How to Deal with Water Damage in Car Computers?
3 Answers
Disconnect the negative terminal of the battery as soon as possible to prevent short circuits in various electrical components due to water exposure. Immediately inspect the engine, starting with checking whether water has entered the engine cylinders. Water ingress can cause the connecting rods to bend and damage the engine. Water in the engine oil can lead to oil deterioration, loss of lubrication, and excessive wear on the engine. If the car's electronic control unit (ECU) gets wet or damp, it must be removed in the shortest possible time.
That time when water got into my car's computer was really scary. Last week during heavy rain, my car was parked by the roadside, and rainwater seeped through gaps into the engine compartment's computer module. I immediately turned off the engine and disconnected the battery cables to prevent short circuits and bigger problems. After drying the surface water with a dry towel, I didn't dare to start the car and called a tow truck to take it to the repair shop. The mechanic checked and said the circuit board had some corroded lines and needed to be disassembled for ultrasonic cleaning, otherwise the circuits could easily burn out. Water entering the computer is mostly due to poor sealing or high-pressure car washing, so he suggested parking indoors in the future and avoiding direct water spray on the engine. The repair cost 800 yuan, and the car returned to normal, but not cutting the power in time could have caused bigger losses. Remember, if water gets in, cut the power and dry it immediately without hesitation.
As an expert frequently dealing with car issues, when encountering water damage to the computer, first ensure the safety of both people and the vehicle: immediately disconnect the battery's negative terminal to cut off power. Avoid using a heat gun recklessly, as it may damage delicate components. Instead, remove the computer module, gently absorb moisture with a soft cloth, and let it air dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Water can quickly corrode metal contacts, making repairs difficult if delayed. The best course of action is to send it to a professional repair shop for thorough cleaning and inspection. The source of water ingress could be rain leaks or accident-related spills, so regularly inspect engine bay seals as a preventive measure. If the computer is damaged, replacing a new module can be costly, ranging from hundreds to thousands, but ignoring the risk is even more detrimental. Towing the vehicle to a professional facility is far more reliable than attempting a DIY fix.
