Scott Schmidt

Hi folks. I have a new 2022 GLS 450, and it has a car wash prep feature that prepares the car to go through a car wash. My manual states that when going through a car wash, the key fobs need to be outside of the car and at least 10 feet away from it (!!!!) if you have the kick-to-open rear hatch. I understand that this will inhibit the rear sensors from misinterpreting the brush motion as a kick and thereby opening the rear hatch in the middle of the car wash. I wonder how many people have or will have this little nightmare happen to them...

Anyways, my question is as follows: Will the car wash prep button/feature inhibit the rear hatch opening so that you don't need to leave the keys outside while inside the wash? It would be a simple thing to include in the list of things the feature prepares, but the manual doesn't seem to indicate that this is the case. Since it's all done in software, I presume, it would appear to be a pretty easy thing to do.

Thanks for any feedback.

W205C43PFL

not fully sure about the answer to your question but just in case car wash mode doesn't prevent it, you could double tap the lock button to disable the keyless go function during the car wash or enable valet mode and lock the rear hatch (the switch in the glovebox). If you were to disable they key, just make sure to re-enable it again by pressing any button.

jbattan

I use car wash mode about once a week and never have to leave keys outside the car. My trunk has EASY-ACCESS.

jtjbt20x

Which page in the manual do you see that?

Scott Schmidt

Page 342: "The SmartKey is at a minimum distance of 10' 􏰏 (3 m) away from the vehicle. Otherwise the tailgate could open unintentionally."

ksalno

I have used the car wash feature many times in the last 3 years and I’ve never had any issue with it at brushless or brush washes. The key is in my pants pocket, which normally means it is powered down, so when I exit the vehicle, I need to jiggle it a little before I can lock the doors. I would guess that the auto-power down feature on the key, also would prevent the kick to open feature from working, so maybe that’s why it’s never been a problem?

If you want to see the full list of everything the car wash prep feature does, just activate it. It brings up a complete list of all actions it takes and checks them off as they are completed. Raising the vehicle always takes the longest time, most of the rest are done relatively quickly.

Scott Schmidt

Thanks I'll try it - never actually have.