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Window Problem???

Discussion in 'Gen 2 Prius Main Forum' started by dculpepper, Sep 12, 2006.

  1. dculpepper

    dculpepper Junior Member

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    I thought my drivers window was malfunctioning when it continued to rise after I released the switch. I was in to the dealer for my 5000 mile and told the service rep. He stated it was automatic and designed this way. I have had several vehicles with elec windows that had an automatic lower but NEVER on the way up. I wondered if it had a reverse switch in case someone had an appendage, head or something caught. I activated the switch and tried to hold down window to no avail. The only way I could reverse it was to find the switch again and push it down. This would appear to me to be a serious design flaw. It would be very easy for someone standing outside reaching in, leaning in or whatever to get caught when window was activated. I feel this could seriously maim, or even kill a child or an adult.
     
    #1 dculpepper, Sep 12, 2006
  2. TheForce

    TheForce Stop War! Lets Rave! Make Love!

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    I believe it said in the manual or somewhere that it if something blocks the auto up it will stop and reverse. Kind of like a garage door.
     
    #2 TheForce, Sep 12, 2006
  3. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(theforce @ Sep 12 2006, 12:07 PM) [snapback]318438[/snapback]</div>
    I seem to remember that too, but am not positive. Thought about going out and trying it with a stick or something.....

    Also, since you have to pull up on the window switch and the switch only works when the car is in IG ON or READY mode it seems that the circumstances where an adult would reach in, pull up the button while the car was in a mode to permit it without someone in the driver's seat to reverse it would be very very rare. Likewise, a child wouldn't be able to reach that from outside, and shouldn't be left inside alone with the car in IG ON or Ready mode anyway...the potential dangers of that are even greater...going into drive, reverse, etc.

    I appreciate your concern, but I think any kind of risk like that is much smaller than other risks one might encounter just walking down the street.
     
    #3 efusco, Sep 12, 2006
  4. FBear

    FBear Senior Member

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    the force is correct the window will reverse if it encounters a blockage. Try it again, lower the window all the way, pull up on the switch this time strike the top edge of the window with your hand. I've done this and each and every time it went back down.
     
    #4 FBear, Sep 12, 2006
  5. galaxee

    galaxee mostly benevolent

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    there is an auto up and an auto down. the auto up can be stopped with a force applied to the window (i think that idea came out years ago, actually, in response to concerns back then) or by pressing the window button down again.

    otherwise, you can use just the regular up and down by not pressing all the way down on the button- there's a second level that you reach to activate the auto function.
     
    #5 galaxee, Sep 12, 2006
  6. efusco

    efusco Moderator Emeritus
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    Let me add that, if it is a safety concern to you the auto-up CAN be disabled.
     
    #6 efusco, Sep 12, 2006
  7. San_Carlos_Jeff

    San_Carlos_Jeff Active Member

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    It's not a design flaw, it's design intent. My Audi has this same feature on all of it's windows and I love it. As others have said it will reverse if there is a blockage.

    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(dculpepper @ Sep 12 2006, 10:01 AM) [snapback]318431[/snapback]</div>
     
    #7 San_Carlos_Jeff, Sep 12, 2006
  8. dculpepper

    dculpepper Junior Member

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    After reading replies I have just reexamined my drivers window. First I started the window up again and again and couldn't find two levels of switch operation. It would always go into automatic if switch held more than momentarily. I tried holding window down in automatic raise a couple of times and couldn't. I then tried to reverse by striking the top of the window. The first two or three times it did not reverse. I then struck the window quite smartly (hurt my palms) and it did reverse. I then tried to hold it down several times and I could easily hold it down. It feels as if it breaks away from the lift mechanism. Evidently was stuck to the lift mechanism in some malfunctioning way and once it broke loose it is operating correctly. I am glad I posted and found out the facts as I believe it was stuck hard enough to cause extreme harm if anyone got caught. New cars should be checked. Thanks
     
    #8 dculpepper, Sep 13, 2006
  9. rocco

    rocco Member

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    My 1992 Toyota Landcruiser had this! Way back in 1992 - However, I didn't discover it until around 1997 or so :). I LOVE it. Especially when its raining and you step on the gas to go and you can have both hands on the steering wheel
     
    #9 rocco, Sep 14, 2006
  10. Syclone

    Syclone Member

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    <div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(San_Carlos_Jeff @ Sep 12 2006, 02:31 PM) [snapback]318475[/snapback]</div>
    My BMW has Auto-up on all the windows. I've tested it ( the BMW) by putting my hand against the top of the window frame and letting the window close on my hand. The window stopped after exerting enough force to let me know my hand had been hit, but nothing near what I would call pain.

    I tried it on the Prius with one finger. The window squeezed my finger between it and the frame, stopped, and rolled half-way down - no pain - not even discomfort. Whether it would do any damage to an intruding baby finger or hand, I don't know.
     
    #10 Syclone, Sep 14, 2006
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