Washing/nervous chittering?

[64-1/2baby]

I washed my ’23 for the first time today. It’s got 13,000 miles, 2,000 miles since December when I adopted it.

While washing around the sensors and the door buttons I can hear relays or solenoids chittering nervously from beneath the frunk.
I think it’s cute, assuming it’s normal.
I thought a squirrel got in there at first.
It’s normal.
Right?

I collect highly roadworthy antique vehicles so If I need to take a cross country trip I have choices. However, until there’s a ubiquitous charging network, for 99% of my driving I prefer the Mach E! As an old school internal combustion enthusiast I love it’s 21st century safety features and luxury accommodations for most of my routine transportation.
My 2nd string daily driver is a 64 year old Comet coupe that is totally basic with powered nothing except the Ford air conditioner. So to me this plain Jane Mach E was like a finely appointed, sophisticated alien craft! I was afraid of the more complicated GT and was thankful because it took a while to get past the learning curve.

Once I felt comfortable with single pedal I took right to it! My only complaint is the trouble I have nearly gotten myself into with the Sheriff because of the sudden torque! I’m thrilled with it but unsurprisingly I hope to get a ‘24 AWD sooner or later. Once I get a handle on the genetic lead foot that runs on both sides of my family.

Road trip!
Vanderpool TX

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[Deleted member 19354]

I washed my ’23 for the first time today. It’s got 13,000 miles, 2,000 miles since December when I adopted it.

While washing around the sensors and the door buttons I can hear relays or solenoids chittering nervously from beneath the frunk.
I think it’s cute, assuming it’s normal.
I thought a squirrel got in there at first.
It’s normal.
Right?

I collect highly roadworthy antique vehicles so If I need to take a cross country trip I have choices. However, until there’s a ubiquitous charging network, for 99% of my driving I prefer the Mach E! As an old school internal combustion enthusiast I love it’s 21st century safety features and luxury accommodations for most of my routine transportation.
My 2nd string daily driver is a 64 year old Comet coupe that is totally basic with powered nothing except the Ford air conditioner. So to me this plain Jane Mach E was like a finely appointed, sophisticated alien craft! I was afraid of the more complicated GT and was thankful because it took a while to get past the learning curve.

Once I felt comfortable with single pedal I took right to it! My only complaint is the trouble I have nearly gotten myself into with the Sheriff because of the sudden torque! I’m thrilled with it but unsurprisingly I hope to get a ‘24 AWD sooner or later. Once I get a handle on the genetic lead foot that runs on both sides of my family.

Road trip!
Vanderpool TX

I hear clatter now and then when I’m charging at a level 3. Someone mentioned it was the magnets releasing?

 

[ReverendPete]

Yeah, they do that when you wash the car, because it is sensing it on the buttons and touch controls (the lock buttons and the pillar keypads), and then trying to determine if it's a valid touch signal. My other car that has some touch controls on the door handle does it when washing too... I never came up with a cute squirrel image from it, but I guess I can see that...

 

[highland58]

When I squirt water on the lock unlock buttons, my doors lock, a little annoying. That happens every time I hand wash it.

 

[FergyMcFerguson]

When I squirt water on the lock unlock buttons, my doors lock, a little annoying. That happens every time I hand wash it.

You must have incredible water pressure. I washed mine with a foam canon and a pressure washer and this did not happen once.

 

[highland58]

it happens when the water just runs down the pillar.

 

[FergyMcFerguson]

it happens when the water just runs down the pillar.

Interesting. That seems like water ingress into somewhere it’s not supposed to be. Ever happen in a slap and scratch wash? Or during rain?

 

[highland58]

Interesting. That seems like water ingress into somewhere it’s not supposed to be. Ever happen in a slap and scratch wash? Or during rain?

I don't use car washes that are not touchless, so no and no. I mostly go to the touchless and wipe it down with microfiber after. I've only washed it about 3 times since October.

 

[markboris]

While washing around the sensors and the door buttons I can hear relays or solenoids chittering nervously from beneath the frunk.
I think it’s cute, assuming it’s normal.
I thought a squirrel got in there at first.
It’s normal.
Right?

When I squirt water on the lock unlock buttons, my doors lock, a little annoying. That happens every time I hand wash it.

The reason this is happening (hear relays clicking, door locking, etc) when water is contacting the lock button on any one of the four door pillars is because you have your key fob or phone (with PAAK set up) in your pocket right outside the door. Water touching the lock button on the pillar is the same as you touching it with your finger so yes the car relays will activate and the doors may lock. Leave the fob or phone out of your pocket and this will never happen.

 

[64-1/2baby]

The reason this is happening (hear relays clicking, door locking, etc) when water is contacting the lock button on any one of the four door pillars is because you have your key fob or phone (with PAAK set up) in your pocket right outside the door. Water touching the lock button on the pillar is the same as you touching it with your finger so yes the car relays will activate and the doors may lock. Leave the fob or phone out of your pocket and this will never happen.

That was the solution I hadn’t thought of. Operator error!!!

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