Automatic car wash and now all sensors are malfunctioning and throwing errors

[dotScott]

I recently took my 2019 RAM Longhorn through an automated car wash. Shortly afterward, my ABS sensor, wheel sensors, traction control, 4WD, front and rear proximity sensors, adaptive cruise control, and automatic high beams all show error warnings and are not functioning. All these items must be inter-related to a broken wire, disconnected harness, or fuse. Where should I begin looking to determine the cause?

Has anyone else experienced this?

 

[djevox]

Start with closely looking at the sensors’ exterior. If that’s ok, then you could make sure sensor connections are tight and not full of water. If those are ok, then check codes with an obd scanner.

Alternatively, and what I would personally do, check codes first, as it might tell you what’s wrong in an obvious code description.

 

[jimothy]

Do you notice any condensation on the inside, particularly the windshield? Twice I’ve gotten condensation on the inside windshield, and the dash lit up like Vegas.

Fortunately, both times the problem cleared up before long. I dried my windshield as best as I could with some napkins I had on hand, turned the heat and AC, and after a while, and after turn the truck off and on, the lights cleared.

If you did have condensation, the next challenge would be finding the source of the leak.

 

[Richard320]

I would start by looking at the connectors on the wheel speed sensors for water. Or if one has been ripped off somehow. If you lose the signal, pretty much all those systems are going to set a code and shut down and trigger a light. If the car wash has some super high pressure wheel blaster, it's not far-fetched.

Checking codes would also give you a head start on where to begin the hunt.

 

[djevox]

Do you notice any condensation on the inside, particularly the windshield? Twice I’ve gotten condensation on the inside windshield, and the dash lit up like Vegas.

Fortunately, both times the problem cleared up before long. I dried my windshield as best as I could with some napkins I had on hand, turned the heat and AC, and after a while, and after turn the truck off and on, the lights cleared.

If you did have condensation, the next challenge would be finding the source of the leak.

That’s a very good point that I assumed he would’ve mentioned.

 

[kapinallinen2]

Could it be caused by a leaking back window, allowing water to get to the RF module?
Just a thought.

 

[6of36]

First thought was abs sensor wire caught in car wash. Then I read closer. ABS sensor can cause ABS, traction control, cruise control, and maybe keep from shifting in to 4wd. It will not effect auto high beams, or proximity. These systems are on a few different circuits and fuses. I agree, more than likely a module got wet.

 

[dotScott]

Do you notice any condensation on the inside, particularly the windshield? Twice I’ve gotten condensation on the inside windshield, and the dash lit up like Vegas.

Fortunately, both times the problem cleared up before long. I dried my windshield as best as I could with some napkins I had on hand, turned the heat and AC, and after a while, and after turn the truck off and on, the lights cleared.

If you did have condensation, the next challenge would be finding the source of the leak.

That's interesting but I haven't noticed any condensation or musty smell. Thanks!

 

[dotScott]

First thought was abs sensor wire caught in car wash. Then I read closer. ABS sensor can cause ABS, traction control, cruise control, and maybe keep from shifting in to 4wd. It will not effect auto high beams, or proximity. These systems are on a few different circuits and fuses. I agree, more than likely a module got wet.

That was my first thought as well. Another really odd thing is that my ODB is showing no codes, which I think is impossible considering every dummy light aside from check engine is on. I haven't had a chance to get under it and check the wheel sensors. The car wash that I use recently installed some really aggressive wheel jets. It's no coincidence that all this occurred right after the car wash, actually about half a mile down the road while I was driving.

 

[jljbtm]

I've been taking my limited through the wash almost daily, no problems just remember to pull in the side mirrors

 

[SD Rebel]

I've gone through auto car washes many times with no issues, as many have mentioned, it's likely an interior water intrusion that has caused an electrical issue. Assuming all the outside sensors seem fine.