2006 Jeep Laredo Possible water damage?

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2006 JEEP GRAND CHEROKEE LAREDO
6 CYL
AWD
AUTOMATIC
52,000 MILES

I (stupidly) took the advice of my husband and drove through aprox. 1 foot of water covering our street to get home today. Half way through my jeep started to sputter as if it were going to stall out, I made it to our driveway (about 500 ft. Or less) and it was sputtering, acting like it was going to stall out, there was a "clanking" and smoke comming from the exhaust that smelled as if something was buring. We let it run for about 45 mins thinking that it would "dry" it out, when my husband went to move it in the garage it died. Now it will turn over but immediately stalls out. The oil dipstick seemd diluted, and engine light is flickering on and off. All the electrical systems seem to work ie: radio, air conditioning, lights, ect. What is the possible problem?

5 Replies

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

1 Ft of water should not be to much of a challenge for your car, I would expect that water has got into some of the engine management electrical, I would have a diagnostic test done to see if there are any set fault codes, start here.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 AT 6:38 AM

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In responce to mark (mhpautos) please see my first post. As I mentioned there is no electrical problems. I had it towed to the dealer this morning. They called me within an hour to let me know that the intake (air system?) Pulled water as well as all my coolant into the engine, that the engine is "water locked" and a head gasket is blown. I am going to have to replace the engine! Now is it not true that Jeeps are know to be off road vehicles and that they can withstand upto like 3ft of water? So what's the deal? The water was up to the curb which is aprox 1/2 foot so definately no more than 1ft of water that I drove it through. Please advise

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Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 AT 11:00 AM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
31,937 POSTS

Hi there,

I find this quite mysterious, for the damage you report I would of expected you to be driving through a river! There are several signs that water has been ingested by the induction system, the air filter will be sodden as this is the only path that the water can enter (externally) If you had water in the oil it would be turning a coffee colour and become thicker, and if the engine was water locked or hydraulically locked which is the correct term, it would not even turn over, I feel that you should get some answers to these questions including why a new engine is required when a head repair will normally be all that is required.

Mark (mhpautos)

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Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 AT 5:32 PM

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Mark, the oil did turn a yellowish brown color and was thick sludge like consistancy. The offical word is that the intake pulled in the water to the engine as well as draining all the coolant, engine "threw" a rod into the crank case and oil pan. $$$$$$ Repair, have to replace engine as well as several other parts. (Jeep is at a very trusted Jeep dealer that I've used in the past) THANKFULLY, my insurance is willing to pay all but the deductable. I did go measure the curb height since the water was just up to the curb.7 inches! Per Jeep's website - they can endure water up to 19 inches deep "because the intake is positioned higher up than in a regular car/suv" Also, only going about 5-10miles/hour. Lesson learned - will NEVER attempt to drive my Jeep through any great depth of water again - so much for "off roading"!

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Tuesday, July 29th, 2008 AT 11:25 PM

MHPAUTOS

MECHANIC
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Hi there,

Well the good thing is that your insurance will help. I am astounded that this has happened in what is just a puddle! I think that Jeep have some explaining to do, I would be interested to know if you do get any reply from them on this matter,

Good luck,

Mark (mhpautos)