HVAC issue!

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

Hey all, I'm traveling to Texas from Ohio to see family and currently stuck in Dickson, TN. I have little to no airflow coming out of the vents after a car wash and don't know why.

*EDIT: FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WASH SENT A BUNCH OF WATER/FOAM INTO THE SYSTEM SOAKING THE CABIN AIR FILTER AND IMMEDIATELY FROZE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUTSIDE AIR INTO THE TRUCK TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.

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[Chris_G]

Hey all, I'm traveling to Texas from Ohio to see family and currently stuck in Dickson, TN. I have little to no airflow coming out of the vents after a car wash and don't know why.

*EDIT: FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WASH SENT A BUNCH OF WATER/FOAM INTO THE SYSTEM SOAKING THE CABIN AIR FILTER AND IMMEDIATELY FROZE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUTSIDE AIR INTO THE TRUCK TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.

Good info, thanks

 

[fossil]

hey Joe, what was the outside temp when washed. asking for a friend.

 

[Stock411]

The cabin air filter can get soaked from an automatic car wash?

 

[MakinDoForNow]

Hey all, I'm traveling to Texas from Ohio to see family and currently stuck in Dickson, TN. I have little to no airflow coming out of the vents after a car wash and don't know why.

*EDIT: FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WASH SENT A BUNCH OF WATER/FOAM INTO THE SYSTEM SOAKING THE CABIN AIR FILTER AND IMMEDIATELY FROZE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUTSIDE AIR INTO THE TRUCK TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.

I would assume that defrost/heater was running during wash and outside air was on also and at least enough humidity was sucked inside, then maybe a big "wad of foam" was placed where it could be sucked in when defroster turned on? Could this be related to the "Winter Vortex"? I find it hard to believe auto car wash was open? Let us know if you figure this out!

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

hey Joe, what was the outside temp when washed. asking for a friend.

Hey, sorry for the delay. Stopped and took a nap in Arkansas. Temp according to the truck was 26°F.

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

I would assume that defrost/heater was running during wash and outside air was on also and at least enough humidity was sucked inside, then maybe a big "wad of foam" was placed where it could be sucked in when defroster turned on? Could this be related to the "Winter Vortex"? I find it hard to believe auto car wash was open? Let us know if you figure this out!

Correct. I left the system on level 2 auto and didn't think much of it as I've never had this kind of issue with other cars I own. The car wash was a touchless fancy light show gig that did a relatively poor job lol. Where I originally live, Mike's car wash is open all year round with employees that work there. Even if it's 10°F outside, they will be open. Here's the one I went to if you'd like more info on it. Clean Getaway Auto Wash
(855) 326-7264
https://maps.app.goo.gl/Ad4fJDePdWnLoGCz5

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

The cabin air filter can get soaked from an automatic car wash?

Yep. Popped the hood and seen leftover foam from the car wash still on the fresh air grid. Pulled the glovebox down and seen there was wash foam and water soaked up into the cabin air filter.

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

Here's a couple pics after it dried. You can see the discoloration of the filter from the foam and the water line on the side. Only has 1500 miles on it.

 

[Nw_adventure]

Wow that's kind of crazy - Good learning experience though. Turn HVAC /OFF during car washes -

 

[Lynyrd Skynyrd]

Seems like a bad design. Wait till the lawyers see this and grab a class action suit for mavericks with mold

 

[TorqueWrenchUSA]

Seems like a bad design. Wait till the lawyers see this and grab a class action suit for mavericks with mold

I can see this being both a health and safety issue. Between the abundant of moisture within the filter causing mold. And the wet filter blocking aif flow enough to prevent the windows from defrosting after a hard cold rain on a hot day as an example.

This has me curious enough to pull it apart and see what kind of design they came up with. And see if there is something I can fabricate to better prevent this from happening again.

 

[dalola]

Yeah, this seems like something might not be right with your truck.....maybe missing a baffle or something?

Let us know what you find. Or, don't find.

 

[B Lucas]

Hey all, I'm traveling to Texas from Ohio to see family and currently stuck in Dickson, TN. I have little to no airflow coming out of the vents after a car wash and don't know why.

*EDIT: FOUND OUT THAT THE CAR WASH SENT A BUNCH OF WATER/FOAM INTO THE SYSTEM SOAKING THE CABIN AIR FILTER AND IMMEDIATELY FROZE WHEN TRYING TO PULL OUTSIDE AIR INTO THE TRUCK TO DEFROST THE WINDSHIELD.

I Have the same thing going on, cabin air filter getting wet and the whole truck smells like mold/mildew !

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