AUTO TRANSMISION AND CAR WASH MODE

[Daniel Goss]

In the Owners Manual for my 2025 5BW, on page 199, it says that the transmission is not designed to stay in Neutral for more than five minutes, and that it may automatically shift to Park. First, why would it be designed this way? Then on page 200 it describes how to put the car into Neutral for a car wash. I have never timed a drive thru car wash, but I would not want the car to suddenly shift into Park while going thru one. Has anyone ever just sat in a parking lot or driveway, with the engine running and transmission in Neutral, just to let five minutes time out so see what happens?

 

[1Evil55]

Not neutral but if you sit idle for long, it will shut down automatically without your input.

 

[FLYARMY]

Is this something that can occur on all models of BW from 22- present? I won't see mine (2022 automatic) until April to put it to the test.

 

[rdollie]

It's not a big deal. I've done it at the track in between sessions. You'll get a notice of an impending shutdown and you can defeat it extending your time easily and in a typical car wash you won't go into neutral until you go into the car wash so unless you're going into a mile long car wash it's not a concern.

 

[BigShark]

Yeah I've left mine in neutral at the track for way longer than 5 minutes and it just gives you a warning message before doing anything - plenty of time to hit a button and reset it.

 

[jbawden]

I love the low response to this thread...everyone is like "I don't know, I don't abuse my BW by rolling though an automated car wash".

It's not you @Daniel Goss, it's me.

 

[FLYARMY]

I highly doubt my 5BW will EVER go thru a mechanical car wash. But its good to know that these issues could arise. Like my cellphone, I don't know half the capabilities of these cars today. I was always happy with power steering, power windows, air conditioning and rear defrosters. When cruise control and electric 6 way seats came out , I was ecstatic ! LOL !

 

[KatyTxCT5V]

In the Owners Manual for my 2025 5BW, on page 199, it says that the transmission is not designed to stay in Neutral for more than five minutes, and that it may automatically shift to Park. First, why would it be designed this way? Then on page 200 it describes how to put the car into Neutral for a car wash. I have never timed a drive thru car wash, but I would not want the car to suddenly shift into Park while going thru one. Has anyone ever just sat in a parking lot or driveway, with the engine running and transmission in Neutral, just to let five minutes time out so see what happens?

I have a 2022 5BW and the 10sp automatic, and decided to see what the manual says for a car wash situation. I personally hand wash my 5BW and will never run it through a car wash, so never researched. Plus, I have the carbon fiber CF1 & CF2 packages installed, so I will not chance it.

The manual says the same about the 5 min neutral warning; however, there is a car wash section explaining how to run it through a car wash. I found another section stating not to run through a car wash. Go figure

@Daniel Goss if your manual doesn’t have the car wash section explaining how to do it, maybe you can try it the way the 22 manual says how to accomplish.

I’ve attached what’s in my manual that I captured using my phone. Good luck.

 

[Daniel Goss]

First, I appreciate the responses, and I will research it more before entering the dreaded car wash tunnel. Secondly, to quote President Nixon, "let me make this perfectly clear". I don't like the idea. For decades I have been privileged to have owned some nice, fun, vehicles. And most all this time, for washing waxing, etc., nobody touched them other than me. But now I am tempted to use a car wash for the following reason. Having just turned 78 yrs old, with arthritis, washing my cars in my own driveway can be quite a chore, especially in hot or cold weather. Just a couple of weeks ago, I washed my Corvette, and nearly tripped and fell on the water hose multiple times. It actually scared me. For the Corvette, NO car wash tunnel, so the only other option would be to find a mobile wash/detail service, which can be pricey. But back to the BW. Yes, I might surrender and take it thru a wash. The last two times I had it out, I got caught in a winter drizzle and road spray, and I am tired of seeing it in this condition sitting in the garage.

 

[bloominguez]

I love the low response to this thread...everyone is like "I don't know, I don't abuse my BW by rolling though an automated car wash".

That's just one part of it! Not only would I never take my car through an automated car wash, my car will never go into this strange "Park" situation. I say that without intending to throw any shade, I'm well aware that circumstances change as explained by the OP.

 

[jbawden]

"Park" is that button on left side of the dash, no?

 

[KatyTxCT5V]

"Park" is that button on left side of the dash, no?

“Technically” yes, and why they call it a “parking” brake .

@Daniel Goss, thank you for sharing your story behind the post. Hopefully you can use the information I shared to help you get it sorted out to get all that nasty road stuff off your car. Cheers!

 

[coffee_time]

I love the low response to this thread...everyone is like "I don't know, I don't abuse my BW by rolling though an automated car wash".

It's not you @Daniel Goss, it's me.

I have full car PPF so I go in all the time. No worries over here.

 

[rdollie]

For the first 2.5 years, I hand washed my black 5 BW about 1.5 times/wk with 1 waterless wash/week. Life finally caught up to me and the luxury of spending that sort of time being anal about the car went away. Fortunately it's had PPF and ceramic since I picked it up so I now take it through the highest quality automatic wash we have around here and do light waterless touch ups (Griots) when I find time. If the PPF or ceramic get scratched, I'll just replace them.