Skip to main content

Flooded Vehicles

Automotive Flood Damage



Driving through high water can be devastating to your vehicle, it can damage electronics, engine, transmission, differential, and interior. Fixing the damage a flood has done to a vehicle can often be costly and very time consuming. Wards Mobile Mechanic recommends not attempting to start your vehicle until it has been assessed by a mechanic.

When the electronics get wet it can cause them to short circuit. Water acts like a conductor and can cross your power and ground, it can short out computers (BCM, ECM, PCM), modules, electric motors (window, sunroof, electric seat, etc.), relays, starters, alternators, or your battery.

In the event that your interior becomes wet it is not a good idea to let it stay wet very long, it can quickly mildew, rust the floorboards, and evaporating water can penetrate any surviving electronics or interior parts not already affected. Use a shop-vac to remove as much water as possible from the carpet, seats, door panels, center console, glove compartment, trunk, and any other place holding water.

It is very difficult for water to enter the differential of a vehicle but it is not unheard of, water in the differential can cause excess friction leading to damage of the gears. We recommend a differential flush after a high water incident.

As little as 1 ounce of water in your transmission can also lead to big problems often requiring a rebuild or replacement. The key to preventing major damage is to catch it early, as soon as you are aware of the possibility of water in the transmission you should have your fluid changed. Wards Mobile Mechanic does not offer transmission services, we recommend Transpro on Nasa RD 1.

If water gets in through the air filter it can get inside your cylinders and hydrolock your engine. When an engine hydrolocks it can affect a single cylinder or all of them, it can bend the connecting rods, destroy the crankshaft bearings, break the crankshaft, crack the heads or the engine block since it cannot compress water. Remove the air filter, once it is removed when turning the key if you only hear a 'clunk' sound then your engine is hydrolocked. To remove the water from the cylinders you must remove all the spark plugs and crank the engine to pump the water out of the spark plug holes. If after removing the spark plugs you still only hear a 'clunk' you may have a bad starter or more likely already bent a connecting rod and must either rebuild or replace your engine. If your engine does roll over after removing the spark plugs crank on it in 60 second intervals (for no more than 60 seconds at a time, then allow it to cool for 60 seconds) until all the water has ejected from the spark plug holes. Once the engine has pumped all the water out of the spark plug holes replace the spark plugs and a dry air filter.  *NOTE: On some vehicles you have to remove the intake manifold and dump the water out of it due to their position or the water will not fully evacuate.

We are available to assist you Monday-Saturday 8am-5pm, give us a call to schedule your appointment.

Wards Mobile Mechanic
Spring, TX
281-939-8533
E-mail Us

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Excessive Heats Effect On Automotive Batteries

Heat can have a significant effect on automotive batteries. Here are a few key points to consider: 1. Reduced Battery Life: High temperatures can accelerate the chemical reactions taking place inside a battery, ultimately leading to a shorter lifespan. Excessive heat can cause the internal components of the battery to deteriorate more quickly. 2. Increased Battery Self-Discharge: Heat can increase the rate of battery self-discharge, meaning that even when not in use, the battery loses its charge more rapidly. This can become a problem if the vehicle is left parked for extended periods. 3. Loss of Battery Capacity: Heat can cause the electrolyte within the battery to evaporate at a faster rate, resulting in a loss of battery capacity. This can significantly reduce the ability of the battery to deliver a consistent and strong electrical charge. 4. Difficulty in Starting: Extreme heat can make it more challenging for a battery to operate at its full potential. Consequently, starting a veh...

Service Lights (MIL)

Automotive service lights, also known as warning lights, malfunction indicator lights (MIL) or check-engine lights, indicate that there is a problem with a vehicle's system and that it requires attention. Service lights are usually located on the dashboard and are illuminated when there is a fault detected in the corresponding system. Different warning lights signify different issues in the vehicle. It is essential to understand what these warning lights mean for safe driving and vehicle maintenance. Here are some of the most common automotive service lights and their meanings: 1. Check Engine Light: This light indicates that a problem has been detected in the engine management system. The problem could range from a minor issue such as a loose gas cap to a more critical problem like a faulty oxygen sensor or catalytic converter. 2. Battery Warning Light: This light indicates that the battery is not getting charged. It could be due to a faulty alternator or loose wiring. 3. Oil Pres...

Electrical Problems

Automotive electrical problems can be challenging to diagnose and repair, and they can also be dangerous if not fixed correctly. Modern vehicles have complex electrical systems that power various components like lighting, ignition, and engine management. Electrical faults can cause a wide range of problems, including non-starting, poor performance, and loss of electrical systems. Here are some examples of automotive electrical problems: 1. Dead Battery: A dead battery is the most common electrical problem in vehicles. It occurs when the battery cannot hold or receive a charge. 2. Blown Fuses: Electrical circuits in vehicles use fuses to protect the system from overloading. When a circuit draws too much power, the fuse can blow, which can cause the affected system to stop working. 3. Failed Alternator: An alternator charges the battery and powers the electrical system. A failed alternator will cause the battery to lose power and eventually die. 4. Failed Starter: A starter cranks the en...