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Auto-down feature ONLY after the Jam Protection feature has been activated.

Discussion in 'Gen 3 Prius Main Forum' started by W8N4MUD, Dec 1, 2011.

  1. W8N4MUD

    W8N4MUD Junior Member

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    According to Toyota's website on the Prius... Power windows with auto up/down, jam protection in all positions and retained-power features

    Here was my situation...
    I WAS A FRONT PASSENGER IN A 2011 TOYOTA PRIUS. WE JUST GOT IN THE CAR. MY FRIEND TURNED IT ON. I LOWERED MY WINDOW AND PLACED MY ARM IN AN UPRIGHT POSITION JUST OVER THE WINDOWS LOWER MOLDING. MY FRIEND WENT TO RAISE MY WINDOW BECAUSE HE WANTED THE A/C ON. HE USED HIS AUTO UP FEATURE FROM THE DRIVERS SIDE. BEFORE I COULD REMOVE MY ARM, THE WINDOW WAS ALREADY MOVING UP. IT STARTED TO SQUEEZE MY ARM IN THE VERTICAL POSITION. I HAD MY THUMB INSIDE THE VEHICLE AND MY FOUR FINGERS OUT SIDE THE WINDOW FROM THE TOP. I COULD NOT RELEASE MY HAND FROM EITHER DIRECTION. MEANWHILE THERE WAS A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PRESSURE FROM THE BOTTOM. SO BAD, I STARTED TO YELL AT MY FRIEND TO LOWER THE WINDOW. HE SAID IT WOULDN'T GO DOWN. I STARTED TO PANIC BECAUSE THE PAIN WAS VERY BAD. I WAS ABOUT TO PUNCH THE WINDOW BUT QUICKLY REACHED ACROSS MY BODY USING MY LEFT HAND. I USED MY PASSENGER SIDE WINDOW CONTROL AND WAS ABLE TO LOWER THE WINDOW. THIS SO-CALLED AUTO-DOWN PINCH PROTECTION DOES NOT ACTIVATE RIGHT AWAY. I FIRMLY BELIEVE IT ACTIVATES ONLY PAST A CERTAIN POINT. ACCORDING TO TOYOTA'S WEBSITE, THIS FEATURE SHOULD APPLY TO ALL POSITIONS BUT IN FACT DOES NOT. THE BACK OF MY ARM WAS SORE FOR DAYS AND DID BRUISE. WE TESTED MY FRIENDS CAR AGAIN ANOTHER DAY AND DISCOVERED THE EXACT SAME THING HAD HAPPENED AGAIN. THIS TIME WE ONLY USED OUR HANDS TO APPLY PRESSURE AT THE VERY BOTTOM INSTEAD OF ONLY AT THE TOP OR IN THE MIDDLE. THIS IS A HUGE CONCERN. TOYOTA WAS EMAILED BUT I HAVEN'T HEARD BACK FROM A REPRESENTATIVE. IN MY OPINION, I SHOULD HAVE RECEIVED AN EMAIL BACK OR A PHONE CALL AT THE LEAST. IT SADDENS ME BECAUSE I TOO AM THE OWNER OF TWO TOYOTAS.

    I was hoping some of you would try this on your Prius to see if the same thing occurred. Of course, DO NOT put your arm there but instead apply pressure from the bottom to see if the window goes back down.

    I ended up filing a compliant with Toyota and SAFERCAR.GOV. I didn't file claim because I was fine. I did receive a bruise and the back of my arm was sore for almost a week. I was still able to do everything as usual, but I wanted my voice heard. Any input from you guys would be much appreciated. Oh yes and HI! :cool:
     
  2. W8N4MUD

    W8N4MUD Junior Member

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    Anyone?
    Was hoping someone would go to their cars and try it.
     
  3. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    I remember seeing a similar post concerning a back window IIRC. I tested all four of my windows and they all went back down immediately after contacting resistance. I am pretty sure I was using the window switch at each window and not the ones on the driver's door.

    Let me try this again using the driver's door controls and see what happens.
     
  4. Teakwood

    Teakwood Member

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    Whaddaya want - egg in your beer?:bored:
     
  5. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I've tested it but only near the top (used my wallet as the guinea pig). I've never tried the bottom of the window.

    And yes, it requires a bit of force (e.g. a pinched finger) before it reverses. The rear window has a variable speed motor that slows as it reaches the top to reduce the likelihood of pinching.
     
  6. W8N4MUD

    W8N4MUD Junior Member

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    I was mostly concerned about an arm being there in the upright position. I'm pretty sure that the window would retract if and when it reaches near the top. The problem we encountered was when it "started" to roll up from the very bottom. Activated by driver's control but for the passenger side window. Strictly the front.
     
  7. PRPrius

    PRPrius Active Member

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    My experience with the jam protection and auto window was somewhat similar to yours.

    1) As I approached the toll-plaza I use the auto down function to lower the drivers side window.
    2) The toll was for 1.25 but I only put 1.20 and immediately raised the window using the auto up function.
    3) I quickly realized I still owed .05 cents and needed to deposit a nickel if I wanted to go through.
    4) I tried to throw the nickel as the window is going up and my arm immediately got pushed to the top of the window frame.
    5) It was not until my arm could not go up any further, that the jam protection kicked in and lower the window a few inches.
    6) This all happened in a matter of seconds and I have to say it was a painful and scary experience.
     
  8. jdcollins5

    jdcollins5 Senior Member

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    From what I understand is that the auto close window is controlled by the current draw of the motor. Once the motor reaches the top and the current rises sharply it will stop. If it senses high current before it reaches the top, like in the case of an arm or hand, it will reverse directions.

    The next time when arm at the bottom, try pushing down hard with your arm to create an increase in motor current and see if the jam feature will work and lower.

    I think I will try this on mine.
     
  9. prioki

    prioki Member

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    Wow, why are you screaming at us?
     
  10. W8N4MUD

    W8N4MUD Junior Member

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    ^ That was a copy and paste from the site. :D I love you all.