Many GMC owners appreciate the convenience of modern features, and one popular function is remotely rolling down your windows using the key fob. This feature, often called “remote window venting” or “express window lowering,” can be incredibly useful for airing out your vehicle on a hot day before you even get in. However, what happens when this feature stops working, or your windows start acting erratically? This guide will walk you through understanding how to roll down windows with your GMC key fob, troubleshooting common issues, and even delve into window motor programming if needed.
Understanding the GMC Key Fob Window Feature
The ability to roll down windows with your key fob isn’t just a luxury; it’s a smart feature that adds to the overall driving experience. Typically, this function is activated by pressing and holding the unlock button on your GMC key fob for a few seconds. The exact duration might vary slightly depending on your specific GMC model and year, so always refer to your owner’s manual for the precise instructions. This feature is designed to provide ventilation and cool down your car’s interior, especially in warmer climates.
However, if you find that your windows are not responding to your key fob commands, or if they’re behaving unexpectedly, there could be a few underlying causes. Often, issues stem from the window motor needing to be “normalized” or “relearned,” especially after battery disconnection or motor replacement.
Window Motor Normalization: Restoring Express Window Functionality
Sometimes, the express up and express down functions of your windows might stop working. This can happen after disconnecting or replacing the window motor, disconnecting the door harness, or even after a battery replacement. When this occurs, you might also see warning messages on your driver information center, such as “Open, then Close Driver Window” or “Open, then Close Passenger Window.” These warnings indicate that the window motor needs to be normalized.
Here’s how to normalize your GMC window motor and restore the express and potentially key fob window functions:
Normalization Procedure:
Before you begin, ensure that all doors are completely closed. An open door can interfere with the normalization process. For convertible models, the top must be fully closed and latched.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position.
- Start with the window fully UP. Press and hold the power window switch in the DOWN position until the window is completely open. Continue holding the switch down for approximately 5 seconds after the window is fully open.
- Next, pull the power window switch UP until the window is fully closed. Continue holding the switch up for approximately 5 seconds after the window is fully closed.
A typical power window switch, similar to those found in GMC vehicles. Understanding these controls is key to performing the normalization procedure.
After completing these steps, your window should be normalized. Test the express up and down functions and try using your key fob to roll down the windows again. The warning messages on your driver information center should also disappear.
Window Motor Relearn Procedure: Addressing Alignment and Replacement Issues
In situations where normalizing the window motor isn’t enough, or if you’ve had the window glass, door, or window regulator replaced, a window motor relearn procedure might be necessary. This procedure is more involved and often requires a scan tool to clear the window learn values.
Relearn Procedure:
Before starting, make sure your GMC is parked on a level surface with all four tires properly inflated. All doors must be completely closed, and convertibles must have their tops closed and latched.
- Turn the ignition to the ON position.
- Use a scan tool to access the vehicle’s computer system. Navigate to Module Diagnosis, then Body Control Module, and select Configuration/Reset Functions.
- Within the Configuration/Reset Functions menu, find and select the option to Clear Window Learn Values for the specific window motor that requires relearning.
- After clearing the learn values, completely exit the scan tool learn procedure. The power window will not function correctly until you exit the program.
- Now, perform the Normalization Procedure as described above (steps 4 and 5 are the same as normalization steps 2 and 3). Start with the window completely UP, press and hold the switch down for 5 seconds after fully open, then pull and hold the switch up for 5 seconds after fully closed.
A typical scan tool interface used for vehicle diagnostics and programming. A scan tool is required for the window motor relearn procedure in GMC vehicles.
Following the relearn procedure, your window motor should be reprogrammed, addressing issues related to window alignment and component replacements.
Troubleshooting Key Fob Window Roll-Down Issues
If you’ve tried the normalization and relearn procedures and your key fob is still not rolling down the windows, consider these additional troubleshooting steps:
- Check your owner’s manual: Confirm the correct procedure for your specific GMC model. The button press duration and sequence can vary.
- Key Fob Battery: Ensure your key fob battery is not weak. A low battery can sometimes affect the range and functionality of remote features.
- Receiver Issues: In rare cases, there might be an issue with the vehicle’s receiver that detects the key fob signal. This might require professional diagnosis.
- Door Lock Actuator: Although less likely to directly affect the roll-down function, issues with the door lock actuator could sometimes interfere with remote commands.
- Faulty Window Motor or Regulator: If normalization and relearn don’t work, and the window operates erratically even with the switch, there might be a mechanical problem with the window motor or regulator itself.
Conclusion
The ability to roll down your windows with the key fob on your GMC is a valuable feature that enhances convenience. By understanding the normalization and relearn procedures, you can often resolve common issues and restore this functionality yourself. However, if you continue to experience problems, it’s always best to consult a certified GMC technician. They have the expertise and diagnostic tools to pinpoint more complex issues and ensure your power windows and key fob features are working correctly.
