car is dead after car wash [SOLVED - replaced IPDM]

[built2makeit]

So today I go in for a car wash to this hand wash place around my way. They wash the car clean it inside and out. I go to start the car... car doesnt turn over. The pedal feels as if its been depressed all the way down. So my first thought is to give it some time so some pressure can be released. Waited 30 min, still nothing. They attached the jumper cables to the car still nothing. All the lights come on, dash illuminates but the car isnt even attempting to crank. After waiting and waiting I notice that the "key" light is the only light that is still illuminated. After doing some resear h anx finiding the manual, it says that if this light is on while the car is stopped, it may be impossible for the car to start again and free the steering lock... I am currently waiting for AAA. Has this ever happened to anyone?

[cruzad3r]

dead battery... take it out and have it test.

[The00Dustin]

My 06 had the key light on all the time when I bought it (43,000 miles), but it would start fine. The dealership said it could be a safety issue and the brain of the intelligent key system was replaced under factory warranty. Unfortunately, none of that information really helps you, but I have had the light on, which may count as that happening to me.

[built2makeit]

Just left Kings Infiniti.... needed to have me IPDM replaced...also known as pull your pants down and bend over please... $800 for something that came out of thin air. Amazing. Time to get a bicycle. $2500 for steering linkage $800 for a cpu all within 6 months.

[cruzad3r]

wow - over the winter my car batt was completely dead and i was in the same position as you. changing the battery was all i need. i guess i'm just lucky.

[svard75]

... The pedal feels as if its been depressed all the way down. So my first thought is to give it some time so some pressure can be released...

What do you mean here? The brake pedal?

Yeah unfortunately for us the IPDM module (Power Distribution Module found in the engine bay) contains non-replaceable relays. If any of them are shot you have to replace the entire module.

Unfortunately these are the systems affected by the PDM:
- Lamp control Using CAN communication, it receives signal from BCM and controls the following lamps:
Headlamps (HI, LO)
Tail, parking and license plate lamps
Front fog lamps
Daytime light relay control (for Canada models) Using CAN communication, it receives signals from BCM and controls the daytime light relay.
- Wiper control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from BCM and controls the front wipers.
- Rear window defogger relay control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from BCM and controls the rear window defogger relay.
- A/C compressor control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from ECM and controls the A/C relay.
Cooling fan control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from ECM and controls cooling fan via cooling fan control module.
- Horn control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from BCM and controls horn relay.
- Starter motor relay control Using CAN communication, it receives signals from BCM and controls starter motor relay.
- Alternator control Using CAN communication, it receives signal from ECM and controls power generation voltage.

Just wondering how much of that cost was labour because replacing the IPDM is peanuts.

[built2makeit]

$650 plus for parts and almost $200 in labor, i have the receipt but its at work with the exact numbers

[jhuerto23]

ouch sorry to hear the news. Makes me wonder if I should sell mines and buy something else.

[mexillis]

how did they determine it was the IDPM? I have had some recent trouble with my car that the symptoms point to the battery. Battery was checked out being fine, alternator seems fine too.

[TDot]

Was it water, did the washing cause this? If so, why aren't they paying up?

[svard75]

Why would water damage the IPDM? It's just a bunch of wires and relays plus the fuses. That's why it's installed in the engine bay and not inside the car like the more water sensitive components like the BCM, ECU, PDU, etc.