HVAC issues post automated car wash

Hey Group,

So, twice now, I take my truck through an automated car wash and after pulling out, I have no airflow out on the vents. After 20 min or so it works again. This time I turned off the AC button and it still did it. So it's not the AC evaporator freezing up. Some google research shows it may be soaking the cabin air filter. Checked the filter and it's all stained so this makes sense. But, why????

 

Your fresh air vent is like right in front of the windshield. It's probably getting water blasted in there when the auto car wash is going over the upward facing panels (hood,roof,trunk/bed.) I'm guessing there is a moisture sensor that sees water in there and shuts down the a/c.

 

When you go into the car wash, is your a/c recirculation button on/lit?

 

Well, this time I turned off the AC and the Recirc button and just had the fan on. I thought the water and fans were freezing up the AC system. So I ruled that out. So next time I'm thinking set to Recirc, and then turn the fan OFF. this may keep it dry. Gonna call the dealer tomorrow too to get ideas.

 

Another reason I don't like automatic car washes.

 

Hmmm, that is odd. Yeah I'd talk to the dealer then because you already know they use an auto car wash there lol, so they can't put blame on you...

 

That's interesting. I've never had this problem but I'm usually using recirc

 

Seems a good rain storm would get water in those places he's having issues with too.

There's more going on here than a car wash.

 

Well in that case, that's another reason I don't like big rain storms

 

Come on down and meet Irma. It will likely reveal all your leaks.

OTOH, who knows with these crazy things. She may slip by us and head your way..........

 

Thanks for all the replies. I'll talk to the dealer and report back. My service advisor is pretty good.

 

Hopefully is dissipates. I don't think we can tale anymore near the gulf after Harvey.

 

Hmmm . . . I use auto-washes all the time. Have for years, and never had an issue. Until you mentioned it I'm not even sure where my controls are.

Hope they can find something.

G.

 

I don't know how your cabin air filter is getting wet from the car wash, but a dirty or plugged filter will affect A/C performance.

 

The drain plugs on your cowl might be clogged with leaves or dirt. Look around where your windshield wipers connect to the truck.

 

See the description. Immediately after the wash airflow stops. Then about 10 min later it returns to normal. I took the filter out and it was stained with the dyes from the soaps. It is definitely getting wet in the car wash.

 

I never had this problem and I would go through high pressure automated touchless washes all the time with mine, just letting you know. Possibly take to dealer and ask them?

 

I'm going to say that you have Auto Ac, and your outdoor temp sensor gets wet and reports a lower temp, which changes the AC mode a bit until the temp returns to normal and kicks the AC back on.

 

hand wash only.

 

Nope. You can set the system to manual turn the fan to HIGH and you get no air but a jet like sound coming from behind the dash. Again, I have pulled the filter and it was wet and stained with dyes. It is getting wet. No question.