American changer touch pad only works when warm.

[lighthousecarwash]

Has anyone had problems with their key pads not working in cold temps? Mine seems to be fine when warm, but when it starts getting cold, you can push the button or insert money and it defaults to the top wash and won't let you cancel or select anything different. I've tried power cycling and everything I can think of, but every night when I come over and the temps are in the 30-40's, it's hosed up again. Just thought I would see if anyone had similar issues before calling them and getting the "throw parts" at it solution.

Thanks,
Lighthouse.

 

[washnvac]

You need to replace it. You should keep one on hand. I have seven machines, and I keep two keypads on hand at all times. They all typically get replaced every two-three years.

Temporarily, you can heat it with a hair dryer on cold mornings. Be real careful if using a heat gun though, as you can burn the circuits.


Kleen-Rite part # for AC8001
Part #: AMCP8065.4
$78.95

 

[I.B. Washincars]

I agree with WNV. I keep a spare on hand as well.

 

[lighthousecarwash]

Thanks for the info. I'll call tomorrow.

 

[soonermajic]

LightHouse,in did exactly same thing, when temps got down to 35° & lower. Next day, it's working fine. Lemme know your experience on troubleshooting / solving this issue, please.

 

[soonermajic]

American Changer told me there's a heating pad, under the hopper. Pull it out & place in front of hopper, closer to door/key-pad, & it should work better. Said it's some moisture getting in there, from the. Cold.

 

[lighthousecarwash]

They told me the same thing. The heater doesn't exactly move over next to the door easily and it's pretty much just leaning up there in the way. My pad still doesn't work and now even when it's 50 degrees, it's messing up so I guess it's time for a new one. Their web site has a couple of different parts, but I assume I need the $600 part and not the $60 part.

Lighthouse

 

[soonermajic]

Well, that is pure suckage

 

[jprb]

Just replace the key pad. It's easy to do and cures the problem. Keep an extra on hand.

JPRB

 

[lighthousecarwash]

Replaced the key pad this morning.....and the lexan while I was at it. Good as new and looks great too. Thanks for the advice.

Lighthouse

 

[soonermajic]

Well, did it work when it got really cold as well? Does it light up better?
What is the Lexan, you replaced?

 

[soonermajic]

anyone else have this same problem? Should I have to replace the keypad every 2 years?
Seems like having the heat pad moved would be a better option. But, they went me how to move the heat pad & WOW.... that was a LOT of work to do!
But, keypad seems like a cheap fix, if it will fix the issue. I just think the same issue would be there for a new keypad as well...?

 

[Randy]

anyone else have this same problem? Should I have to replace the keypad every 2 years?
Seems like having the heat pad moved would be a better option. But, they went me how to move the heat pad & WOW.... that was a LOT of work to do!
But, keypad seems like a cheap fix, if it will fix the issue. I just think the same issue would be there for a new keypad as well...?

Why don't you try putting a 100 watt light bulb inside the ACW, you might be able to get enough heat out of the light bulb to serve your needs. Be careful you don't set the light near anything that could be damaged by the heat.

 

[soonermajic]

Dang good idea! Simple, effective & cheap!

 

[soonermajic]

Get a heat bulb, or just a regular bulb?

 

[Fatboy769]

Dang good idea! Simple, effective & cheap!

That's Randy for ya, simple & cheap

 

[Randy]

Get a heat bulb, or just a regular bulb?

Just regular 75 or 100 watt bulb will work.

 

[washnvac]

The bulb will not get the heat out to the keypad. All my units have heaters in them; they get really hot. But the display and keypad are on an extrusion, and that heat does not make it out to the keypad. The display and keypad stay cold, while the cabinet is toasty. The actual display module should have a low watt heat strip in it. I have thought of doing that, but the fact remains this is a printed circuit board. Where customers are constantly pressing the buttons is going to wear out. The heat really is not going to prolong the life. The cold just lets you know it is getting ready to fail. I have just been dating mine; and I change every three years. I am in the process of doing that this year--just changed 2 out of 7 last week.

 

[Randy]

I just checked the weather where “soonermagic” is located and the high is 56 deg. with a low of 36 deg. He doesn’t need a heat lamp, he needs a new keypad, it’s not cold there not like it is in Delaware. Washnvac your right heat won't help him.

 

[soonermajic]

Ok, gonna order a new keypad. How easy is it to replace?