Interesting problem that I have had twice now. Went through a car wash with a undercarriage spray (won't anymore) and within about 50 feet, the car dies and will not restart, just cranks. Found out after the first time that the ignition coil fuse blows. Has happened twice so I will choose a different car wash. Anyone else have this problem?

Also, it triggers the check engine light and I was curious if there is anyway to reset that without taking to a mechanic?

 

water in the engine bay wreaks havoc on the electrical system - throttle body, MAF sensor, ABS, etc. not to mention those fuse boxes and relays, the lids can easily have cracked, deteriorated seals, or not closed well and allow steam/moisture in. Don't take the car through automatic car washes.

The light should go out on its own, unless its a misfire or emissions exceedance, or other 'worse' result from your amphibious pursuits.

 

Nowadays I only go to hand car-washes. We have a really good team of Turks (or it might be Kurds), here in Crewe who do a really good job for £5 = $8

 

DIY bucket and a garden hose!

 

The brushless ones are nice, but they have so much spray power that they clean off the bugs ok and also flick away front end paint that has been weakened by stone chips, etc.
Done by hand at home ever since.

 

I leave a little sign on my passenger seat when the dealer does service. It reads, 'No need to wash the exterior of the car. Thank you."