Got in some water- wont start

[drhowardjr]

Anybody have some ideas as to why my 2004 t4r V8 4x4 won't start. I had to leave it overnight in water (long, terrible story). The water was about 3 inches over the driver's side door sill and just barely seeping in the passenger's side. Pretty positive the water wasn't deep enough to get to the intake, go up the exhaust, or mess up the starter. When I turn the key the engine doesn't even turn over and I dont hear the starter clicking.
Thanks!

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Fresh or salt water? Did you check the engine oil (just to be safe)? Did you try and jump it?

 

[drhowardjr]

Fresh or salt water? Did you check the engine oil (just to be safe)? Did you try and jump it?

Fresh, thank God! And yes, I did try to jump it. Even changed the battery out because it was brand new and Firestone replaced it for free.

I didn't check the engine oil but I can do that later. I'm pretty sure it is something electrical ( or computer maybe?) bc the starter is not even being activated.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Fresh, thank God! And yes, I did try to jump it. Even changed the battery out because it was brand new and Firestone replaced it for free.

I didn't check the engine oil but I can do that later. I'm pretty sure it is something electrical ( or computer maybe?) bc the starter is not even being activated.

It might have been deep enough to fill the starter solenoid with water...

 

[drhowardjr]

It might have been deep enough to fill the starter solenoid with water...

Yeah a friend of mine suggested the same thing. On the V8 the starter is pretty high but it is possible. It's also a pain to get to but luckily not an expensive repair. We tried to tap on the starter to free it up but that didn't seem to help, so replacing it would be necessary if that is the problem.

There are a bunch of wires that are connected together by big plastic plugs and a nut and bolt just above the floorboard on the driver's side. I was looking under there earlier and those definitely got wet and might have caused some problems also.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Yeah a friend of mine suggested the same thing. On the V8 the starter is pretty high but it is possible. It's also a pain to get to but luckily not an expensive repair. We tried to tap on the starter to free it up but that didn't seem to help, so replacing it would be necessary if that is the problem.

There are a bunch of wires that are connected together by big plastic plugs and a nut and bolt just above the floorboard on the driver's side. I was looking under there earlier and those definitely got wet and might have caused some problems also.

Spray out the connector, put a dab of grease on the connector and put it back together. Can you get the starter to spin with jumper cables? I'd try that.

 

[drhowardjr]

Spray out the connector, put a dab of grease on the connector and put it back together. Can you get the starter to spin with jumper cables? I'd try that.

Tried both of those. Still no action from the starter. hmmm Im thinking I am just going to have to tow it to a shop and let them work their magic. :/

 

[CJ3Flyr]

If you jumper cabled directly to the starter then it needs a starter...

Where's the story and pics of the "stuck"?

 

[drhowardjr]

If you jumper cabled directly to the starter then it needs a starter...

Where's the story and pics of the "stuck"?

Wait, "jumper cabled directly to the starter"? How do I do that? I thought you meant have i connected to jumper cable to the battery?

Ill post some pics soon. Basically I was just barely stuck but I was about 150 yards from dry ground. Couldn't find anybody that could get to me and then tow the dead weight (because it wouldnt start) through the mud. It was by far the most inconvenient place to get stuck.

Finally got a hitch mounted winch and put it on the back of my t4r and powered it with a spare tractor battery. Tree by tree some friends of mine got it out.

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Wow! That was a "stuck":crybaby:


More :crybaby: ahead... I just focused on you have a V8. You won't be able to do what I was suggesting due to the starter being under the intake manifold. I take that as good news/bad news. It's less likely the starter was submerged. On the other hand it means it may be something else...

 

[echo4tango]

It is in park right when you try to start it..right?

Does the radio and all the lights/gauges on the dash work when you turn the key on? If they do its not battery

I would make sure the starter is still good and trouble shoot back from there to the battery.

 

[drhowardjr]

Wow! That was a "stuck":crybaby:


More :crybaby: ahead... I just focused on you have a V8. You won't be able to do what I was suggesting due to the starter being under the intake manifold. I take that as good news/bad news. It's less likely the starter was submerged. On the other hand it means it may be something else...

My thoughts exactly! When I found out the starter was so high, I was excited it wasn't the problem... then realized it may be something more serious.

It is in park right when you try to start it..right?

Does the radio and all the lights/gauges on the dash work when you turn the key on? If they do its not battery

I would make sure the starter is still good and trouble shoot back from there to the battery.

Yeah, its in park and all the lights/ gauges are on. In fact, they all come on and don't go off. I can't remember if that is normal or not.

 

[echo4tango]

Yeah that is normal if the car isnt started and the key is in the run position the guage lights will not go off

so you got battery power and computer checks good ..only thing left is starter related issues.

hook jumpers to a running car.. positive and negative to their battery and then hook negative to your frame or a good ground then hook the positive to your starter lug and ...

if the starter turns over its good if not replace with new one

keep us posted with updates