiving a request for front passenger power window operation, the DDM transmits a GMLAN message indicating the changed switch position to the BCM which then sends a command to the PDM. When the PDM receives a passenger door window switch request from the BCM, it will send a command to the passenger power window motor module which will apply power and ground to the passenger door window motor to move the window as requested.

Front Passenger Power Window Operation RPO AXC

The switch for the front passenger power window has 3 positions up, down, and express down and its position is a direct input into the passenger door module (PDM), when the switch is pushed down or pulled up, the logic circuit within the passenger power window switch will provide power and ground to the window motor causing the window to open or by reversing polarity, the window will close.

The front passenger power window can also be operated from a switch on the driver master control. When the front passenger window switch on the driver master control is pushed down or pulled up, it's position is signaled to the BCM via the DDM. When the BCM receives this command the appropriate signal is sent to the PDM which will provide power and ground to the window motor causing the window to open or close.

Rear Passenger Power Window Operation

The rear passenger power window switches have their own battery voltage and respective grounds, when the switch is pushed down or pulled up, the logic circuit within the rear passenger power window switch will provide power and ground to the window motor causing the window to open or by reversing polarity, the window will close.

The rear passenger power windows can also be operated from switches on the driver master control. When the rear passenger window switches on the driver master control are pushed down or pulled up, their position is signaled to the BCM via the DDM. When the BCM receives this command the appropriate signal is sent to the rear door window switch which will provide power and ground to the window motor causing the window to open or close.

Rear Power Window Lockout Operation

The rear window lockout function is operated from the driver master control, when the rear window lockout switched is pressed, an indicator light will illuminate and a GMLAN message will be sent to the BCM via the DDM. When the BCM receives a lockout command, the rear door power window switches are disabled. Once activated, the rear power window switches will be disabled until the ignition switch is cycled or the switch is pressed again to enable the rear window switches.

Power Windows Description and Operation W/O AXC/AXE

Power Window System Components

The power window system consists of the following components:

    • Driver door switch (DDS)
    • Passenger door switch (PDS)
    • Rear door power window switches (RPDS)
    • Power window motors

Power Window System Controls

The power window system will operate anytime the retained accessory power (RAP) system is active or when the ignition switch is in the ACCY or ON position.

The driver and passenger door lock and side window switches are integrated control module switch assemblies. The DDS and PDS switches are normally open, 3 position rocker type switches, with detents for up, down, and express down. The DDS rear passenger window switches are normally open, 2 position rocker type switches, with detents for up and down. The DDS rear window lockout switch is a push button type switch that provides an active signal to the DDS whenever pressed. Whenever the rear window lockout switch is pressed the DDS will activate or deactivate the rear window lockout function depending on the current state and illuminate the switch indicator whenever the function is active.

The PDS contains a single power window switch that is an integral component. Closing of this normally open, rocker switch provides the PDS with a request for the front passenger power window operation. The switch for the front passenger window has 3 positions UP, Down and Express Down. Each of these switch positions is a direct input to the PDS.

The rear passenger door power window switches are normally open, 2 position rocker type switches, with detents for up and down.

Driver Power Window Operation

The switch for the driver power window has 3 positions UP, Down and Express Down and it’s position is a direct input into the DDS. Upon receiving a request for power window operation (switch activation), the DDS supplies voltage to the power window motor left front up or down circuit and grounds the opposite and the power window motor runs to move the window up or down.

Front Passenger Power Window Operation

The switch for the front passenger power window has 3 positions UP, Down and Express Down and it’s position is a direct input into the PDS. Upon receiving a request for power window operation (switch activation), the PDS supplies voltage to the power window motor right front up or down circuit and grounds the opposite and the power window motor runs to drive the window up or down.

The front passenger power window can also be operated from the DDS. The front passenger window switch on the DDS has 3 positions UP, Down and Express Down and its position is a direct input into the DDS. Upon receiving a request for front passenger power window operation, the DDS transmits a command signal indicating the changed switch position. When the PDS receives this message, the PDS supplies voltage to the power window motor right front up or down circuit and grounds the opposite and the power window motor runs to move the window up or down.

Rear Passenger Power Window Operation

The rear passenger power windows can also be operated from the DDS. The rear passenger window switches on the DDS has 2 positions, UP and Down, and its position is a direct input into the DDS. Upon receiving a request for rear passenger power window operation, the DDS transmits a command signal indicating the changed switch position. When the RPDS receives this message, the RPDS supplies voltage to the respective power window motor up or down circuit and grounds the opposite and the power window motor runs to move the window up or down.

Rear Power Window Lockout Operation

The rear window lockout function is operated from the DDS through a command signal to the RPDS. When the RPDS receives an active lockout command, the rear door power window switches are disabled and the indicator lamp on the lockout switch will illuminate. Once disabled, the lockout feature will remain in effect until the ignition switch is cycled or the driver enables the rear windows by pressing the rear window lockout switch again.