We have been experiencing torrential downpours in my area. Unfortunately, had to drive through deep water to get home, tires probably fully submerged.. Next day it's still wet and rainy and car won't start with battery jumper. Any tips? Do I just have to wait for dry out, am I completely screwed? Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

 

it clicks when trying to start it

 

What year and engine? Might need time and a blowdryer unless you sucked water in...then, a pro.

 

2011 petrol, HSE .... TIL that the starter for the LR2 is at the bottom of the engine and my little Toyota corolla has it at the top of the engine. So when it torrential downpours and there is possibility that the land is flooded, I will not be taking my 4x4 truck, but my little Toyota corolla out. So Insane!!! I got the truck because the roads are bad where I live and lots of off roading, I am happy it handles the rough roads well, but I guess it is not built to handle any water at all.

 

Your starter might be unhappy you took it swimming. Normally it's not an issue, but it might be soaked through and needs to dry.

Did any water get inside the cabin? Check behind the glove compartment, where the brains live.

 

The starter isn't hard to replace, you could remove it and try to dry it out in an oven on warm-up heat.

Good news: you didn't suck water into the intake, that would have stopped the engine immediately, not the next day.

 

Also, check that the undercarriage shield (aka, lower shield, splash shield) is in place. That provides the first level of protection from water spray. It could be missing if some negligent shop forgot to replace it after service.

 

That too! Happened to me. Thank goodness for a Belgian salvage yard and the fact that the diesel shields are exactly the same part # as the gas engine shields, and cheap!

 

Pinpoint test #1 is quantitatively confirm the health of the battery. “clicking” is a symptom of insufficient voltage.
Once we pass test 1, its on to test 2…

Cheers.

 

Thanks so much for your responses! No water inside the cabin thank goodness. It was the starter, my mechanic and husband removed it, it was soaked through, the carbon brushes were a mess. It still worked, but needed some TLC. The mechanic had it repaired and replaced it. We were back in action in less than a day. I want to order a new starter to have in case this one goes again, but the core charge is killing me. I am in the Caribbean and it will be costly to send back, so we will see.