Blower is always on even after engine shut down. High water crossing

[senorquill]

All,

I had a bad water crossing. Since then I have removed seat, dried everything out ect. The only issue I'm still having is that the blower under the passenger side does not shut off. Even after the engine is shut down. I had to disconnect the battery. The blow does look like any water touched it. Could it be the control panel?

Ryan

 

[BobsTrail]

Some Jeeps have a switch to turn off the radiator fan. If I had that, I would not have water spots all over the engine compartment. Would not have mattered with your deep water adventure. Hope it dries out OK and does not affect the ecus and wiring under the floor. Looks like you got close to the air intake in the front wheel area too.

 

[senorquill]

Are you saying that something in the engine is causing the internal blower to remain on?

 

[flyrv9]

Did you do the rear diff breather relocation mod? If not, then you probably have water inside the diff housing. That will require a complete drain, clean up and refill of the rear diff ASAP to prevent damage.

 

[RichinRidgewood]

facepalm

sorry about your issues after the water crossing

but

whytf

would you try to cross when you didn't know how deep the water is?

 

[83Mule]

I think you are saying the blower motor for the HVAC is on? It must be shorting from water so it is getting power. You are going to have to dry out the switch/control board to stop it or replace same IMO.

 

[senorquill]

I think you are saying the blower motor for the HVAC is on? It must be shorting from water so it is getting power. You are going to have to dry out the switch/control board to stop it or replace same IMO.

Yes, the blower motor for the HVAC. Where is the switch control board? Thanks. Thats sound like it could be the issue.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

No doubt a deep dunk can fry electronics.

But the more interesting point is, where were you wheeling that required driving thru that much water? Puddle, swamp or river crossing? Did you get stuck? How'd you get out and how long was it in there?

 

[02SE]

Flooding is just about the worst thing you can do to a vehicle. You, or a competent mechanic, needs to pull out all of the interior that got wet, dry those pieces, and check and dry any and all electrical connectors. Some electrical components could have been damaged by water, and might need to be replaced.

You'll also want to check the rear axle, front diff, and the rest of the drivetrain for signs of water ingestion. Change any drivetrain fluid that has been contaminated with water.

 

[senorquill]

No doubt a deep dunk can fry electronics.

But the more interesting point is, where were you wheeling that required driving thru that much water? Puddle, swamp or river crossing? Did you get stuck? How'd you get out and how long was it in there?

I live on the pan handle of Florida. It was a road I have been down before, so the hurricane must have added more water. I walked half way down and it was below my knees. Obviously the right side ended up having a big dip. I climbed out the driver window and deflated 2 tires. Then used A-Trac to move forward, followed by a hard reverse to get out the hole. Probably spent 10 minutes doing all that. Drove out back home. Ripped out seats and carpet. Cleaned, dried wires and RE connected. Only thing that is messed up now is the blower never turns off. The water was well below the control panel. I have unplugged the blower so now I don’t have to disconnect the batter.

 

[senorquill]

Flooding is just about the worst thing you can do to a vehicle. You, or a competent mechanic, needs to pull out all of the interior that got wet, dry those pieces, and check and dry any and all electrical connectors. Some electrical components could have been damaged by water, and might need to be replaced.

You'll also want to check the rear axle, front diff, and the rest of the drivetrain for signs of water ingestion. Change any drivetrain fluid that has been contaminated with water.

Im going to change them all regardless. Thanks

 

[Jetboy]

I've been there. Over the hood in my mini-truck. Right up to the windshield.

The worst parts to clean are under the carpets. Just a PITA to pull everything out and the mud will seep in up through the floor vents, so you really do need to pull the carpeting even it if doesn't look that muddy on top. It probably is underneath.

I think the comment above is correct that there must be some water/mud closing a circuit that is turning on the fan relay. Could be anywhere between the switch and the motor, but the "air conditioning amplifier assembly" is what I think toyota calls the fan speed circuit board assembly. The fan speed is adjusted based on a square wave duration and that device is what converts the signal from the dash to a motor speed. It's mounted somewhere near the top of the fan blower assembly. It's unusual that it would have gotten wet given your pictures. But that's probably the most sensitive spot for water to cause a problem that keeps the fan running.

I guess I'd probably start by just going through each wiring connection and making sure they're dry inside and see if that turns it off before pulling that out. Look for a connector below where the water got up to.

Also - how long have you let it dry out? Sometimes it may self-resolve if you let it dry out well.

 

[Teamoatmealpie]

Ahh- initially thought Wash state, - Wash County FL- spent many a spring break in Destin.

Nothing like the adrenaline dump when you realize, ooh shit I'm stuck. A-trac works pretty good in lieu of proper lockers.

Hope you get the electrical gremlins sorted.

 

[ToyotaMacGyver]

Been there. Had to replace all my pulleys and a wheel bearing on my FJ from sitting in the drink too long.

 

[senorquill]

I've been there. Over the hood in my mini-truck. Right up to the windshield.

The worst parts to clean are under the carpets. Just a PITA to pull everything out and the mud will seep in up through the floor vents, so you really do need to pull the carpeting even it if doesn't look that muddy on top. It probably is underneath.

I think the comment above is correct that there must be some water/mud closing a circuit that is turning on the fan relay. Could be anywhere between the switch and the motor, but the "air conditioning amplifier assembly" is what I think toyota calls the fan speed circuit board assembly. The fan speed is adjusted based on a square wave duration and that device is what converts the signal from the dash to a motor speed. It's mounted somewhere near the top of the fan blower assembly. It's unusual that it would have gotten wet given your pictures. But that's probably the most sensitive spot for water to cause a problem that keeps the fan running.

I guess I'd probably start by just going through each wiring connection and making sure they're dry inside and see if that turns it off before pulling that out. Look for a connector below where the water got up to.

Also - how long have you let it dry out? Sometimes it may self-resolve if you let it dry out well.

Thanks for the help. I ripped out the right side seats and carpet, and let it dry out for like 24 hours in my garage. Had multiple fans blasting it, a de-humidifier and some heaters.

I pulled the back apart and had a bunch of mud under that carpet. I also changed the oil and both Diffs. The diffs had no sign of water. Now the starter is acting up. I still need to pull the driver side doors and lift the carpet and dry that side out. I'm working on it when able, since I still need to drive to and from work.

 

[senorquill]

More Pics

Pic 1: After drying the connectors out under the seat and under the passenger side I hit them with these products

Pics 2:Under the back carpet

Pic 3: Approximate water level

 

[senorquill]

Fixed the blower that was stuck on

The blower itself houses the relay and the resistor. We you get a hit of water to the wires it can cause the internal relay to "lock up", thus the blower stays on all the time, even after engine shut down. Had to replace the blower for $117. Problem solved.