Tech Tip: How to Reset a Nissan Power Window

We often get calls about power windows. Using the “auto” feature of a power window switch automatically raises or lowers a power window to the fully closed or fully open position. When attempting to close the window using the “auto” feature, if work has been performed that results in the loss of the limit switch setting, the power window will rise all the way to the top and then come back down several inches.

Nissan has a few different procedures for resetting the limit switch in the power window motor, depending on the model. If there is an external button on the power window motor, use the following procedure:

• Raise the window to the fully closed position using the manual portion of the power window switch, not the “auto” feature.
• Then press in and hold the external button on the power window motor while fully opening the window.
• When the window is fully opened, release the button on the power window motor and verify that the button pops back out.
• Fully raise the power window, again using just the manual portion of the power window switch, not the “auto” feature. The limit switch should now be reset.

After performing the limit switch reset procedure, if the window still goes all the way up and then comes back down several inches when using the “auto” feature of the power window switch, check the voltage on the limit switch circuit to determine if the limit switch inside the power window motor is defective.

The power window switch sends out a 5-volt reference to the limit switch. The other side of the limit switch is connected to ground. The limit switch is closed, pulling the 5-volt reference to ground when the limit switch is not being depressed. The limit switch should not be depressed when the power window is open (in any position except fully closed).

When the power window is fully closed, the limit switch should be depressed. This should open the limit switch and remove the ground for the limit switch circuit, putting 5 volts back on the limit switch signal wire. When the power window switch sees the 5 volts return on the limit switch signal wire, the power window switch knows the window is fully closed and stops power window motor operation.

If 5 volts are not present on the limit switch circuit when the window is fully closed, the power window switch will think the window is still open and will keep operating the window motor. This is why the window will close and then come back down several inches if the limit switch is not set properly.

Please contact us if you have any questions.