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Why does your car stall in the drive through wash?

A car stalling in a drive-through car wash is usually due to one of these reasons:

* Water getting into the electrical system: The high-pressure water jets can splash water into vulnerable areas of the engine bay, causing short circuits or damaging electrical components. This is especially true if there are any existing issues with seals or wiring.

* Water interfering with the intake system: Water can be sucked into the air intake, causing the engine to sputter and die. This is more likely if the car is older and doesn't have good seals around the air intake.

* Problems with the automatic transmission: Some automatic transmissions are more sensitive to water than others, and the splashing water could momentarily disrupt the system, leading to a stall.

* Low idle speed: If your car already has a low idle speed, the added stress of the wash's movement and vibrations might be enough to cause a stall.

* Faulty sensors: A malfunctioning sensor, such as a crankshaft position sensor or throttle position sensor, can cause the engine to cut out, especially when stressed by the conditions in a car wash.

* Battery issues: A weak battery might not have the capacity to handle the extra electrical load imposed by the car wash's lights and possibly other electrical systems.

It's important to note that stalling is not a typical occurrence in a car wash. If it happens frequently, there's almost certainly an underlying mechanical issue that requires professional attention.