Please help!!!
 

Hi everyone. Yesterday, I was dumb enough to drive my scion frs 2013 through water in a stormy day. The car stopped just after I went through the water and I couldn't get it started. I called a tow company and had it towed home.
At first when I tried to start it, the battery sign just keeps flashing. Now when I tried to start it all the interior signs kept flashing and it won't start.
I called some places and told them the problem, and they replied that I might need a new engine!
I haven't tried to jump start it because I'm afraid I would damage the car.

When you say "through water," do you mean " through a puddle that splashed" or "through standing water higher than the leading edge of the bumper"?

The latter


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So the water was deep? Could've sucked up water. That's never fun.

Wow, how deep was the puddle?

It's possible you got water into the intake, through the filter, and into the engine. The problem with that is that water is not compressible, so when the piston compresses the combustion chamber, expecting vaporized fuel and air, now it's facing a solid object that won't play. You can bend valves and cause random other havoc like that.

One thing you can do is pull the intake off, check to see if the filter is wet, and check to see if the intake tube leading to the throttle body is wet. If they are, then you potentially have a serious problem. You can also remove the spark plugs and turn the engine a few times by hand. This will pump any water out the spark plug holes. Then let it sit for a while and hopefully dry out before trying to start it.

Like he said but i would add in spraying some oil in the cylinders the hole from where you removed the spark plugs. Helps with getting rid of the water. Also check the air flow sensor... Things of that sort.

Thanks everyone. Could anyone provide a link as for how to remove spark plugs?


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I didn't find any DIYs specifically on spark plugs, but here's a link to the service and shop manuals.


http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8448


Having replaced spark plugs on other Subarus, it's not difficult, it's just time consuming. You'll need a few extensions and universal joints to get in there, and don't let yourself get frustrated when things are in your way, just figure out how to move them or work around them.


Edit: Reading other forums, apparently you need to lift the engine slightly to get to the rear spark plugs.

When you say "it won't start" do you mean the engine won't turn over OR the engine won't fire up ...... ??

Meanwhile, you may try pointing a fan into the engine compartment for a few hours ...... you might get lucky.


humfrz

Found a DIY for spark plugs. Hopefully this helps man! Wish you the best of luck.

http://www.ft86club.com/forums/showthread.php?t=88906

I'll study this tonight and work tomorrow. Thanks everyone. I was so frustrated when I heard I have to get a new engine.

You may still, but don't automatically jump to that point. Hopefully after the car dries out a bit it'll be fine. Take off the intake, take out the filter, let them all dry out while you're working on the spark plugs.

Hope it all goes well.

I have to ask... Where does one drive in water that high? I'm assuming Lake Erie :bonk:

Before removing the spark plugs we don't know what the symptoms are, it could be electrical with a fried battery or starter motor in which case spending an hour to get at the spark plugs may be a waste.

Electrical would be you turn the key and nothing happens.

An engine damaging problem would have likely come with a loud bang or horrible noises when trying to start.

Like said, I'd give it some time to dry out and give it a try tomorrow morning based on what I've read, unless you've heard horrible noises in which case don't screw with anything yourself and take it to a mechanic.

When ya say doesnt start....do you mean doesnt crank over, or cranks but doesnt fire up and run. If its a no crank, it may well be done for mechanically (although everything is repairable for a price). If it cranks and spins like theres no compression, there may be some hope yet - oil washed off cylinder walls would be best case. If it cranks normally but wont fire it may be ignition or electrically related. Aint gonna be cheap no matter what it is...thats a given.

Just a little update for you guys of my misfortune. The shop actually quoted me for 6900 for a used unknown engine while I found a $3000 used good engine online. I called back and asked how much would it cost for manual and he said 4000. I'm so done with this place


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What did you find on the cylinder and air filter and stuff were they soaked?

Do you have Comprehensive coverage on your auto policy? If so, the repairs may be on your insurance company's dime. Check with your agent.

You have to answer questions better so everybody can help you
1. How deep was the water you drove through?
2. When you turn the key does it crank but not start or just do nothing but flash lights. Does it sputter or crank normal?
3. Did you end up taking the intake off? was the filter wet?
4. What have you tried so far?
5. Did you end up taking a spark plug out?
6. What lights are flashing on the dash exactly?


sorry writing this quickly at work, I'm sure I'm missing key info


Thanks,


Ryan

OP,

Blue sky is correct. You need to take a step back for a moment. Any diagnosis of a new engine needs to be done in person by a qualified shop. Having the car at your house and calling shops to get a diagnosis is just a waste of time.

Answer Blue sky's questions when you get a chance or call your insurance company.

You really do have to confirm the engine is toast before doing anything major.

A long time ago with my TT I had my intake too low and sucked some water up from a puddle and the car died and wouldn't restart. When I checked the oil it was clear water got in there. Turns out the only thing that was keeping the engine from starting was that the MAF sensor got wet. After changing the sensor, blowing the water out the cylinders, and changing the oil the car was perfectly fine.

Sounds like the car went to a garage that assumed the worst and hoped you wouldn't ask questions. A friend just replaced a diesel engine in a VW because the shop said it was toast, but kept the old engine and tore it down in his spare time and found nothing was wrong with it. He successfully sued the garage and got compensated, but it took alot of time and effort. Best to demand complete diagnosis up front.

"When you turn the key does it crank but not start or just do nothing but flash lights. Does it sputter or crank normal?"


We have to know this to even begin to help you.


But either way I think it 99% likely some microprocessor got shorted out, like when you drop your phone in the water.


I think you should take it to a dealer who actually knows the car and can diagnose the problem and fix it rather than wasting time guessing

Sounds like you went to garage that assumes you have deep pockets, and hoped you wouldn't ask questions.

There is very little liklihood that there is any major damage...most likely just soaked some part of the ignition syste,

I was too eager to fix it so I just towed it to a garage that had availability. But now I deeply regretted that decision. I'll towed the car to dealership now.


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sounds to me like that garage has availability for a reason.

Call ur insurance. New motor time