This article was co-authored by Ed Beery and by wikiHow staff writer, Eric McClure. Ed Beery is an Automotive Specialist and the Owner of InTechgrity Automotive Excellence based in Denver, Colorado. With more than eight years of experience, he specializes in providing maintenance and repair services for both individuals and companies. Ed and the InTechgrity Automotive Excellence Team are approved by the American Automobile Association (AAA) for repairs and are Automotive Service Excellence (ASE) certified.
There are 8 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page.
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Automatic windows make it easy to raise and lower your window, but they can easily be thrown off or reset when you replace your vehicle’s battery. The automatic window function relies on a sensor and electrical components to interpret when a window is open or closed, so replacing your car’s electrical power source can mess with these settings. To reset the memory settings for your window, press the button for each window down and hold it for 2-5 seconds. Then, raise the same window and hold the button for 2-5 seconds. If this doesn’t work, you may need to lubricate your windows with silicone spray, replace the fuse for the windows, or clean out the reel inside your door panel.
Resetting Power Windows in a Car
Put your ignition in the “Run” position and lower the window all the way down. Hold the window button in the down position for 2-5 seconds. Then, lift the window all the way up. Hold the button in the up position for 2-5 seconds.
Steps
Resetting the Memory Settings
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1Turn the key in the ignition to the “run” position. Turn the key but don’t start the car to turn your vehicle’s electrical components on. On some cars, you’ll need to turn the key backward to turn the electrical components on. On other cars, the “run” position is the slot right before the area that you turn the key to ignite the engine. You cannot reset the windows using the controls while the car is running.[1] X Research source Go to source
- If you reset your battery and the automatic window function isn’t working, the computer for your car likely flushed the memory of the window settings. This will input new memory settings for the windows.
Tip: This often works on German and Japanese cars, although it will work on some American vehicles.
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2Press a window key down to lower the window all the way. You are going to do this one window at a time, so pick a button to start with. Press the button all the way down and hold it so that the window lowers all of the way. Do not release the button once the window is lowered.[2] X Research source Go to source
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3Hold the key down for 2-5 seconds after the window is down. Once your window is all the way down, hold the button down for 2-5 seconds. Release the button after you’ve held it down for a short period of time.[3] X Research source Go to source
- On some vehicles, the required time to reset the window is 2 seconds. On others, it is 5 seconds. If this doesn’t work the first time at 2 seconds, try it again by holding the button down for 5.
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4Lift the same window key to raise the window all the way up. On the same window that you just lowered, raise the key upwards to lift the window. Pull the button all the way up with your finger so that the window raises all the way up. Do not release your finger.[4] X Research source Go to source
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5Hold the key for 2-5 seconds after the window closes. Once the window is all the way up, hold the button in the up position for 2-5 seconds. Once you’ve done this, release your finger. The automatic power settings for that window should be reset.[5] X Research source Go to source
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6Repeat this process with the other window keys. Use the same time interval on each of the other window buttons to reset them separately. If you accidentally hit a different button while you’re doing this, simply repeat the process for the button that you hit. This will set the automatic window function by resetting the time intervals through your car’s computer.[6] X Research source Go to source
Solving Mechanical Problems
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1Spray the rubber trim with waterproof silicone spray if the windows stick. If your windows are raising and lowering in strange intervals after replacing the battery, the sensor in your car’s windows is likely stopping the window at the wrong time. Get a waterproof lubricant spray and raise your window all the way up. Spray the inside and outside of the rubber trim around the entirety of your window. Lower the window and spray a little in the opening for the window.[7] X Research source Go to source
- Wipe the excess spray off with a cloth or paper towel.
- An automatic window relies on a sensor to interpret when the window is in the closed position. Applying lubricant spray will reduce the friction, which will make it easier for the sensor to interpret when the window is actually closed.
- This will also lubricate your motor and reel, which will make it easier for the entire system to function smoothly.
- You can buy waterproof silicone spray from your local hardware or auto parts store.
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2Test the fuse with a multimeter and replace it if the windows won’t move. Turn your car off. Consult your vehicle’s instruction manual to determine where you fuse box is and how to remove it. Look at the list of fuses in your manual to determine which one corresponds to your power windows. Either pull the fuse out or remove it with pliers. Set your multimeter to Ω, or ohms, by turning the dial. Touch the 2 metal needles to each terminal on your fuse. If the reading is less than 1, then your fuse is fine.[8] X Research source Go to source
- Turn your car off before removing the fuse.
- If you need to replace a fuse, order a replacement from your manufacturer and push it into the fuse slot in your vehicle.
- If you don’t have your vehicle’s instruction manual, you can download a copy online from your manufacturer’s website.
- In many cars, the fuse box is under the panel in between the driver’s and front passenger’s seat, or behind a panel on the driver's side dashboard. If it isn’t there, it is usually in the glove box.
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3Inspect the reel on your window motor to see if it’s rusty or blocked. Take the panel for your door off by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Slide the cover off of the motor by removing the bolt in the middle with a wrench. This will expose the reel, which looks a wheel with spokes. Inspect the reel for rust or blockage. Remove any debris that may have found its way into the spokes and try spraying the reel with waterproof silicone lubricant if it’s rusty.[9] X Research source Go to source
- The reel is the piece that turns to raise and lower your window. If it is rusty or filled with gunk, the reel won’t turn correctly.
Warning: You should only remove a door panel if you’re used to working on cars. This can be kind of tricky if you’ve never done it before. Turn your car off and use pliers to remove debris. If you stick your fingers into the reel and it somehow accidentally turns on, you could seriously injure your hand.
Community Q&A
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QuestionWhat can/will happen if this procedure isn't done after a battery change?Community AnswerThe window should operate manually. You will have to hold the switch down to get the window down and hold the switch up to get the window up. (ref: 2002 Camry)
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QuestionWhat can I do if the key fob for opening and closing windows is not working?Community AnswerFirst, check the battery in the key fob. If that isn't it, depending on the car, you might have to set that up in the settings on the dashboard. Sometimes the keys will lose its memory. You will have to re-sync the key with the car. Check your car manual (most are available online) to check for the procedure.
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QuestionWhat do I do if my car's automatic window won't roll down?Community AnswerCheck the fuse, which should be in the dashboard or under the hood, check the owner's manual. You can check the switch with a multimeter for continuity; it should make a beep when you press the switch (put the black and red on the two contacts on the switch). In some cases it could be the body control module, but other things would stop working as well. You can take off the door panel and put a wire from your battery to the power window motor to troubleshoot.
Video
Things You’ll Need
Solving Mechanical Problems
- Multimeter
- Screwdriver
- Waterproof silicone spray
- Cloth or paper towel
- Pliers
References
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=72
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=105
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=107
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=110
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=114
- ↑ https://youtu.be/vNapb-q2b_Y?t=114
- ↑ https://youtu.be/cl-7LtQuRfs?t=41
- ↑ https://youtu.be/FQGjt2c6ADU?t=102
- ↑ https://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/how-to/a69/1272371/
About This Article
If you need to reset a car's automatic window after replacing the battery, start by turning the key in the ignition to the “run” position so that the vehicle's electrical components come on. Next, press a window key down to lower one of the windows all the way. Once your window is all the way down, hold the button down for 2-5 seconds before releasing it. Then, lift the same window key to raise the window all the way up, hold the key for 2-5 seconds after the window closes, and release your finger. After that, the automatic power settings for that window should be reset! You can repeat the same process with the other window keys to reset the other windows. If this doesn’t work, you may need to lubricate your windows with silicone spray or replace the fuse for the windows. For tips on lubricating your windows, read on!
Reader Success Stories
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"I just got a battery replaced today, and as I got in and driving down the highway I tried to roll down the window. When I let go, nothing happened! I was going to go back, but had a feeling they'd say it was something "bad" and charge me more money. Thank you so much for this helpful tip!"
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"Just replaced the battery on an '08 Honda Pilot, and then noticed later that the auto up/down feature wasn't working on the driver-side window. Expected to need to replace the switch, but no! Accidentally came across this article. It is now working, and I spent $0!"
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"After changing to a new car battery, my central window control & auto-window didn't work anymore. Checked the fuses, wasn't them. Suddenly came across this article, followed the exact steps, now all is fixed. I'm so happy, I was about to take the door apart."
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"I had problems with the door windows fraction drop when opening then fraction up when closing. I disconnected the positive lead then using a multimeter between + and - set at 20A drained the residual current. Reconnected to battery and all works normal."
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"My passenger window could only be controlled on the passenger side control, the driver side control would not work. Then the window open warning light would come on every time I turned the car off. I followed the instructions here, and its all fixed."
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"I just had my battery changed today and was freaked out when my auto up feature didn't work. The store that replaced my battery didn't know anything about it. I looked it up, found your step-by-step instructions to reset it...and it worked! Thanks."
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"I have been dealing with car audio, electronics, etc. for years. I have never heard of this. I replaced my speaker in the driver's side door and the auto up stopped working. Auto down still worked. I found this, and as described, it worked!"
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"I had my battery replaced, then the windows would go down without having to keep the button depressed, but not auto-up. Also, the windows wouldn't go up or down if I used the remote. I followed this guide and fixed everything!"
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"WOW! i just thought it was broken forever, didn't make the connection that it happened at the same time the battery was changed. Accidentally stumbled on this article and fixed it myself like a big girl. Thanks wikiHowi!!"
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"Thank you so much for the post. I was about to drive 45 minutes to just go to the dealer who last replaced the battery and have them look at it. This worked on the first try just as you described!"
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"Perfect! I fixed it! I was asking so many friends of mine and all were saying that I need to go to service station! And I'm a girl by the way! So proud of me! Thank you sooo much!!"
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"Just changed the battery on 2016 Subaru Legacy and thought I damaged the electrical system somehow. Followed the instructions, and all windows are working again. Thank you!"
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"Worked perfectly on a 2008 Cadillac SRX. After my battery died and I got a jump, the auto-up function stopped working on the drivers side front door. "
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"Driver window won't go up or partly. Used some W40 to clean the rubber around the window and spray some in the door opening. Instant success."
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"Pretty simple. I Googled the issue I was having with my car window and this article popped up. Worked perfectly the first time! Thank you!"
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"The resetting of the power window is the thing that helped me a lot. Great! I learned something new today. Thanks wikiHow! Awesome info."
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"This fixed my issue after resetting the check engine light on my car by disconnecting my battery. Saved me time and money. Thanks guys!"
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"It worked perfectly on my Toyota Avensis, having disconnected the battery. Thank you very much, funny how you miss the auto feature."
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"Had to restart my battery, then noticed my auto window up/down didn't work. Found this instruction and it worked! So happy, thanks."
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"This worked for the 2012 Nissan Juke. I had the battery replaced and somehow the automatic window switch stopped working."
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"Just follow what's written, here. My windows were malfunctioning, now they back to normal, after following these steps."
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"Everything help to include pictures after the reset steps I had to start the car everything works great. Thanks."
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"Thanks so much! I was able to get all four windows to return to automatic up and down. 2016 Volvo XC70 T6."
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"God bless the Internet!!! This hack totally saved me and my auto Windows!!! Thank you so much."
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"I suddenly noticed that we can troubleshoot our cars before calling the mechanics."
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"I followed the steps in the article and reset the auto feature for my windows."
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"Thank you so much. I was going to the workshop before reading this. Thank you."
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"I used this information to reset my window on my 2013 Mazda 3."
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"It worked perfectly and I didn't have to pay the dealership!"
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"Worked perfectly for my '09 Nissan Altima! Thank you!"