Window switches

[Davet49]

I have a UK EX. One of the window switches is faulty - the window doesn't return automatically. Does anyone know how to access the switches? It looks as though the handhold for the door might come out, but that is only a guess.

 

[Julian Antorelli]

I have a UK EX. One of the window switches is faulty - the window doesn't return automatically. Does anyone know how to access the switches? It looks as though the handhold for the door might come out, but that is only a guess.

That's a very good question about a common issue with a window switch. Your guess about the handhold is a good one, and you're on the right track.

The window switches on the Infiniti EX (known as the QX50 in the US) are part of a larger panel that also includes the handhold for the door. The entire panel is part of the interior door card, and you'll need to remove it to properly access the switch assembly.

Here's a general guide on how to get to the switches:

- Panel removal: The window switch panel is typically held in place by a few plastic clips and a small screw or two. You should first look for a small screw cover or a rubber mat inside the handhold that you can pry up to expose the screw.

- Prying the panel: Once you have the screw out, you can use a trim removal tool to gently pry the rest of the panel up. Start at one end and work your way around, applying gentle pressure to release the plastic clips. You should be careful not to use too much force, as the plastic can break.

- Disconnecting the switch assembly: Once you have the panel out, you'll see the wire harness that connects the switch assembly to the car's electrical system. There will be a tab on the connector that you can press to release it.

- Accessing the switch: The switch assembly itself is usually held in the panel by a few more screws or clips. You can then remove it and work on the switch.

For your specific issue, where the window does not "auto-up" or "auto-down," it's not always a faulty switch. The "auto" function on many cars is a programmable feature that can be lost if the battery is disconnected or the fuse is pulled. It's often called "window initialization" or "window reset."

Here is the procedure to reset the window's "auto" function:
1. Turn the car on.
2. Press and hold the window down button until the window is all the way down.
3. Continue to hold the button for about 3-5 seconds after it is down.
4. Pull and hold the window up button until the window is all the way up.
5. Continue to hold the button for about 3-5 seconds after it is up.

The window's "auto" function should now be restored. If this reset procedure does not fix the problem, then you can proceed with removing the panel and either cleaning the contacts on the switch or replacing the entire switch assembly.

 

[Davet49]

What a helpful reply. Thank you very much indeed. I had already done some exploration and watched a few YouTube videos and found that you are completely correct. It was relatively simple to access the switches as you say. Once I had them loose I was able to explain the problem to an electronics engineer (motor engineers didn't want to know) and I took the car and switches to him this morning, and, to be honest, I am not sure what he did, but we connected the switches again and it all worked, all for the equivalent of 35USD.

Thank you for your trick to reset the switches - I can try that next time. I am gradually finding 'faults' that I am able to clear by reading the manual very carefully and pressing one or two buttons for a second or more. It is so nice to have a car with all that functionality accessible by buttons, rather than a touchscreen. I'm still trying to find out whether the door mirrors are supposed to fold when I lock the car, and whether I can set the car up with running lights and still have the main lights on auto. No doubt more studying will sort that out. Thank you again.

 

[Julian Antorelli]

What a helpful reply. Thank you very much indeed. I had already done some exploration and watched a few YouTube videos and found that you are completely correct. It was relatively simple to access the switches as you say. Once I had them loose I was able to explain the problem to an electronics engineer (motor engineers didn't want to know) and I took the car and switches to him this morning, and, to be honest, I am not sure what he did, but we connected the switches again and it all worked, all for the equivalent of 35USD.

Thank you for your trick to reset the switches - I can try that next time. I am gradually finding 'faults' that I am able to clear by reading the manual very carefully and pressing one or two buttons for a second or more. It is so nice to have a car with all that functionality accessible by buttons, rather than a touchscreen. I'm still trying to find out whether the door mirrors are supposed to fold when I lock the car, and whether I can set the car up with running lights and still have the main lights on auto. No doubt more studying will sort that out. Thank you again.

Thank you, I'm glad I was able to help. Keep us posted on the other stuff!