Power Window System Chevrolet Cavalier III

DESCRIPTION

Power window system uses a permanent-magnet motor to operate each window. Motor operation is controlled by a master window switch assembly alone or in combination with individual window switches. Window is raised or lowered depending on polarity of current applied to window motor.

Some models use a control module to access an express mode of operation. When left front window switch is pushed past first detent, module activates relay to apply full battery voltage to window motor. This provides current to quickly and fully open window.

OPERATION

When ignition switch is in RUN position, power for window system is supplied to master window switch assembly through fuse block circuit breaker. When any switch on master window switch assembly is operated, power is applied through single window switch to motor, driving window motor in either direction to either raise or lower window. Each motor is protected by an internal circuit breaker which will reset after switch is released (voltage removed).

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

COMPONENT LOCATIONS

TROUBLE SHOOTING

Note. To prevent misdiagnosis, ensure no Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) exist. See appropriate BODY CONTROL MODULES article.

PRELIMINARY INSPECTION

Check PWR WDO (25-amp) circuit breaker. Ensure grounds are clean and tight. If only master window switch assembly operates windows, ensure lock-out is not engaged (4-door). Check for broken or partially broken wire inside insulation which would cause system failure but prove good in continuity/voltage check. Ensure proper installation of aftermarket electronic equipment that may affect integrity of other systems. If no problem is found, repair by symptom. See SYMPTOM INDEX table under SYMPTOM TESTS.

SYSTEM CHECK

1. With all windows closed, turn ignition switch to RUN position. Briefly press left front window switch to first detent. Window should descend a small distance, then stop.
2. Press left front window switch past first detent. Window should descend completely (express mode).
3. Press left front window switch up. Window should raise as long as switch is held up, then stop when switch is released (no express). Repeat step 2 . While window is moving down in express mode, press switch upward. Window should stop express descent.
4. Lower and raise other windows from master window switch assembly. All windows should operate quietly and smoothly through full range of travel.
5. Lower and raise each window from window switches. All windows should operate quietly and smoothly through full range of travel. If problem exists with power window system, go to «PRELIMINARY INSPECTION»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system__preliminary-inspection) .

SYMPTOM TESTS

Note. Connector Test Adaptor Kit (J 35616-A) must be used whenever a diagnostic procedure requires checking or probing a terminal to prevent damage to terminal. To locate and identify terminals, see WIRING DIAGRAMS .

SYMPTOM INDEX

TEST 1: ALL WINDOWS INOPERATIVE

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Disconnect master window switch assembly connector. Using a DVOM, measure voltage between ground and Brown wire terminal at master window switch assembly connector. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, repair open in Brown wire between master window switch assembly and power window 25-amp circuit breaker.
2. Measure voltage between Brown wire and Black wire terminals of master window switch assembly connector. If battery voltage is present, check for poor connection at master window switch assembly. If connection is okay, replace master window switch assembly. If battery voltage is not present, repair open in Black wire between master window switch assembly connector and ground connection located in left front of passenger compartment. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) .

TEST 2: LEFT FRONT WINDOW INOPERATIVE

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector (C1 on 4 door models) Brown wire terminal. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) . Press left front window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4 .
2. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector (C1 on 4 door models) Dark Blue wire terminal. Press left front window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4 .
3. Disconnect left front window motor harness connector. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left front window motor harness connector terminal "A" (Brown wire). Press left front window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 5 . If battery voltage is not present, go to step 6 .
4. Replace master window switch assembly. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
5. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left front window motor connector terminal "B" (Dark Blue wire). Press left front window switch on master window switch assembly in UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 7 . If battery voltage is not present, go to step 8 .
6. Repair open in Brown wire between master window switch assembly and left front window motor connector terminal "A". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) . Recheck system operation.
7. Replace left front window motor. See «WINDOW MOTOR»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
8. Repair open in Dark Blue wire between master window switch assembly and left front window motor connector terminal "B". Recheck system operation.

TEST 3: RIGHT FRONT WINDOW INOPERATIVE

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly Tan wire terminal. Press right front window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4.
2. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector Light Blue wire terminal. (Scheme 1) Press right front window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4.
3. Disconnect right front window motor harness connector. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at right window motor harness connector terminal "B" (Tan wire). Press right front window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 5. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 6.
4. Replace master window switch assembly. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
5. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at right front window motor connector terminal "A" (Light Blue wire). Press right front window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 7. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 8.
6. Repair open in Tan wire between master window switch assembly and right front window motor connector terminal "B". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.
7. Replace right front window motor. See «WINDOW MOTOR»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
8. Repair open in Light Blue wire between master window switch assembly and right front window motor connector terminal "A". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.

Scheme 1

TEST 4: LEFT REAR WINDOW INOPERATIVE

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Press lock-out switch on master window switch assembly to OFF position. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector C2 terminal "H" (Purple wire). (Scheme 1) Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4.
2. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector C2 terminal "C" (Dark Green wire). (Scheme 1) Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4.
3. Disconnect left rear window switch. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left rear window switch connector Purple wire terminal. Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 5. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 6.
4. Replace master window switch assembly. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
5. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left rear window switch harness connector Dark Green wire terminal. Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 7. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 8.
6. Repair open in Purple wire between master window switch assembly and left rear window switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.
7. Connect a fused jumper between left rear window harness connector Purple wire terminal and Brown wire terminal and between Dark Blue wire terminal and Dark Green wire terminal. Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP and DOWN positions. If left rear window operates, go to step 9. If left rear window does not operate, go to step 10.
8. Repair open in Dark Green wire between master window switch assembly and left rear window switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.
9. Replace left rear window switch. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
10. Connect left rear window switch. Disconnect left rear window motor. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left rear window motor harness connector terminal "A" (Brown wire). Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 12.
11. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at left rear window motor harness connector terminal "B" (Dark Blue wire). Press left rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 13. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 14.
12. Repair open in Brown wire between left rear window switch and left rear window motor connector terminal "A". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.
13. Replace left rear window motor. See «WINDOW MOTOR»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
14. Repair open in Dark Blue wire between left rear window switch and left rear window motor connector terminal "B". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). Recheck system operation.

TEST 5: RIGHT REAR WINDOW INOPERATIVE

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Press lock-out switch on master window switch assembly to OFF position. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector C2 Purple wire terminal. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) . Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4 .
2. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector C2 Light Green wire terminal. Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 4 .
3. Disconnect right rear window switch. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at rear window switch connector Purple wire terminal. Press right window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 5 . If battery voltage is not present, go to step 6 .
4. Replace master window switch assembly. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
5. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at right rear window switch harness connector Light Green wire terminal. Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 7 . If battery voltage is not present, go to step 8 .
6. Repair open in Purple wire between master window switch assembly and right rear window switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS.»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) Recheck system operation.
7. Connect a fused jumper between right rear window harness connector Purple wire terminal and Brown wire terminal and between Dark Blue wire terminal and Light Green wire terminal. Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP and DOWN positions. If right rear window operates, go to step 9 . If right rear window does not operate, go to step 10 .
8. Repair open in Light Green wire between master window switch assembly and right rear window switch. See «WIRING DIAGRAMS.»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) Recheck system operation.
9. Replace right rear window switch. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
10. Connect right rear window switch. Disconnect right rear window motor connector. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at right rear motor connector terminal "B" (Brown wire). Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to DOWN position. If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 12 .
11. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at right rear window motor harness connector terminal "A" (Dark Blue wire). Press right rear window switch on master window switch assembly to UP position. If battery voltage is present, go to step 13 . If battery voltage is not present, go to step 14 .
12. Repair open in Brown wire between right rear window switch and right rear window motor connector terminal "B". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) . Recheck system operation.
13. Replace right rear window motor. See «WINDOW MOTOR»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
14. Repair open in Dark Blue wire between right rear window switch and right rear window motor connector terminal "A". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) . Recheck system operation.

TEST 6: LEFT OR RIGHT REAR WINDOW INOPERATIVE FROM INDIVIDUAL SWITCH

1. Turn ignition switch to RUN position. Press lock-out switch on master window switch assembly to OFF position. Using DVOM connected to ground, backprobe at master window switch assembly connector C1 terminal "D" (Dark Blue wire). See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system). If battery voltage is present, go to next step. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 3.
2. Disconnect rear window switch. Using DVOM connected to ground, measure voltage at rear window switch harness connector terminal "F" (Dark Blue wire). (Scheme 1) If battery voltage is present, go to step 4. If battery voltage is not present, go to step 5.
3. Replace master window switch assembly. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
4. Replace rear window switch. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) under REMOVAL & INSTALLATION. Recheck system operation.
5. Repair open in Dark Blue wire between master window switch assembly connector C1 terminal "D" and rear window switch connector terminal "F". See «WIRING DIAGRAMS»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system).

Removal & Installation

1. Pull inside door handle to full open position. Push in on door handle pull cup, while prying out at top with flat-blade tool. Pull up on door handle pull cup to remove.
2. On front doors of hardtop models, remove power door lock switch and power window switch. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) .
3. On front doors of convertible models, remove power door lock switch. See «WINDOW & DOOR LOCK SWITCHES»(/chevrolet/cavalier/iii-1995-2005/remont/windows/#power-window-system) .
4. On all models, remove upper trim finish panel. Remove door trim panel lower screws. Remove door armrest. Remove door panel and set aside.
5. Remove water deflector enough to access motor/actuator assembly. Disconnect motor/actuator assembly electrical connector. Remove motor/actuator assembly bolts. Remove motor/actuator assembly.
6. To install, reverse removal procedure. Tighten motor/actuator bolts to 53 INCH lbs. (6 N.m).

Removal & Installation (Except Convertible)

Using a thin-blade screwdriver, pry between switch and door panel spring clip (if equipped). Press down on clip to release switch and pry outward. Disconnect electrical connector and remove switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Cavalier Convertible)

1. On automatic transmission equipped models, open console compartment. Gently pry upward on console trim plate surrounding shift lever. Remove shift lever.
2. On manual transmission equipped models, open console compartment. Gently pry upward on shift lever boot assembly. Remove shift lever.
3. On all models, remove covers from console retaining screws. Remove console retaining screws and console.
4. Using a thin-blade screwdriver, pry between switch and console spring clip (if equipped). Press down on clip to release switch and pry outward. Disconnect electrical connector and remove switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

Removal & Installation (Sunfire Convertible)

1. Remove shift lever handle retaining clip. Disconnect Enhanced Traction System (ETS) electrical connector and pull wire through shift boot. Remove shift control handle.
2. Remove shift boot. Remove console compartment liner. Remove console retaining screws and console.
3. Using a thin-blade screwdriver, pry between switch and console spring clip (if equipped). Press down on clip to release switch and pry outward. Disconnect electrical connector and remove switch. To install, reverse removal procedure.

See also:
• SYMPTOM INDEX
• PRELIMINARY INSPECTION
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