It is, in fact, another way to open the windows. The second switch inside the pod opens and closes all four side windows, including two smaller rear windows, not just the large side windows that the armrest controls.
After all the windows are down, the only way to raise the rear windows is to use that button. This was revealed to me after I used the armrest switches to raise the windows, assuming all windows would close. Upon returning to the car, I initially thought the door wasn’t closed all the way or that the top really lets a lot of noise through. As it turned out, those rear windows never closed. Whoops.
If two ways to open the windows aren’t enough, there’s a third. The key fob also opens and closes all four windows from outside the car. Holding the unlock button lowers the windows, and doing the same for the lock button raises them.
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Managing Editor
Joe Bruzek
Managing Editor Joe Bruzek’s 22 years of automotive experience doesn’t count the lifelong obsession that started as a kid admiring his dad’s 1964 Chevrolet Corvette — and continues to this day. Joe’s been an automotive journalist with Cars.com for 16 years, writing shopper-focused car reviews, news and research content. As Managing Editor, one of his favorite areas of focus is helping shoppers understand electric cars and how to determine whether going electric is right for them. In his free time, Joe maintains a love-hate relationship with his 1998 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am that he wishes would fix itself.
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-bruzek-2699b41b/