Installation of rear window Shade for '05 Avi XLS

[duzzey]

Does anyone know if an OEM Rear Window Shade can be installed in a 2005 Avalon XLS? If so, is it a simple installation or does it take a certified installer to accomplish? Thanks

[Tom in Tacoma]

That would be a difficult install. You basically have to remove everything from the back seat area; seat bottom, seat backs (and the reclining mechanism if equipped), some side trim on the C-pillar, the seatbelts and the rear shelf. Then you'd have to install the window shade, apply power and connect it to the up/down switch on the dash and tie it into the reverse sensor (so it goes down when you select reverse/go back up when you come out of reverse) and the put the whole thing back together with a new shelf cover (shaped to accomodate the lump that makes up the window shade mechanism.

Honestly? I wouldn't do it. The mechanism isn't the greatest and I struggle to keep it aligned properly so it actually goes up when I want it to. Others have reported problems with it as well.

I've pretty much given up on mine and rely instead on the aftermarket window tint. To me the tint is a much better bang for the buck.

[duzzey]

Hey, thanks for the quick response. Yeah, new baby and she bakes in the sun. Window tinting is quicker and cheaper..

[grandpapa]

Don't bother. Too much labor and cost.
I have 2 kids on the back seat. They used to ride on my old Camry and I used the shade from the baby store. The shade from Avalon Limited is nice but you know the real problem for us is not the sun from the rear, is the side.

Those rolling type shade is very hard to use, doesn't cover well on side windows I gave up. I did found something from a Japanese store for $1.50 with one flex screen and a suction cup in the center, works well