This is very odd. I usually detail the car myself, but sometimes I take the car to one of those automatics (brushless, nothing touches the car)carwash. I leave the engine running while the car is getting washed. To my dismay, the Alternator red alert pops up !!!!!!! Once the water stops spraying on the car, the Red Alert goes away !!!! Happens every single time I take he car to the carwash, I wonder if one day, while driving my car I will get the alert because is raining.
What's wrong????

Div i

 

Maybe with the auto car wash, it is spraying the undercarriage and getting the alternator belt wet, and causing it to slip slightly and show low voltage levels...hence the red light?

 

Man I wish my car fit over the hump for an auto carwash! Too low! Too low! Hand wash it yourself it's Beautiful out!


-Suman

 

Very possibly the water is in fact causing the problem. I do most of the washes on my car myself (with detailing and mini-detailing by Pristine a local to me in SoCal) and many times after washing the power steering belt slips a bit at first start up.

As long as the red light goes out in normal driving and you don't hear belt squeal while driving it's most likely okay. If in doubt have your belts and tensions checked by the dealer.

 

good thinking!

 

well ,i got sick washing the car every time i go for a ride!
i do go to touchless car wash lately and yes the altenator light comes on for few seconds and then dissapears.
dont worry about it!

 

Crazy! A 130k+ car and you take it to automatic carwash..... I never stop being amazed!

 

Last week it was pooring here in the philly area.... I mean pooring.... I was at work so I jumped into my car to move it into my warehouse, Upon start up I noticed the same thing.... No problems since

 

The belt will slip a little when you start the car even if you wash it by hand.

There is a padding of some sort that you can cover the decklid vent to prevent the water entering you can buy.

Why not leave engine off when getting it washed and start it during the drying cycle or when the car is off of the track?

 

Mine does the same thing every wash. I can hear the belt squeaking as it drys off. Dont worry about it.

 

My bet squeaks also after a wash then goes away after 5 or so seconds, but no red light pops up, hm!

 

Glad to hear that !!! Yes, I do hear the belt slipping for a while. My TT is black and gets dirty everyday, even more when the streets are wet and mud comes flying up. It is a quick way to get rid of the daily dirt !!!!
I would not take my car to a carwash that will touch the car. Its just high pressure water and soap. I enjoy doing my own detailing with excellent products.
Thanks Guys !!!!
Divi

 

If you turn off the A/C compressor the belt will usually stop slipping.