When I wash my car in a commercial carwash it locks & unlocks itself when I use the high pressure rinse setting. It mainly does it when I aim the water at the front door windows, so i suspect it’s a sensor issue. But it’s concerning that the car can be unlocked in such a manner. Any thoughts?

 

When totally dry, try tapping or knock on the window when the car is dry. If it does not do the same thing, then I suspect it's a grounding issue only when wirings get wet.

 

Thanks for the input. I tried the tapping technique & nothing happened. So you might be on the money with your grounding theory. I’ll get it checked out on it’s next service, which is due soon

 

No news here. This behavior can be easily replicated on my Mercedes and Hyundai when I am washing them. It has also occurred on all my prior owned Mercs and other vehicles. Jag is no different.

Just keep the key close to the car, get the door handles wet, and all of these vehicles will begin locking and un-locking. It has nothing to do with the windshield. Try it. Go outside with a pitcher of water and your key. Pour the water onto the front door handles and watch what happens.

It’s pretty simple. These vehicles rely on a circuit to be closed in order for the door locks to be activated. That circuit can be closed by your thumb, or by water.

Just one more reason to keep your key in a Farraday cage when it is parked at home. You have inadvertently tripped across on of the many hacks to steal your car from your garage while you sleep. I say this as with my experimenting, I have found that water closes the circuit more effectively than a thumb, and at greater range due to the water being more conductive than your thumb.

 

Bugger!😱