GM Service Manual Online
For 1990-2009 cars only

Power Windows System Components

The Power Window System consists of the following components:

    • Driver Door Module (DDM)
    • Passenger Door Module (PDM)
    • Left Rear (LR) Door Module
    • Right Rear (RR) Door Module
    • Window regulator motors in each of the doors
    • DDM/PDM Circuit Breaker 25-amp

Power Windows System Controls

The power window switches are located on the driver's door armrest. In addition, each door has a switch for its own window. The front power window switch operates with two positions for both up and down movement and the rear power window switch operates with one position for up and two positions for down movement. Press the switch to the first position to lower the window to the desired level. Pull the switch up to raise the window. The vehicle has Retained Accessory Power (RAP) that allows you to use the power windows once the ignition has been turned off. The DDM and the PDM communicate over the GMLAN serial data line. The DDM and PDM communicate with the Rear Window switches and all the window motors over a Linear Interconnect Network (LIN) to perform the system functions. The functions of UP, Down, Express-Up or Express-Down are controled by messages sent over the LIN buss from the window switches to the logic portion of the window motor assemblies. Power is provided from the 25  A circuit breaker to the window motors when the ignition is ON or if the vehicle is in RAP. An internal switched Ground is supplied by the window motor when commanded by a LIN message. The DDM and PDM store trouble codes for faults in the power window system. If a fault code is set the power window operation function may be inhibited. It is necessary to use a scan tool to check for power window system fault codes. There are no Driver Information Center (DIC) or Instrument Pannel Cluster (IPC) teltales or warning for these faults.

Express-Down Window

This feature is on all windows. Press the switch to the second position and release the switch to activate the express-down feature. To stop the window as it is lowering, press down or pull up briefly on the switch again.

Express-Up Window

This feature is on the front windows. Pull the switch up to the second position and release the switch to activate the express-up feature. To stop the window as it is raising, pull up or press down briefly on the switch again.

Programming the Power Windows

If the battery on your vehicle has been recharged, disconnected, or is not working, you will need to reprogram each front power window for the express-up feature to work. Before reprogramming, you will need to replace or recharge your vehicle's battery.

To program each front window, follow these steps:

  1. With the ignition in ACCESSORY, RUN, or when Retained Accessory Power (RAP) is active, close all doors.
  2. Press and hold the power window switch until the window is fully open.
  3. Pull the power window switch up until the window is fully closed.
  4. Continue holding the switch up for approximately two seconds after the window is completely closed.

The window is now reprogrammed. Repeat the process for the other windows.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Feature

If any object is in the path of the window when the express-up is active, the window will stop at the obstruction and auto-reverse to a preset factory position. Weather conditions such as severe icing may also cause the window to auto-reverse. The window will return to normal operation once the obstruction or condition is removed.

Express Window Anti-Pinch Override

In an emergency, the anti-pinch feature can be overridden in a supervised mode. Hold the window switch all the way up to the second position. The window will rise for as long as the switch is held. Once the switch is released, the express mode is re-activated.

In this mode, the window can still close on an object in its path. Use care when using the override mode.

Window Lockout

The rear window lockout button is located on the driver's door armrest near the window switches. Press the right side of the button to disable the rear window controls. The light on the button will illuminate, indicating the feature is in use. The rear windows still can be raised or lowered using the driver's window switches when the lockout feature is active. To restore power to the rear windows, press the button again. The light on the button will go out.