What to Do When a Car Stalls Due to Flooding?
1 Answers
Here are the steps to handle a car that has stalled due to flooding: 1. Turn off the engine and do not attempt to restart it. Then, call for rescue services. Water entering the engine through the intake can cause the engine to stall, leading to water accumulation in the cylinder chamber. If the spark plugs are submerged, they can bend the piston rods, causing engine damage. Avoid opening the car doors and call for help immediately. 2. Use a wrench to loosen the bolt securing the battery cable and disconnect the negative terminal. The negative terminal connects to the battery, which powers the vehicle's electrical systems. Failing to disconnect it promptly can result in water entering the battery, potentially causing electrical shorts. 3. Monitor and inspect the vehicle's onboard systems. When a car is flooded, the engine control units (ECUs) located in the engine bay or near the steering column are less likely to be affected. However, the ECU behind the gear lever is positioned lower and is more vulnerable. Avoid hastily opening the doors to exit, as this may allow water to enter and short-circuit the ECUs. 4. If the automatic transmission is flooded, it must be disassembled, cleaned, and refilled with transmission fluid. The automatic transmission is particularly prone to damage from flooding. Water ingress can harm the friction plates and transmission bands, potentially leading to severe vehicle damage.