What to Do When the Starter Gets Wet and Stops Responding?
4 Answers
Take it to a repair shop for servicing. Clean the accumulated water inside the engine. Assess the situation to determine the extent of cleaning required. Remove the intake pipe and intake manifold, then use compressed air to dry out the water inside.
I've encountered the issue of a starter getting wet and not responding several times. Last time, after driving through a flooded area during a heavy rain, the car wouldn't start at all. First, you must stop all operations and avoid attempting to start the car, as this could cause a short circuit, burn out the electrical system, or even damage the ECU in severe cases. Immediately turn off the power and disconnect the battery for safety. Then, remove the starter, wipe off surface moisture with a dry cloth, and let it air-dry naturally in a ventilated area for a day or two. Using a fan is also an option, but avoid high-temperature baking to prevent deformation. If the water was very deep, internal parts might be corroded, and the motor assembly could be beyond repair, requiring replacement. While fixing it, also check the wire connectors and fuses, as water damage often affects them too. Remember, if your car gets flooded, take it to a professional repair shop as soon as possible—delaying could lead to rust and make repairs more difficult. To prevent such issues, avoid driving through puddles or flooded areas and apply waterproofing agents during regular maintenance checks.
As someone who often repairs cars myself, it's not uncommon for the starter to get waterlogged and become unresponsive. The first thing to do is not to force a start; disconnect the battery first to prevent damage to the electrical system. Then, take out your toolkit, remove the starter housing, clean the external electrodes, and check for any sand or dust blockage. Wipe away any water with a soft cloth or cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove moisture. After drying it indoors with a fan, try starting the car. If the function is restored, then all is well. However, for a complete repair, you need to inspect the internal components, such as the motor windings, which might be rusted through and beyond repair, necessitating a replacement. Also, check the fuse and replace it if it's blown. The lesson here is to drive slowly through water to minimize splashing. Park in a dry garage and use anti-rust spray to prolong the lifespan of the parts. Don't delay too long before testing the starter after drying to avoid repeated failures, which can be more costly.
Starter failure due to water ingress is often caused by short circuits or open circuits, leading to no response during startup. First, disconnect the power supply by detaching the battery to avoid damage. Proceed to dismantle the starter components and clean the external contact areas. Minor water ingress may be resolved by ventilating and air-drying for several hours, but significant water exposure causing internal rust requires professional drying or part replacement. During repair, check if surrounding wires are also wet and ensure fuses are intact. For prevention, avoid deep water areas and regularly inspect seals for leaks.
