An automatic carriage return for an exhaust removal system having a carriage that is configured to translate along a track tube. The automatic carriage return includes a drive cable spanning along the track tube, and an engagement assembly coupled to the carriage. A drive motor drives motion of the carriage along the drive cable when the engagement assembly is in the engaged configuration. In the disengaged configuration, the engagement assembly is configured to be disengaged from the drive cable to allow the carriage to freely follow the path of the vehicle. Upon release of the extraction hose from the vehicle, the engagement assembly is configured to automatically activate to the engaged configuration to engage the drive cable.