Operation
Power windows are usually inoperable when the car is not running as the electrical system is not "live" once the ignition has been turned off. The Hydro-Lectric system; however, could lower the windows at rest, since pressure from the hydraulic system was merely released to lower the window. Raising the windows required the pump to operate (at a fairly high noise level) and introduce pressure at each cylinder. These hydraulic systems also required pressure lines to each cylinder (door, seat and top) and tended to leak.
Many modern cars have a time delay feature, first introduced by Cadillac in the 1980s, called retained accessory power. This allows operation of the windows and some other accessories for ten minutes or so after the engine is stopped. Another feature is the express-down window, which allows the window to be fully lowered with one tap on the switch, as opposed to holding the switch down until the window retracts. Many luxury vehicles during the 1990s expanded on this feature, to include express-up on the driver's window, and recently, some manufacturers have added the feature on all window switches for all passengers convenience. This is done by activating the switch until a "click" response is felt.
Power windows have become so common that by 2008, some automakers eliminated hand cranks from all models. So many vehicles have power windows that some people no longer understand the (formerly) common sign from another driver of using their hand to simulate moving a window crank to indicate that they wish to speak with someone (stopped at a light or in a parking lot). The 2008 Audi RS4 sold in Europe, however, still has roll-up windows for the rear doors although its counterpart sold in the USA has power windows for all doors.
Read more about this topic: Power Window
Famous quotes containing the word operation:
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—Stanley Kubrick (b. 1928)
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—Sydney Smith (1771–1845)