Car locks and unlocks when washing it
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 295
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From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
Car locks and unlocks when washing it
I washed the C350 today and the locks kept coming on and off. I am assuming it's the door handle switches getting wet and actuating. How to stop this?
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From: Canada
A car
By leaving your key enough away from the car. e.g. at home.
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
By leaving your key enough away from the car. e.g. at home.
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.
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From: Canada
A car
No, because your key is either in the car with you or far enough (say at home) which disables the lock/unlock function.
There is also a volume of water aspect to it I suppose. Probably not enough electrolytes in a rain water drop to trigger the system versus in a stream of water from a hose.
There is also a volume of water aspect to it I suppose. Probably not enough electrolytes in a rain water drop to trigger the system versus in a stream of water from a hose.
Super Member
Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
But let's say you are walking to the car to get in while it is pouring out. As you get close wouldn't it start to click on and off? If there is some kind of projected capacitance element to the door handles they obviously figured out a way around moisture causing "false touches".
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From: Canada
A car
But let's say you are walking to the car to get in while it is pouring out. As you get close wouldn't it start to click on and off? If there is some kind of projected capacitance element to the door handles they obviously figured out a way around moisture causing "false touches".
Yeah I don't know, but that's a good point. I'll probably end up with an umbrella outside having fun with this this weekend. Fun is a subjective word I guess
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Joined: Sep 2015
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From: Milwaukee, WI USA
2012 C300 4Matic
Might not even be projected capacitive technology in there, but if you can get it act funky have fun. Might want to try pouring salt water and/or blood on it. Those are very conductive. Maybe you could trick it.
I sell touch screens for a living and performance of projected capacitive touch screens (like what is used for smart phones) in the presence of different kinds and amounts of liquids has always been a weak point of the technology for outdoor applications, along with gloved operation as well. The technology is now evolved enough so it can be used in some outdoor applications.
I sell touch screens for a living and performance of projected capacitive touch screens (like what is used for smart phones) in the presence of different kinds and amounts of liquids has always been a weak point of the technology for outdoor applications, along with gloved operation as well. The technology is now evolved enough so it can be used in some outdoor applications.
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Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 295
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From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
[QUOTE=superangrypenguin;7593279]By leaving your key enough away from the car. e.g. at home.
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.[/QUOT
Just curious how I'm supposed to get to the car wash without bringing the key fob?
It's because of the properties of water. If you washed with distilled water, it wouldn't do anything, but because the sensors in the handle are there to pickup an electrostatic current (I believe) which is what happens when we touch the handle (as humans), this false positive is what causes this issue.[/QUOT
Just curious how I'm supposed to get to the car wash without bringing the key fob?
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
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From: Canada
A car
I mean, when I wash my car at home in my driveway, I have the same issue you do.
When I bring my car to the automatic car wash place, I don't have this issue, as I am in the car with it running.I had assumed, albeit perhaps wrongly, that you were washing your car in your driveway?
You could always throw your keyfob inside the car, and then wash the car. Take out the metal valet key in case you're worried about locking yourself out.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2018
Posts: 295
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From: Edmonton Area
2007 CLK550 Coupe, 2003 CL600, 2012
I went to the wand wash like a peasent and washed it myself. I think I understand what the problem was. I must have had the fob in my pocket and the car was just trying to follow orders to lock every time I passed the wand over the doors. Pretty funny actually. Come to think of it, I did go to an automagic wash and had no issues.
Thanks for the replys.
Thanks for the replys.
MBWorld Fanatic!
Joined: Jun 2011
Posts: 2,447
Likes: 283
From: Canada
A car
I went to the wand wash like a peasent and washed it myself. I think I understand what the problem was. I must have had the fob in my pocket and the car was just trying to follow orders to lock every time I passed the wand over the doors. Pretty funny actually. Come to think of it, I did go to an automagic wash and had no issues.
Thanks for the replys.
Thanks for the replys.
That explains the whole water/rain water thing we discussed upthread.
This penguin needs to go to bed.
