Open rear window

nairda · 11-06-06, 03:20 PM

Anyone have any issues with leaving the back glass open while driving? The owners manual states this is no no, but my dog has convinced me otherwise since I traded his 4 Runner for the FJ. I've been out a couple of times now with no problems up to 60 mph, just looking for advice on whether or not anything can get damaged.

BC_FJC · 11-06-06, 03:49 PM

I think the biggest concern would be exhaust fumes working there way back in. I have only been opening it for my dog when the engine is off.

Blues Dawg · 11-06-06, 04:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BC_FJC

I think the biggest concern would be exhaust fumes working there way back in. I have only been opening it for my dog when the engine is off.

I agree - pretty sure this is the case. If you look at how the air swirls up the back of a vehicle, you'll see it would bring the exhaust in. The spoiler on my old 4Runner (Gen II) would mitigate that by directing airflow off the roof down over the window.

Runner Ryan · 11-06-06, 07:07 PM

I don't have a dog, but I have left my back window open a few times while transporting lengths of steel. There is nothing wrong with driving with it open. That's why it opens.

It may suck in some fumes, but that's why there are front windows, too. I also noticed it sounds weird passing, or being passed with the back window open, and the only other issue I noticed, was the dome light stays on as well as the idiot light in the dash. You can turn off the dome light, but the idiot light in the dash is annyoing.

FirstToy · 11-07-06, 11:02 AM

I don't really see a problem with this. My 4Runner had the power rear window which I would lower all the time. The manual also says not to open it while in motion. Legal stuff.

You will get the low pressure air sucked back- thus exhaust fumes at certain speeds- but it was never a big deal in the 4Runner. If you have the exhaust routed out the side (better for offroading anyway) than that will help. I bet the spare tire also deflects some of the exhaust from kicking up all the way to the hatch.

The only thing I would worry about is the hatch flapping up and down- but it's a small window w/ struts so it should be ok?

Runner Ryan · 11-07-06, 05:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FirstToy

The only thing I would worry about is the hatch flapping up and down- but it's a small window w/ struts so it should be ok?

I've done just over 100 kph with the back window open. Doesn't even move. I also haven't noticed any fumes...but then again...I emit my own fumes.

FirstToy · 11-07-06, 07:14 PM

well, I guess you are creating your own high-pressure zone

TisilverFJ · 11-08-06, 02:24 AM

I drive with my FJ window up and my wifes '06 4runner with the window down for our dog. Never had any problem with the window up on or off-road on the FJ. Also no problem with exhaust fumes.

My Lab happy to be with us.

Blues Dawg · 11-08-06, 06:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TisilverFJ

I drive with my FJ window up and my wifes '06 4runner with the window down for our dog. Never had any problem with the window up on or off-road on the FJ. Also no problem with exhaust fumes.

My Lab happy to be with us.

Looks wet, but have you had any occurence of dust/dirt coming in the open window off road? It gets real dusty on our trails here in OZ.

TisilverFJ · 11-08-06, 07:38 AM

Yes, dust does come in. But trail dust comes in all open windows. I only had it open once on a dusty trail. It comes up from the bottom of the truck and in. On-road though the air does not get pushed in the back window like our 4-runner because of the window deflecting the air up when open. The spoiler on the 4-runner directs the down and back into the vehicle.