Should I remove the antenna before going through a carwash?

[RetiredNotFired]

Not sure if this belongs here or not, so I apologize if it doesn't. I have a new 2022 Ranger and was wondering if the factory antenna will still be attached when it comes out of the carwash? Anybody have any experience with this? Is it a safe/not safe thing to do?

Thanks in advance.

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[JKocot]

Yes you should if it is not a touchless car wash.

 

[NotBudule]

I don't even go through the brush ones anymore, they do make a

"stubby" antenna that is shorter...

 

[AzScorpion]

It's probably a good idea to remove it just as a precaution. You could always add some blue loctite to it if you don't want to remove it.

I m moved it to the Detailing area so more might see it there who have the same question.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Not sure if this belongs here or not, so I apologize if it doesn't. I have a new 2022 Ranger and was wondering if the factory antenna will still be attached when it comes out of the carwash? Anybody have any experience with this? Is it a safe/not safe thing to do?

Thanks in advance.

Hi Frank,

I do not remove mine. There is a specific Car Wash test procedure at Ford that the design of the antenna must pass before release for production.... It involves about a dozen different car washes in the Detroit area including the one at the Ford Engineering Research Complex....

best,
Phil

 

[RetiredNotFired]

It's probably a good idea to remove it just as a precaution. You could always add some blue loctite to it if you don't want to remove it.

I m moved it to the Detailing area so more might see it there who have the same question.

Thanks for the move to Detailing.

 

[Joeiconic]

There is a prior thread on here about the antenna getting ripped off in a car wash. I would remove it. It’s easy to do and better safe than sorry as they say.

Found it:

https://www.ranger5g.com/forum/threads/lost-my-gps-antenna-in-the-car-wash.16089/

 

[RetiredNotFired]

Hi Frank,

I do not remove mine. There is a specific Car Wash test procedure at Ford that the design of the antenna must pass before release for production.... It involves about a dozen different car washes in the Detroit area including the one at the Ford Engineering Research Complex....

best,
Phil

Thanks for the quick response Phil. The extensive testing by Ford doesn't surprise me; they don't want a bunch of unhappy customers badmouthing them over their antenna. Thursday will probably be the day I personally test it out.

 

[CF6-mech]

I did remove mine , but started going to a touchless . I did not like how my mirrors were getting knocked around with the brushes.

 

[P. A. Schilke]

Thanks for the quick response Phil. The extensive testing by Ford doesn't surprise me; they don't want a bunch of unhappy customers badmouthing them over their antenna. Thursday will probably be the day I personally test it out.

Hi Frank,

We have Octopus car wash here in Green Valley that I have run the Ranger through several times....No problem....

Best,
Phil

 

[RetiredNotFired]

Hi Frank,

We have Octopus car wash here in Green Valley that I have run the Ranger through several times....No problem....

Best,
Phil

Hi, Phil. Thanks again for the response. It does have some flex in it, not as much as the thinner fender antennas. I have about 7 1/4 inches clearance on the height from what I understand, so I will probably cross my fingers and give it a try.

 

[Muscleford]

I had my Fusion at the dealer for an oil change. They have car was and always offer one. I usually decline but the car was dirty so I said yes. Couple of days later I find the tip frozen to the roof. Never again will they wash ether the Fusion or the Ranger.

 

[Joeiconic]

Hi, Phil. Thanks again for the response. It does have some flex in it, not as much as the thinner fender antennas. I have about 7 1/4 inches clearance on the height from what I understand, so I will probably cross my fingers and give it a try.

It takes 30 second to remove and replace it, but your call.

 

[Cabose-1]

I used to leave it on. Probably ok doing it, i just felt uneasy leaving it on, so i take it off.

 

[MathGod]

I bought a stubby antenna off Amazon a year or so ago and I have gone through 10 to 20 car washes since then and never had a problem.
I do check it now and then and ,make sure it is not loose.

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