Wash Shutting Down

[mikemo81]

We have an Autec soft touch and use a pressure treadle switch. I get between 1 to 3 calls a week saying the wash just turns off during washing. I’ve installed signs in the bay instructing the customer to place the car in park since I was told placing the car in neutral caused it to rock on the treadle and turns off the wash, but it still happens. Has anyone had problems with this happening? I can’t help but wonder if something else is going on, ie loose wire, faulty software. We’ve already replaced the treadle twice in one year.

 

[chaz]

Is there a prox switch at the treadle? If so....I’d bet on a loose switch causing the issue.

 

[Dcalhoun]

We had this problem when we first opened up with an Autec. To solve it we put two treadle switches side by side and wired them together. This gives the tire much more space to rock a little without putting the car wash into panic mode and shutting down the wash. If the machine isn't faulting it is most likely just an issue with each car. You might ask your customer when it happened, was it just after the cloth came onto the car? If so, the cloth probably pushed the car far enough that it stopped the wash. Could have had the car in park or might not have - older cars tend to move more when the cloth starts.

I'd go with two treadle switches, that will likely solve your problem.

 

[mikemo81]

Thanks. We talked about doing this, but never did. Sounds like we should reconsider. I do know there have been times I’ve noticed the cars move after the cloth bumps it and the wash turns off. Other times, it’s not noticeable.

Thanks.

 

[DiamondWash]

I don't know what size you currently have now, but a 10" x 24" might take care of this issue.

https://www.kleen-ritecorp.com/p-35872-recora-n-240-auto-alert-10-x-24-yellow.aspx

 

[soapy]

I used to have a friction IBA and this problem was very common. I got rid of the treadle and replaced it with the wide pressure pad like the one mentioned. ON the original setup the tire would touch up against a raised angle iron and would be depressing the treadle. Many times the customer would put the car in neutral and let off the brake. Sometimes just the friction of the machine would be enough to move the car back off the treadle. I added a small plate with angle iron the tire had to go up and over before contacting the treadle or pressure pad. When the tire dropped down off the first step it would drop on the pad and sit between the factory stop and new one. The tire would never roll back and this solved the problem.