'05 9-2X in Norcal Flood
#1
'05 9-2X in Norcal Flood
So, my 6 month old Saab 9-2X wagon was a sitting duck in the floods we just had here in Northern California. The water came about halfway up the door. Inside the car, it looks like it came to the base of the shifter, not quite up to the center console electronics. The keyless entry still works but I am afraid to try to start the car for fear of further damage. Luckily insurance said that they will fully cover any work that needs to be done, and the car will not be totalled. I am weary of taking it to an independent body shop so I was going to take it to the dealer (since insurance is covering it, the cost doesn't bother me). My questions are, what is the dealer going to do to get it back to working condition, should I be suspicious of them cutting corners, what should is important to check on the car after I get it back to make sure that I don't have any problems in the future? (rust). Any help would be great.
Thanks!
Jerms
Thanks!
Jerms
#3
Disconnect the battery. It may be too late anyway but you want to interrupt all current flowing through the car. The damage to the wiring and electronics is worse when there are live circuits at the time of the flood.
The ECU is located behind the passenger footwell so it is probably damaged or destroyed.
If the car is to be repaired and not totalled, the entire interior should be stripped and everything that got wet should be replaced- seats, carpet, trim etc. Any electronics that got wet should go, and all harnesses and connectors should be inspected. Ideally the entire body harness should be replaced. One of the problems with repaired flood cars is hidden damage to wiring or electrical components that may not cause problems right away but may do so months or years later. You should insist on having as much as possible replaced, definitely everything that was below the water line.
This was presumably a fresh water flood and not salt water? If it were salt water the car should be totalled because the salt gets into everything and causes corrosion (especially any live circuits as I mentioned). Fresh water isn't nearly as bad if it's dried and repaired quickly.
The ECU is located behind the passenger footwell so it is probably damaged or destroyed.
If the car is to be repaired and not totalled, the entire interior should be stripped and everything that got wet should be replaced- seats, carpet, trim etc. Any electronics that got wet should go, and all harnesses and connectors should be inspected. Ideally the entire body harness should be replaced. One of the problems with repaired flood cars is hidden damage to wiring or electrical components that may not cause problems right away but may do so months or years later. You should insist on having as much as possible replaced, definitely everything that was below the water line.
This was presumably a fresh water flood and not salt water? If it were salt water the car should be totalled because the salt gets into everything and causes corrosion (especially any live circuits as I mentioned). Fresh water isn't nearly as bad if it's dried and repaired quickly.
#11
Wow... That sucks big time. How fast did the water rise? And how much is it going to cost to repair? I just got my window busted out and it cost $1800 to repair (damaged door panel runs $350).
#12
Registered User
iTrader: (3)
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Santa Rosa
Posts: 2,706
Car Info: MY00RS25
It's been ugly out here. We've had so much freaking rain, it's ridiculous. At one point we had 3 major freeways closed and 1 highway cloase. Good thing I wasn't working because I don't think I could get to half of my location due to high water and road closures.
#13
Originally Posted by dypeterc
Wow... That sucks big time. How fast did the water rise? And how much is it going to cost to repair? I just got my window busted out and it cost $1800 to repair (damaged door panel runs $350).
Jerms
#14
VIP Member
iTrader: (6)
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Alaska
Posts: 6,155
Car Info: R.I.P 03 aspen white wrx
damn the water got in... im amazed really
i mean the seals should have kept the water out, i had a buddy that got caught in a flash flood and the water didnt get in at all...
it was a integra btw
i mean the seals should have kept the water out, i had a buddy that got caught in a flash flood and the water didnt get in at all...
it was a integra btw
#15
Originally Posted by zumnwrx
damn the water got in... im amazed really
i mean the seals should have kept the water out, i had a buddy that got caught in a flash flood and the water didnt get in at all...
it was a integra btw
i mean the seals should have kept the water out, i had a buddy that got caught in a flash flood and the water didnt get in at all...
it was a integra btw