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Car Wash Mode - Instructions!

Discussion in 'Model 3' started by Glenn90, Aug 15, 2020.

  1. GregPC

    GregPC Member

    Joined:
    Aug 29, 2018
    Messages:
    20
    Location:
    Phoenix, AZ
    Bam! You said it Keith7465. Car Wash Mode. Also, the written instructions are fantastic. Thanks.
     
  2. Sans-gas

    Sans-gas Member

    Joined:
    May 1, 2019
    Messages:
    118
    Location:
    NW WA
    I’m glad I haven’t (and don’t plan to) used a carwash. I was instructed not to when I picked up my car.
     
  3. FullSizeRender

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2020
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    Atlanta
    I took my Model 3 through a car wash for the first time today. A little over halfway through it, my Neutral went into Auto Park! I guess it thought I was sitting idle and decided to go into Park! I got a little stuck in there with a car behind me approaching. I put it in Drive then back to Neutral.

    Anyone know how to keep the car from going into Auto Park while you're in Neutral?
     
  4. Shelby16

    Shelby16 Member

    Joined:
    Sep 1, 2020
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    Utah
    Great question! I have not run through one of these. I went through a "parked" auto car wash and just shut my car off.
     
  5. RayK

    RayK Active Member

    Joined:
    Apr 5, 2016
    Messages:
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    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Yes, keep your weight on the seat.
     
  6. XLR82XS

    XLR82XS D M C

    Joined:
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    Location:
    SWFL | Vegas
    Tow mode.
     
  7. FullSizeRender

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2020
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    Atlanta
    I can't find how to put it in tow mode. I was also in the car sitting in the seat the whole time.
     
  8. RayK

    RayK Active Member

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    Location:
    San Jose, CA
    Tow Mode should be under the Service menu in the car. I'm not exactly sure how long or how far you can be in that mode. I've always put my car into neutral when getting it washed.

    Try this: with your car on a flat spot of ground and the doors closed, put it in neutral and then start lifting yourself up off the driver's seat and/or shift your weight forward. You'll eventually see the car go into Park.
     
  9. FullSizeRender

    Joined:
    Jul 21, 2020
    Messages:
    19
    Location:
    Atlanta
    Maybe I did lift myself up a little on the seat. I’ll try this. I remember when I was in the wash I turned to look toward the back seat like I was paranoid water was going to come in through the back windows lol!

    Another thing, when I drove out of the wash and after I vacuumed it I noticed the side mirror had been pushed forward out of place. Next time I gotta remember to fold those in. Tesla needs to add an automatic car wash mode lol!
     
  10. rhought

    rhought New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 16, 2020
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    3
    Location:
    The Woodlands, Texas
    Outstanding logic. Thanks.
     
  11. Gasaraki

    Gasaraki Active Member

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    Location:
    Syracuse, NY
    Why would it be any different from an ICE car?!? Neutral is neutral, that's why they put neutral in the system. D is not N, doesn't matter if it's is roll, creep or hold mode.

    People, do not leave is in D with roll on. Please shift to N.
     
  12. iwannam3

    iwannam3 Member

    Joined:
    Aug 8, 2016
    Messages:
    898
    Location:
    Washington
    The cars were rated for HP and mileage on premium so running regular retarded the spark reducing mileage and HP so you were not getting what was advertised and certified by the EPA.
     
  13. Snow Drift

    Snow Drift Pirelli P Zero Winter

    Joined:
    Feb 10, 2016
    Messages:
    1,922
    Location:
    Long Island
    We need this:

    Mercedes GLE

    B220F8C1-F12C-41C1-BBB8-3601AAA20BA7.jpeg
     
    • Love x 2
  14. TLLMRRJ

    TLLMRRJ Active Member

    Joined:
    Dec 19, 2019
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    Location:
    Houston
    Can they make a "car wash" mode that includes a post-wash paint correction?
     
    • Funny x 1
  15. 52 16 57 39

    52 16 57 39 2020 MYP, hitched & 1” UPP springs

    Joined:
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    Location:
    Tacoma, WA
    @Snow Drift - that is perfect and I cannot believe this has not been pushed through an update yet.
     
    • Like x 2
  16. Flybyglass

    Flybyglass Member

    Joined:
    Feb 2, 2020
    Messages:
    39
    Location:
    Valencia, CA
    I've used both the track system car wash and belt system. Both were hand wash no brushes. The track system a worker would stay in the car to insure neutral while on the track . On the Belt system, since the belt is the width of the car no one needs to be inside and the car can and should be in park. Worker then either uses the card to enter or the card was left inside so unlocked. I always standby with my phone prepared to unlock at end of wash just in case but never needed. BTW, to prevent rim rash in track system, I installed wider tires. (245/40R19). The extra 10mm had a "bead" to help prevent rim rub and the 5mm beyond rim worked. As a side benefit, the tires have a higher load rating than factory to help prevent road damage.
     
  17. CSFTN

    CSFTN Member

    Joined:
    Aug 24, 2014
    Messages:
    917
    Location:
    Memphis, TN
    Your car goes into hold when you gently but firmly press on the brake AFTER you have come to a complete stop. Not otherwise
     
  18. TessieEddie

    TessieEddie Member

    Joined:
    Oct 11, 2016
    Messages:
    49
    Location:
    Orlando, FL and Franklin, NC
    Before I went through my first car I researched exactly how to do it, putting the car in N. What I did not realize was that if you touch the steering wheel or any controls it sets the brake immediately. Several trips to car washes over the next 18 months with no issues. Then all of a sudden, I am in a car wash and no way can I get it to stay in N. As soon as it starts to roll it sets the brake. I had to back up and leave without a wash.

    After some more research I found the Towing procedure in the owner's manual. I went to a car wash and practiced the procedure just before rolling in. It worked first time, flawlessly. Made another trip to a different car wash, same result, no problems.

    Yesterday, I am at the car wash and once again practiced setting Towing procedure and the car rolled, no problem. Once I pulled onto the conveyor, Towing procedure will absolutely not work. Roller after roller lifts up the car after it sets the brake. After about 6 tries, I give up and try N. Now THAT works when it didn't before and Towing does not! I am on software ver. 2020.48.35.5 which was uploaded recently. I am guessing that various software updates changed both Towing and Neutral functionality, but I can't be sure.

    I am fully in favor of a Car Wash button under controls and not buried under Service or someplace else.
     
    • Like x 2
  19. MarsOrBust

    MarsOrBust Member

    Joined:
    Sep 25, 2020
    Messages:
    421
    Location:
    Kepler-22b
    Very nice, make another one for long term parking maximum battery conservation.
     
  20. SuperheroDIY

    SuperheroDIY New Member

    Joined:
    Feb 4, 2021
    Messages:
    2
    Location:
    Broomfield, CO
    Car Wash Mode would be pretty sweet!

    I was told, after I got my PPF installed, to never use one of those automatic car washes. I definitely didn't at all as long as the weather was good! But in the winter here in Colorado, when my car is covered in that road salt, I actually really need to wash my car and can't really break out the hose. So, to the car wash it is! I've actually not had a problem with it removing paint, although I didn't do it like every day or anything. I think the most I ran it through was 1x/week when the roads were all gross.

    I hadn't gone through the car was in about 9 months the last time I did, though, and WOW! I totally forgot all 3 things mentioned in this guide and had to very quickly remember! Obviously folding mirrors and turning off wipers was fine, but when it came to switching it to Neutral ... definitely should have practiced first!

    Either way, this is a great reminder. Nice job. Not sure I'd need to print it out and leave it in my vehicle, but still it's useful info!
     

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