2000 Saturn - flooding issues - how long to wait before turning on?

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Thanatos1720@gmail.com - 18 Apr 2007 04:07 GMT

My car recently had some problems with the Nor'easter that tore
through the area and was sitting in some major water (75%+ of tires
covered) for over 24 hours. I drive a 2000 Saturn and today I
attempted to dry the carpets as I had a little standing water still in
the car primarily in the right rear floor and driver seat area.
I'm concerned about serious damage and haven't attempted to turn the
car on yet and am wondering about how long to leave it before
attempting to start it.

Any ideas/suggestions to determine the amount of damage without
turning the car on or how long to wait to let it dry out?

I did try the horn - it sounds tinny and weak, not the usual full
throated blare.

Thanks so much!
~becca

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spamTHISbrp@yahoo.com - 18 Apr 2007 13:38 GMT

On Apr 17, 11:07 pm, Thanatos1...@gmail.com wrote:

> My car recently had some problems with the Nor'easter that tore
> through the area and was sitting in some major water (75%+ of tires
[quoted text clipped - 13 lines]
> Thanks so much!
> ~becca

Pull the oil dipstick. If the level is higher than normal, get the oil
changed before starting it.

If the level seems OK, get the oil changed as soon as possible- that
is, start it and go to jiffy lube.
Have the trans fluid changed as well.

Ask them to look for signs of water.

If the water was not up to the tops of the tires, its likely water did
not get into the oil.

There is a some likelyhood that you may get premature wheel-bearing
wear, and may have some electrical issues.

Go to the dealer, ask them where the computer in the car is. If its
below where the water was, take apart the interior plastic from around
it and dry the computer with a blow drier, and drive around for a week
with that panel off.

Again, if it was only 75% up the way on the tires, you are most likely
in good shape if you can get everything dried out.

Dave

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