Key off power to windows/radio

[KBrian]

Saw a how-to for the MP5 to keep power to the window switches after the key is removed. I wonder if anyone has done this to their Mazda5.

Two of my mid-90's heaps had power to the windows (including the sunroof) and the radio with key removed. Power cut off if any door was opened.

This is one of the few features of the 5 that make me go HMMMM...

 

[skyhawk]

Saw a how-to for the MP5 to keep power to the window switches after the key is removed. I wonder if anyone has done this to their Mazda5.

Two of my mid-90's heaps had power to the windows (including the sunroof) and the radio with key removed. Power cut off if any door was opened.

This is one of the few features of the 5 that make me go HMMMM...

In your other cars, Does the power come back once the door is closed?

I think the reason for removing the power to the windows with key removed is for safety. I don't want kids and canines to be playing with the window button when I'm not in the car..

 

[thaxman]

Like my '97 Accord, the power continues to be supplied to the windows and moonroof after the key is removed - as long as the front doors remain closed. If the rear doors open - like when picking up additional passengers - but the fronts are never opened, the windows are still operable. Its a feature I really like and will miss when I ditch Honda with my next vehicle (they have grown SOOOOO BORING over the last decade!)

Would be nice for Mazda to address this in future models across the whole product line.

 

[KBrian]

In your other cars, Does the power come back once the door is closed?

I think the reason for removing the power to the windows with key removed is for safety. I don't want kids and canines to be playing with the window button when I'm not in the car..

Like Thaxman said, as soon as any front door is opened, the power is lost until the key is turned again.

 

[Heat]

It's a nice feature, the ability to control the windows after the key is out but before you open the driver's door.

 

[skyhawk]

It's a nice feature, the ability to control the windows after the key is out but before you open the driver's door.

Even with key in the keyhole, The mazda5 will not allow you to open the windows. You can turn it to accessories and listen to the radio. But to operate the windows, you have to consciously turn key to 'run' position.

 

[Heat]

Even with key in the keyhole, The mazda5 will not allow you to open the windows. You can turn it to accessories and listen to the radio. But to operate the windows, you have to consciously turn key to 'run' position.

I know. I have a '99 Accord that has power to the windows even after the key is out, until the driver's door is opened. Just saying that this is a very nice feature and I wish that the Mazda5 had it.

 

[KBrian]

The point of this thread is to find a way to keep power to the windows after the key is turned away from run. There was a thread for the Protage' 5 that discussed a simple wire/fusebox adjustment that kept power to the windows. Does anyone know this trick? Will it work on the 5?

 

[thaxman]

Are you willing to be the test subject?

 

[KBrian]

Are you willing to be the test subject?

I am willing to follow the expert advice of a knowledgable auto electrician, and to document my journey. However, I will not cut, chop or otherwise vandalize my 5 in a random, haphazard effort to find power to the window switches (such as...why don't you try....etc)

 

[thaxman]

J/K anyway. I think unless its an easy go-around, I'll suffer.

 

[skyhawk]

Power-to-windows while key is in 'ACC' position maybe possible. Will this satisfy the requirement?

 

[ExDusterRacer]

Power to the windows while the key is in the Acc position would be
perfect!

 

[KBrian]

Power to the windows while the key is in the Acc position would be
perfect!

+

 

[skyhawk]

did some reading on this. Our NorthAmerican version of the MAZDA5 has a 'dumbed-down' version of the Power window system. Actualy severely dumbed-down.

- The window system does not know if a door has been opened
- The window system does not have 'safety' feature.. i.e. it won't stop if a finger is
caught in it.
- The window control is simply a simple momentary 'close' and 'open' buttons.
(the driver side does have a 'one-push' function. It is the only one that has
some sort of 'smart' in it). there is also a 'cut off' switch to disable passenger
windows.

For the above reason, I assume the had to design it so that the driver will always be aware
that a window is to be opened or closed.

Its Japanese counterparts on the otherhand had controllers for each window.. and maybe have several functions similar to what you see in other cars.. like the Honda.

The Generic technical description for non-na mazda5 (from the manual that used to be available in the net) spoke of several power window system features that we can only wish for.
such as:
- 40 seconds power to window after removing key
- safety 'anti- pinch' function. The door backs up few inches when finger/object is pinched.
- a button in the handle bar called 'request key' will open the window,
- operation of the power window by remote.
- and many more.

As to providing power to window while key is in acc mode? It can be done easily.
There is a power window fuse in the fuse box. There is also a fuse for the power outlets
that gets power while the ignition switch is in acc mode. An electronic savvy friend
should be able to rig a 'fuse to fuse' connection of some sort.

But I don't think it is worth the safety risk.

 

[KBrian]

Thanks for all the research, Skyhawk. I covet the world market options available for the 5, but know that I would never have gotten the awesome deal I did if my five was loaded with those unobtainable features.

BTW, what safety concerns do you have regarding acc. power to the windows?

 

[skyhawk]

BTW, what safety concerns do you have regarding acc. power to the windows?

I think it maybe just 'lawyers playing it safe'. With teenagers listening to radio while you go out to a store, (and ignition in acc). Children in the back seats may decide to 'play' around with the windows. If windows have power, Fingers can get pinched.. and the 'override switches' are in the driver's side.

With the current circuit, such scenario is highly minimized. Less chance of blaming Mazda. Only way for a window to 'move' is when driver is in the car,
and ignition in the 'Run' position.