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Can't all windows pinch fingers? I don't buy new cars but automatic windows have been a thing since the 70's (maybe late 60's). Even ones with express up/down.

Can't all windows pinch fingers? I don't buy new cars but automatic windows have been a thing since the 70's (maybe late 60's). Even ones with express up/down. Was there a obstruction detection and reversal mechanism mandatory at some point? I have never had a car with such a thing. My 2006 escalade has no such thing. All power windows that I've ever seen can pinch your fingers. When windows roll up they stop due to physical resistance of the door frame or a stop block for coupes. Thus putting your fingers there hurts but it doesn't cause a reversing action. You just tell yell and push the button the other way. The force to stop a window going up is pretty small unlikely to break bones until they're very small or very brittle. Maybe some bruising but probably not for most people.

deleted 4y ago
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jen20 4y ago
Power windows have existed since 1940, and electric since 1956. In the US at least, safety legislation was watered down, but 2008-9 was the year they were last seriously revised and they appear to now require obstruction detection hence this recall. The problem is not that your finger might hurt for a second but that a child's neck could be caught while they have their own finger on the switch - part of the reason most cars have a switch to disable operation of windows other than that of the driver.
Someone 4y ago
https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF (Linked to from the article): “Affected vehicles may not meet certain automatic window reversal system requirements in FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing in circumstances subject to FMVSS 118, Section 5, the window may exert more force than Section 5 permits before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required under Section 5” So, yes, there is a requirement to have obstruction detection and reversal mechanisms.

deleted 4y ago

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jen20 4y ago

Power windows have existed since 1940, and electric since 1956. In the US at least, safety legislation was watered down, but 2008-9 was the year they were last seriously revised and they appear to now require obstruction detection hence this recall. The problem is not that your finger might hurt for a second but that a child's neck could be caught while they have their own finger on the switch - part of the reason most cars have a switch to disable operation of windows other than that of the driver.

Someone 4y ago

https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2022/RCLRPT-22V702-4365.PDF (Linked to from the article): “Affected vehicles may not meet certain automatic window reversal system requirements in FMVSS 118, Section 5 (automatic reversal systems). When closing in circumstances subject to FMVSS 118, Section 5, the window may exert more force than Section 5 permits before retracting. The window may also retract less than the distance required under Section 5” So, yes, there is a requirement to have obstruction detection and reversal mechanisms.