2016 Nissan Maxima Window Won't Go Up Or Down

Fixing 2016 Nissan Maxima Power Window Issues Efficiently

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Reviewed by
Andrew Hajjar
Written by RepairPal Car Genius
Updated January 14, 2025
0%
36% chance it's the
Fuse, Relay or Electrical System
0%
20% chance it's the
Window Motor
0%
24% chance it's the
Window Regulator
0%
20% chance it's
Something else
The most common reasons a 2016 Nissan Maxima window won't go up or down are window's electrical system such as a fuse or relay, a broken window motor, or a broken window regulator.
  • Fuse, Relay or Electrical System: A blown fuse or a faulty relay can disrupt the electrical circuit, causing components to fail or operate intermittently.
  • Window Motor: A faulty window motor or a broken window regulator can prevent the window from moving up or down properly.
  • Window Regulator: A faulty window regulator can cause the window to become stuck or operate erratically due to worn gears or a broken cable.
Proper diagnosis will determine the exact cause of your symptom, saving you money on unnecessary repairs. The diagnostic experts at RepairPal Certified shops have the right tools and experience to solve any symptom.

How much does it cost to fix a 2016 Nissan Maxima window won't go up or down?

Common Repairs

The total repair cost will vary based on the condition of your vehicle and the number of repairs needed to fix your symptom. Proper diagnosis will save you money by finding the exact repairs needed to fix your car right the first time.

If the door window motor fails, the window may not open or close, or it may operate intermittently. Traditionally, problems with power windows were caused by faulty switches or electrical wiring - especially the wires running between the door and the vehicle body that are subjected to repeated flexing. In these cases, the window might operate intermittently when the door is opened and closed. While this may still be the case on newer cars, it is increasingly common to find window motor problems that originate with a control module. Still, the switches and wiring should be checked thoroughly before replacing a window motor.

If one of the windows in a vehicle will not open or close properly, a failing door window regulator might be the cause. A window that is moving intermittently, or one that gets stuck on the way up or down, could also indicate a broken regulator. Other symptoms might include a clicking, chattering, or grinding noise when the window moves. In some cases a severely damaged window regulator could cause the window to drop inside the door.

When a switch can not make contact and close the circuit, the window cannot be raised and lowered. If the switch on the driver's door will not raise or lower the window in question, but the switch on the corresponding door works just fine, this is a good indication that there is a switch failure. This works the other way around, as well. If the switch on the door does not cause the window to function, but the driver's switch does, that is an indication of a passenger door window switch failure.

Due to the nature of electrical systems on modern vehicles, the range of problems these can cause are nearly limitless. However, there is a way to categorize them in two ways. Permanent and intermittent problems. Permanent problems appear and remain. This may be the vehicle will not start, the radio does not work, or the door chime will not turn off among many, many others. These problems are more straight-forward to diagnose since they present themselves at all time. This means there will always be a fault to find. Intermittent electrical problems, however, can be difficult or impossible to locate, since they appear then disappear without warning. The best case scenario for an intermittent issue is when replicating the problem is easily accomplished and understood. This allows a technician to make an issue semi-permanent, allowing them to find the fault. Other issues that come and go without warning and cannot be replicated on demand must occur when the technician is servicing the vehicle, otherwise there is no problem to correct. It is most important to understand that electrical system faults always require inspection, and can include the vehicle working in any manner, or not working at all.

Like we noted in the last section, general diagnosis symptoms are the most vague of the bunch. There are several diagnostic spectrums, electrical diagnosis, drivability diagnostics, engine diagnostics, transmission diagnostics, and the list could continue for about 5 or 10 more spectrums of diagnostics. The most important take-away here, is that general diagnostics are diagnostics that have no other spectrum in which they fit, or the problem is unknown. This means that any vehicle left outside of a repair facility with the keys and an authorization to perform diagnosis will be diagnosed under the general diagnosis spectrum.

What are the steps to diagnose a non-functioning window in a 2016 Nissan Maxima?

To effectively diagnose a non-functioning window in your 2016 Nissan Maxima, begin with the simplest solutions before moving on to more complex issues. Start by checking the window switch, as a faulty switch can often be the culprit behind window malfunctions. If the switch appears to be operational, proceed to inspect the fuse box for any blown fuses related to the window system, as replacing a blown fuse is a straightforward fix. Next, test the window motor using a multimeter to determine if it is receiving power; if not, you may need to investigate the wiring or consider the motor's condition. Following this, examine the window regulator, which is crucial for the window's movement, to ensure it is functioning properly. Additionally, look for any obstructions in the window track that could hinder its operation, as debris can easily cause issues. If all these checks do not resolve the problem, the window control module may be at fault and could require replacement. By systematically following these steps, you can efficiently diagnose and address the issue with your window, saving time and potentially costly repairs.

What are the common problems that could cause the power window in a 2016 Nissan Maxima to stop functioning?

When dealing with a non-functioning power window in a 2016 Nissan Maxima, it's essential to understand the common problems that could be at play. One of the primary culprits is a faulty window regulator, which can hinder the window's ability to move up or down. Additionally, a defective window switch may prevent you from controlling the window effectively, leading to frustration. Another frequent issue is a blown fuse, which disrupts the power supply to the window motor, rendering it inoperable. If the window motor itself has failed, it will not respond to any commands from the switch, further complicating the situation. Lastly, if the window has come off its track, it can create significant movement issues, making it impossible for the window to operate smoothly. By identifying these potential problems, DIYers can take the first steps toward troubleshooting and resolving the power window issue in their Maxima.

How urgent is it to address the malfunctioning window in my 2016 Nissan Maxima?

Addressing a malfunctioning window in your 2016 Nissan Maxima is not just a matter of convenience; it is a pressing safety concern that requires immediate attention. A window that fails to close properly can leave your vehicle exposed to theft, as well as environmental elements like rain or snow, which can lead to costly interior damage. Moreover, driving with a malfunctioning window can significantly diminish your comfort, especially during extreme weather conditions, making it difficult to maintain a pleasant driving environment. Ignoring these symptoms can escalate the problem, potentially leading to more extensive repairs and increased costs. Therefore, it is crucial to prioritize the repair of your window to ensure the safety, security, and comfort of your vehicle.

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