Starting issues after driving through deep water

Tiny
EVELKA
  • MEMBER
  • 2006 FORD ESCAPE
  • 3.0L
  • 6 CYL
  • 4WD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 130,053 MILES
The other day I drove through some deep water. I didn't have any issues later on to start my car. Same today I was in and out at few location when at one of them I was not able o start it took me 2 times to crank the engine. I had all the lights on, on my dashboard. The was no yanking sound either. Is that because I drove thru deep water? Can I damage my engine? Do I need to wait for everything to dry out? What should I do after driving thru deep water? Thank you, Ev
Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 9:01 AM

5 Replies

Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Hello,

Just so we cover the basics.
Have you tried to jump start the vehicle?
You could just have a bad battery.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-jump-start-car-battery-using-jumper-cables

What is the vehicle doing when you try to start it. Does it make any clicking noise? Or when you turn the key nothing happens?

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/starter-not-working-repair
https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-cranks-but-wont-start

When you drive thru water, it depends on how high the water got. Depending on that, you could have water got in the starter. Which can corrode the internal. It can also corrode the cables.

It will be good to do a through inspection of the under hood as well as under the vehicle components to make sure you do not have water in unwanted areas.

If the water was high enough it can get sucked through the intake and get in the engine and mix with oil. It can also corrode a number of electrical components.

Please let me know what you are experiencing.

Thank you.
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 5:23 PM
Tiny
EVELKA
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
I didn't jump the car. When I was turning the key it just didn't want to crank. All the light was in there was no clicking noises just didn't wanted to start it didn't shut off either. So, I waited few seconds and I did it again and I was able to start. Disconnected batteries when engine was on so my alternator is good because the car was still running. I just want to make sure that its ok for me to drive and nothing going to happen layer on. The water wasn't too high but high enough to make a splash. I just try again and everything seems okay. Is it because everything has to dry out or later on I might have engine issues?
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 5:59 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
It is likely that it worked later as the components dried out. Since the water was not very high you might just got water in the starter, which won't work if wet.
I suggest checking the basics, like the oil and the cable to the starter. As it the wire gets wet you can have corrosion forming on the connector.
So, is the vehicle starting as usual at the moment?
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 6:42 PM
Tiny
EVELKA
  • MEMBER
  • 47 POSTS
As of right now yes it starts. We will see how it will react later in after 5 plus miles Thats what happened to me today after putting some miles and several stops I was not able to start. Thank you
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
SQM
  • MECHANIC
  • 6,383 POSTS
Please let me know if you come across anything or have any questions.
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Saturday, September 25th, 2021 AT 8:04 PM

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