02 Accord in deep water - any damage?

Last night we got a ton of rain around 3:00 am. Evidently the street
drains plugged up and the street flooded about 18" deep and it flooded
the 2002 Accord (w/ 60k miles)that was parked on the street. It would
not start this morning. Has anybody experienced anything like this?
If so what were the results? Will it ever be the same? I had the car
towed to the dealer this afternoon after work to be checked out
tomorrow. Any info is appreciated.

 

My son went through a similar thing with his '89 Accord LXi. The water got
the ECU wet, under the (driver's?) seat. Since the ECU always has battery
power, the water damaged the ECU pretty badly. Replacing the ECU fixed it
completely.

We were able to find an ECU for his '89 in a wrecking yard for $75, but I
doubt you will have as much luck with a 2002 ECU. OTOH, you probably have
comprehensive insurance on the 2002 and that should cover flood damage
(check your policy).

Mike

 

By attempting to start it you may have done more damage than was already
done. If the computer got wet, count on needing a new one. By attempting
to start it you might have caused internal engine damage. Never attempt to
start a flooded car. Tow it to the dealer and let them have a go at it.

 

If my son's '89 is any indication, the computer is the lowest point (aargh!)
and was the only thing to be damaged. I doubt the engine was hurt, because I
don't think it was getting fuel or spark. The intake is too high to suck up
water on cranking.

Mike

 

Lacquer your ECU's. I transport 5-gallons water drum weekly
on the back seat of my '88. It's like a time bomb.

 

Just for the record I've dealt with a few of these through the years.
Some customers just can't afford new computers.

With nothing to loose, on a few occasions, I've opened computer 'cases',
gently flushed the silt and crud out with a garden hose and let
everything dry in a warm place for about a week.

My success rate?

About 50/50... All Honda's too. YMMV.

Erik