Windows/Door switch on top of door

[mkc4091]

Windows/Door switches on top of door

Hello everyone,

I got a question for all those actually own the 5th gen 4runners from your experience.

Currently I own 2004 4Runner, I'm the original owner bought it new back in 2004 (still loving it). I'm thinking of getting the new 5th gen 2017 4Runner but have a concern about it.

Unlike any other vehicles out there (not only Toyota), the location of the windows/doors locked switches panel is located high on top of the doors rather than at the lower door location. When that switch panel located at on top of the door it would be more prone expose to rain/water getting into that switch panel and also someone could shove a stick/slim jim or wire (coat hanger) down the window to push door unlock switch?

Anyone who own the 5th gen 4Runners can you tell me from your experience of that panel switch location what you like or don't like about it any problems you have with that switches location being up there ?

I'm wondering from the perspective of those Toyota engineers/designers why did they place that switch panel on top of the door. I have not seen any other cars/suv put that panel up there.

Thank you

 

[mcarey86]

I've had no issues with water getting on there, but I also don't have my windows open when it's raining.

As far as the lock thing, at first I was slightly concerned when I read your post. Someone definitely could probably manage to do that.

But, someone could also just come along and bust the damn window out, and then open the door as well.

I don't think it's an issue.

 

[Flyin4r]

I have had the same concern about the switch location before but I have had the switches get a little wet a number of times in heavy rain and snow with no issues at all.

I think a stick/slim jim or wire is the least of your concern. If someone wants to break in they will simply break the window, grab your stuff and be on their merry way than to play a little fishing game with a piece of wire for a few minutes.

 

[rigtec]

Unlike any other vehicles out there (not only Toyota), the location of the windows/doors locked switches panel is located high on top of the doors rather than at the lower door location. When that switch panel located at on top of the door it would be more prone expose to rain/water getting into that switch panel and also someone could shove a stick/slim jim or wire (coat hanger) down the window to push door unlock switch?

Hi mkc4091,

The door panel switches are designed to resist snow flakes and rain droplets that may get on them, and the electric door panel controls are not energized until the alarm system is deactivated or the doors are unlocked... these are "Safety Precautions" implemented by the Toyota Engineering division. "see...NO WORRIES!" 'Best to you',

rig

 

[zcruiser]

Coming from a 3rd gen, it takes some getting used to.

Don't like it and I thought about the security part too, but I guess I'll adapt.

 

[Spanky052]

Having spent many hours trying to trigger an unlock button on various different vehicles, I can confirm that it is FAR faster and easier to break the window, AND on all newer vehicles I've tried on, the buttons aren't energized unless the alarm is off and/or the doors are already unlocked.


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[Bossman]

Anyone who own the 5th gen 4Runners can you tell me from your experience of that panel switch location what you like or don't like about it any problems you have with that switches location being up there ?

When making the transition from my 2003 Limited (bought used in 2008 and had for 8 years) to my 2011 Limited (bought May 2016), the biggest issue was re-training my brain and left arm.

I was so used to reaching down low to open/close windows and unlock doors in my 2003 that I instinctively kept doing that for some time after I was in my 2011. I eventually got used to the higher positioning of the window and door lock controls.

 

[bane]

The location is awkward and it does get wet if you lower your window in the rain, but that's not really a problem as others have said above. Did I mention the location is awkward? It's an awkward location. I wish they hadn't located it so awkwardly.

Awkward.


Location.

 

[e60ral]

there are some people who are having repeated issues with actuators and so far the cause is unknown

i'm sure water intrusion was designed for, but i'm wondering if its related to the actuators dying, a faulty switch can kill an actuator if it is cycling it. i think i asked in the actuator thread if anyone had their switches replaced but can't remember if anyone had.

 

[jwkilgore]

If the doors are closed and you lock using the key fob, hitting unlock on the panel triggers the alarm. Locking using the fob with the doors closed typically means the vehicle is now empty and unattended, so anyone trying to unlock from the inside is assumed to be a break-in.

I believe this also works if you lock using the panel with the door open and then shut it. Any typical "I'm locking the vehicle and leaving it empty now" action.

 

[mkc4091]

Thank you everyone for your inputs and comments. Your information is very helpful.

 

[dawhoo]

I don't love the location, but because of the location, the buttons actually stay drier in the rain. The window curve, as slight as it is, stops rain from falling directly into the buttons when you open the door in the rain.

I came from a 2016 Tacoma and the window buttons were always getting some rain on them when I had to open the door. So I like the fact on the 4R the buttons stay drier when I open the door.

But without running boards, the doors get WAY dirtier driving in the rain than the Tacoma did. I seem to drive in a rain a lot.

 

[jbrockiii]

My Land Rovers had the same setup and compared to where some of their buttons where located- everything in my '16 4Runner seems quite logical. Especially true for the older Rover models. As I recall, the door unlock button was in the center console.

 

[ArrArr]

Coming from a 4th Gen, it took a few weeks to get used to, but I love the current placement on the 5th Gens.
I generally rest my arm on the door and I just have to move my hand left from the wheel to the window switches, instead of left and down.
It's a little thing, but I prefer it over the regular placement.

No issue with rain whatsoever.

 

[fogcitysurfer]

I came from an '03 4th Gen. The placement bugged me at first but I am getting used to it. What bothers me way more from a design standpoint is the delete of the bump-start ignition and the bug-catching angle of the windshield. It looks much better at the new angle, but it gets filthy fast.

 

[5ontheFloor]

I think it was mentioned but i found out if u lock with key fob the button on the door will not work

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[BlackWorksInc]

Still hate the placement on 5th gens compared to my 4th gen...

They're not weather proof with any real sealant or gasket, rather they use a basically buttons that act as "hats" on a large outer casing that acts as a "hat" over the circuit board so liquid should flow off the switch body if it seeped past the bezel.

Last I checked IF you tried to actuate the door lock on a newer Toyota with the door locked (and if it has security features turned on IIRC) it'll actually snap back locked and set the alarm off. So you can't use a coat hanger to push the switch to open the door. I am not sure if every Toyota does this, but I have seen it.

I'll check tomorrow if we have a 5th gen come in for shits and giggles.

 

[jwkilgore]

Last I checked IF you tried to actuate the door lock on a newer Toyota with the door locked (and if it has security features turned on IIRC) it'll actually snap back locked and set the alarm off. So you can't use a coat hanger to push the switch to open the door. I am not sure if every Toyota does this, but I have seen it.

It definitely does this. Lock it with the fob while outside the vehicle but with someone inside, and when they open it from inside the alarm goes off. I always use the fob to lock when I leave a vehicle, and occasionally I'll hit lock before all the kids have looked up from their iPads long enough to wake up and open their door.

 

[Muzzle of Bees]

I like the current location of the window switches. I am not likely to have anything spill on them there.