2013 Fords Locking Up

[Emerald in NJ]

Hi,
I have a full serve conveyor wash. We leave the cars running in neutral when we feed them into the tunnel. We have noticed that the doors have been locking up on the new 2013 Fords. Has anyone figured out a way around this? I have been telling my crew every day to make a guy ride through in the car but about once per week they forget and it jams up the whole operation. Additionally, it appears very few people know the code to unlock the doors on their own car without the key.

 

[Mr. Clean]

Is this specific to a model or trim level? It sounds like it's programmed to lock whenever the shifter is moved out of park as an owner preference. Does the attendant have the door open while loading so they're not aware that it locks? It might be less of a hassle turn the engine off until it gets to the finish area.

 

[Washmee]

I've operated a full service wash for over 30 years and I don't know anybody who processes unattended cars with the engines running. I would suggest you just turn off the engines, it's safer.

 

[JeffM]

^^ I 2nd that! I have not had any problem with the new Fords at all using this method.

 

[AppleExpress]

As i run a carwash for a Ford dealership i can tell you that the new models are designed to lock the doors when the wheels are in motion regardless if it is shut off or running. Best thing you can do is if the vehicle has push button start, take key fob out before sending vehicle through, that way you can unlock it. If it is a keyed ignition, you will have to have someone ride through in it.

 

[Earl Weiss]

As i run a carwash for a Ford dealership i can tell you that the new models are designed to lock the doors when the wheels are in motion regardless if it is shut off or running.

First, what type of equipment do you have at the dealership?

Next, can't believe somne idiot engineer did this... again. Years ago (Like 35) when we were in the FS business some make and model had this and it was a huge headache.

 

[chadrpalmer]

yep, we also have had 3 lock! (not running)

 

[Washmee]

yep, we also have had 3 lock! (not running)

What model? I haven't seen any of this yet.

 

[chadrpalmer]

New Ford Explorer, 2 of those (and then some don't!) and then some little focus i think it was

 

[Washmee]

I wonder if you can reprogram the locking system? My GM cars have multiple modes for the door locks.

 

[AppleExpress]

I am using all sonny's equipment in my tunnel... but ours is a ride through, so customers stay in the vehicle. The reason some will and some wont is due to speed. the sensors are designed to pick up the motion only at a certain speed, so more than likely it happened on ones that had a slightly looser neutral and moved forward slightly quicker, like when the rollers first catch the wheel and it somewhat jumps forward quickly, then slows down. as for reproggraming, currently isnt possible. Ford designed the ecm to need reprogramming at the dealership/garage. and even then, im not sure if locking functions are able to be reprogrammed.

 

[iwashcars]

The doors lock when two numbers on the key pad on the exterior driver door are pushed simultaneously. What happens often is that the equipment in the car wash will push these two numbers at the same time and lock the door regardless if it is running or not. However cars should not be running unattended. The best thing to do is tell the customer to take their key fob or remote with them.