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sensors in the car wash

Discussion in 'Prime Main Forum (2017-2022)' started by Oskar, Mar 17, 2021.

  1. Oskar

    Oskar Member

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    Having purchased a Prius Limited last year I've become concerned about going through a car wash. I've noticed when I do all the sensors seem to go off at once ( not a surprise), but am worried this might do some damage or "uncalibrate" the sensors. Not sure if there is a main kill switch that can cut off all the sensors until I'm through the wash. I did make the mistake of leaving on the rain sensitive windshield wiper sensor... but only once. ;)
     
  2. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    Toyota engineers are aware that these cars go through washes sometimes. Some of those functions can be turned off, but I don't think its worth the trouble. Those type error messages should clear when the car is shut off.
    The REAL moral of that story is that you should avoid car washes.
     
  3. schja01

    schja01 One of very few in Chicagoland

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    There was a firmware fix 18 months or so ago that fixed car wash related false alarms and braking. So that the car wouldn’t brake in the middle of a car wash and get rear ended by the car behind it. I think the warning you get now with all the sensors displayed on the multi functional display it’s only informational. You can clear the display by just pressing the back button the sideways U-turn button.
     
  4. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    The only damage in the automatic car washes is to the paint finish.
     
  5. rdgrimes

    rdgrimes Senior Member

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    And mirrors getting disassembled, wipers torn off, various plastic bits getting torn off/loose.
     
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  6. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    Yup. I forgot that. Also, pulling brush bristles out from behind trim pieces.
     
  7. Oskar

    Oskar Member

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    I appreciate the responses here. I've already decided that I will be washing my own car in the driveway, although I have to say the car wash is convenient during the winter days.
     
  8. jerrymildred

    jerrymildred Senior Member

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    In the winter, when I'm visiting up north, I go to one of the higher quality self service car washes to wash off the salty blocks of ice. Hopefully, even though they recycle the water, the rinse isn't salty.
     
  9. Tideland Prius

    Tideland Prius Moderator of the North
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    I only use touchless automatic car washes. It's been nearly 15 years since I've been into a non-touchless (the ones that slap the car, not the brushes. I avoid the brushes like the plague). I can't even recall a non-touchless car wash here in the metro area.

    So my experience is pretty uneventful since the touchless ones don't set off any sensors.
     
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