Depending on what kind of vehicle, water will get into transmission and or rear axle through the air vents. Toyota 4runners and a lot 4x4 have extended vent lines on transmissions and axle to prevent water from entering. Passenger car do not have water resistant vents. Check axle and transmission for water.

Some years ago, I was offered a mint condition, low mileage and one owner 1966 Lincoln Continental. Really cheap.
It too had been in high water up to the lower seat cushions. Mechanically, it was fine but its mid 60s electronics were wonky and it was full of mold.
I passed.

If the axles were submerged the grease is contaminated. Not to mention the potential electronic issues with the engine compartment partially submerged.

Power seats in my Jimmy stopped working. Wiring and connectors under the carpeting, a solder joint had corroded. No flood, just age and normal humid air here in Florida did the damage.

Re-soldering the connection fixed it. Two minute fix, after several hours to locate the problem.

We had a guy drive his patrol car thru water during a rainstorm in an area that always flooded. He got it far enough to get water inside the crown Vic to the bottom of the seats..the area under the seats just up to the bottom of the fabric.

The garage retrieved the car and pulled the seats, rugs and underlayment and dried it out.

Looked fine, even started, drove well...within a month it started doing wonky things...the wiring, electronics, transmission....the garage guys said it was all due to the flooding, even thoug it was freshwater, it ruined the car.

Call your insurance.
Too many possible problems down the road to not get this on the record. The water may have been quite a bit higher and then drained somewhat before you saw the car.
At the very least they will have a way to fix the damage if it goes that route.
Don't forget about diminished value. When there is a widespread problem like this, dealers and people buying used cars will check to see if your car shows signs of damage and value it accordingly.

Floodwaters can be anything from near clear rainwater, to toxic/sewage laden, silty saltwater.

On top of the electrical and mechanical issues mentioned above.

Iv'e done frame of restorations, taken all manner of aircraft and motor vehicles apart and put them back together.

That said. My first inclination would be to contact Flo and tell her to bring her rich lizard.

quote:

Originally posted by bigdeal:
The only advice here worth following is to contact the insurance company and have them evaluate the car. Unfortunately for you, it would have been much better if the insurance company had had the opportunity to evaluate the care prior to your attempt to clean it up. It may make it more difficult for them to adequately assess the damage that may have occurred.

Still waiting on the insurance to let me know when the inspectors can look at it. I have pictures and video that show the extent of the water outside and inside the car. I didn't want several inches of water to sit in there for an indeterminate amount of time. It's over 24 hours later at this point.

Thanks for all the advice everyone. There are going to be LOTS of claims in south Texas due to this event.

Well, the adjuster finally came by the house today. He didn't total it, but said to take it to the Honda dealer for carpet replacement and inspection of mechanical and electrical systems. I think it will be just fine, but want to have it vetted by the dealer.

Just wanted to give an update.

This is the reason you PAY for insurance.

File a claim, let them sort it out.

quote:

Originally posted by ensigmatic:

quote:

Originally posted by PowerSurge:

quote:

Originally posted by BigSwede:
Couple inches in the floor board? I wouldn't worry about it as long as you let it thoroughly dry

Bad advice.

Why, specifically?

A couple inches I would expect mainly got the carpeting wet. Probably less potential damage than having accidentally left all the windows open during a rainstorm. (Which happened to us with my wife's 2005 TrailBlazer. And it was a literal downpour.)

Serious question. Are cars today built so poorly that the carpeting getting a good soaking totals them?

On some cars, the ECU is literally 2-3 inches off the floor.

Flush and replace:
1. engine oil
2. transmission fluid
3. rear axle fluid
4. front axle and transfer case fluids (if 4WD)

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:
There are going to be LOTS of claims in south Texas due to this event.

And a whole lotta new inventory at the regional auto auctions.

Took it to the dealer this morning. $2,700 and change to completely replace the carpet and change fluids. Most of that is labor. Seems pretty high to me, but insurance is picking it up. Despite my efforts to dry it out, there is still a musty smell that is sure to only get worse, plus the mold factor. I'll be glad to get it fixed properly.

Where is the car computer located at ?? Floorboard ?? If it got wet it may be looking at problems in the future. God Bless

quote:

Originally posted by VBVAGUY:
Where is the car computer located at ?? Floorboard ?? If it got wet it may be looking at problems in the future. God Bless

I can't figure out if the OP is ignoring all this advice, or relying on insurance adjuster to look out for him. We all know that's not happening.

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:
Took it to the dealer this morning. $2,700 and change to completely replace the carpet and change fluids. Most of that is labor. Seems pretty high to me, but insurance is picking it up. Despite my efforts to dry it out, there is still a musty smell that is sure to only get worse, plus the mold factor. I'll be glad to get it fixed properly.

I had a similar experience 25+ years ago when I lived in Houston but may have had less water. The Dealership just let the carpet dry. I never got a bad smell.

I got the impression that this sort of thing happened all the time and the dealerships are on top of what does and does not work. At the end of the day you should be happy.

We had that car for many years after and never had a problem.

Hey, do ask if they checked the rear seatbelts. They missed that the first time on my car - went to put in a car seat and the thing was soaked. Had to go back and have the seat belts replaced (because they had some sort of sensor.)

quote:

Originally posted by wxdave:
Took it to the dealer this morning. $2,700 and change to completely replace the carpet and change fluids. Most of that is labor. Seems pretty high to me, but insurance is picking it up. Despite my efforts to dry it out, there is still a musty smell that is sure to only get worse, plus the mold factor. I'll be glad to get it fixed properly.

And what you need to do THE DAY you get it back is sell or trade that in.

quote:

Originally posted by PASig:


And what you need to do THE DAY you get it back is sell or trade that in.

No reason to be in such a hurry. Next week is fine.