T4R not liking the car wash

[str alorman]

Hi All;
New to the forum here, although I did do a search to see if I could find similar problems first.

Today in the car wash;
Leave the engine running (I'm in the car), in neutral, no e-brake on. As it gets wet all the VSC, A/T temp, Batt etc... lights flash on and off for a bit. Then the engine dies.

When trying to restart, (and all battery functions work fine and it's a 3 month old Optima) the dash lights will dim/go off as normal, but no click, no rollover and no start. Other than the dash lights dimming/going out, nothing.

I put it in L and roll it forwards a bit, back in N, same. No dice

Eventually it starts, but pulls this once more before running consistently.

There wasn't as visible water in the engine bay but when i power washed the shock reservoirs it did the same no-start thing.

Clearly it's electrical and to do with the starter lockout. Anyone have ideas?

Thanks again!

alex

 

[cloudrunner]

Wow, that's strange. I have taken mine to the wash several times and never have an issue.

 

[CXS]

I'd check out the battery cables, starting with the ground.

 

[str alorman]

Battery cables are nice and clean. Like I said, they didn't get wet (I looked). I hit them with a wire brush when I put the new battery in.

One thing I've thought; my winch seems to have no shutoff breaker (stupidly on prior owner's part), if that shorted, even slightly, could it somehow prevent the car from starting?

 

[LTDSC]

drive thru wash is the biggest issue. Caused me to cringe reading that.

 

[CXS]

Battery cables are nice and clean. Like I said, they didn't get wet (I looked). I hit them with a wire brush when I put the new battery in.

How about the opposite end of the cables?

drive thru wash is the biggest issue. Caused me to cringe reading that.

I use them all the time with no issues, even wash under to hood.

 

[LTDSC]

How about the opposite end of the cables?



I use them all the time with no issues, even wash under to hood.

good for you, i fear your paint finish.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I'd check all the grounds. Maybe buy a 2 day pass to TIS to see exactly where they are located. Also, check that big harness that runs from the engine bay to the rear of the vehicle from end to end.

 

[t-man]

good for you, i fear your paint finish.

You'd LOVE to see my finish!!!
Tree branch scratches, tool scratches from a dumbass employee, rock chips, bird poop, ladder rash on the roof rack... Some of the scratches from trees are deep enough to turn the clear coat white. Not sure what to do about it, so I plan on Monstaliner on my whole truck. lol

 

[CXS]

good for you, i fear your paint finish.

Nothing to fear, it still has a bit.

 

[str alorman]

Not to sound new but what is TIS?

I'll have a look under the car, but are there any grounds or junction points on that main harness I should be particularly aware of?

Thanks again

 

[chitown40]

Follow the cables. Usually the negative grounds to the body and the frame and the block. Make sure they are tight and not corroded.

Positive goes back to the alternator usually. I'd lean more towards the grounds.

You said it happens when you spray the shock towers.... I'd guess you mean the driver's side front by the battery? Check your cables again like these guys said.... both ends.... at the battery and the frame, body, block.

 

[Hapeacres]

Are you telling me that a 4Runner built to go off roading can't make it through a drive thru car wash without problems????

 

[CXS]

Are you telling me that a 4Runner built to go off roading can't make it through a drive thru car wash without problems????

You're just asking for trouble if you don't keep these suckers dry! :banana:

 

[slotoyo]

just finished spraying the rest of the mud of mine and deffinitly hit the bottom on mine with a pressure washer so im sure the car wash didnt do it. i would either check the battery maybe you have a leech and drained it?