Cranked car windows are going, going ...

[xcel]

Like typewriters and rotary-dial phones, window cranks are things some kids may have never seen.

Chris Woodyard - USA TODAY - July 6, 2006


2006 Ford Ranger w/ window cranks - What are window cranks?

Hand-cranked car windows are starting to disappear as automakers move to make power windows standard on even entry-level models.

"You are going to see crank windows go the way of the dinosaurs," predicts Toyota spokesman Bill Kwong.

This year, Honda became the first of the largest automakers to banish the crank window, moving entirely to power windows as standard equipment.

"It's not even so much a luxury touch any more. It's an expectation," says Honda's Sage Marie. "That's why you see it on everything from our least expensive model to the highest."

Even if power windows cost automakers a little more, "Nobody wants to appear cheap," says Strategic Vision consultant Dan Gorrell.

Going crankless:

Cheap models. Some of the thriftiest cars equipped with power windows standard include Ford Focus, Honda's new Fit subcompact and Toyota's youth-oriented Scion line. Nissan's 2007 Sentra will have standard power windows, replacing cranks of the past.

Off-road vehicles. Though trucks and off-road vehicles remain some of the last bastions of crank windows, DaimlerChrysler's 2007 Jeep Wrangler will be available for the first time with optional power windows. Toyota's FJ Cruiser has power windows standard.

Ford has whittled down its crank-window models to its Ranger and some F-Series pickups and some Crown Victoria models. Only about six General Motors car models still have crank windows.

Even South Korean automaker Hyundai, looking to upscale its image, has manual roll-ups on only its cheapest model, the Accent.

Like typewriters and rotary-dial phones, window cranks are things some kids may have never seen.

Kwong recalled having to explain how the crank works to his amused 11-year-old daughter when he drove home a Corolla XRS, one of the few Toyota models left that has them. "She's spoiled," he quipped.

Child safety has become less of an issue with power windows. Two years ago, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration required automakers to redesign power window switches to keep them from being inadvertently activated by kids. At the time, the agency said power windows appeared to account for an average 1.5 child deaths a year.

Boomers may wonder where the cranks went. "Those of us over 50 remember the era when most cars had crank windows, even Cadillac," Gorrell says. No love lost, however. "I can't imagine anyone is going to miss that," he adds.

[Wazabi Owner]

I was looking at the "build it yourself" section of the new 3dr Yaris and power windows are an option with the convenience group. I was surprised since you barely see crank windows anymore.

In my 43 year old Corvette it has power windows and only a handful of them out of 21000 had them that year, now ALL Corvettes have power windows.

[Chuck]

In the 1970s a lot of people avoided them as an item that was likely to break down...

[hobbit]

So ... when you want someone in the other car to lower their
window, if you can't do that make-your-fist-go-round cranking
pantomime to mean the obvious thing, what's going to substitite
for that?? How long will it be until nobody knows what that
means at all?
.
_H*

[basjoos]

Two reasons that I hate power windows:

You need your car keys to turn the accessory power on before you can open or close the windows. No more sending your kid back to the car to crank up the windows when it starts to rain at the picnic. Now you have to give him the keys.

If you run your car off the road, and into a lake, and end up underwater, will the power windows still work so you can get out of the car through the window without having to force open the door against the weight of the water (or wait for all of the air to leak out so you can open the door). With hand cranked windows I have no such worries, just crank it down and exit the car along with the air bubbles.

[hobbit]

I had a bypass switch in my old Subaru that would enable the
power windows without a key, but I haven't quite figured out
how to do that in the Prius yet. I found a lead that enables
all *but* the drivers' window; not exactly what I wanted...
.
_H*

[tbaleno]

What about at the fuse box?

[xcel]

Hi All:

___I was caught a bit short on news and posted this given the Ranger was mentioned. Hard to believe there have been so many viewers. I know of no hybrid that has Window cranks and I doubt they will be around much longer in any automobile. When I saw Honda went to crank-less windows on their entire lineup this year, I wondered if there was some cost savings of powered vs. non-powered solutions? Not having to design for a cranked window as well as manufacturing the two systems on similar cars heading down the line has to add up to something in real dollar terms?

___Basjoos, I can open up all the Accord’s windows from the FOB or from the driver’s side key slot on the door if that helps? I doubt they would work in an immersion however

___Good Luck

___Wayne

[Chuck]

I don't know if it was in the 1980's that the Japanese made "just-in-time" parts popular. If you have reliable suppliers that can deliver just before you need them, it cost less than paying for a large inventory. I think this also encourages manufacturing to limit their variety.

If may have been cheaper to build power windows instead of offering a choice.

[Hot Georgia]

Sounds like in a few years the younger generation might wonder why we say:

"Roll up the window please"

Just like today some people don't understand where "It doesn't crank" came from!