10 steps to redeeming a flooded automobile

Kunle Shonaike

Flooding is one of the most destructive things that can happen to a modern electronics- and computer-heavy vehicle. So, if it happens to your automobile, here are 10 things to keep in mind:

1. Flooding is usually covered under most comprehensive auto insurance policies, so talk to your insurer.
2. Whether or not your vehicle can be salvaged depends on the height of the water: if it is flooded up to the dashboard, it is very likely that the Electronic Control Module/Unit (commonly called brainbox in local parlance) would have been soaked. Please, don’t attempt to start the engine; that’ll worsen (in fact, totally damage) the ECU.
3. Also key is the type of water: fresh water can damage your car, but will not be as destructive as contaminated water, such as that from floods. Flood water generally contains debris, sewage, bacteria, and other items that will endangers your car in many ways. The worst, however, is salt water (this reminds me of the flood near Bar Beach, specifically by Silverbird Galleria, which that adventurous expatriate was kayaking in on Ahmadu Bello Way, Victoria Island, Lagos in a video that went viral penultimate Saturday). Salty water is highly corrosive, it may ruin your vehicle completely — even in small amounts. Do not drive a car flooded with salt water until a technician gives it a full diagnosis.
4. Again, do not start the vehicle. If you believe water may have gotten into the engine, starting the engine with water inside it can cause more damage than the flooding itself. The piston will be unable to compress the water inside the engine and cause a state called “hydro-lock,” which will damage your connecting rods. All flooded cars should be towed, not driven, to the mechanic workshop!
5. Five, after any flood, immediately open the windows, doors, sunroof — or moonroof — and trunk to allow excess water to evaporate: this will help protect the vehicle.
6. Flooding at wheel-top level will likely only affect your carpets and upholstery; however, it is likely that sound-proofing in the affected automobile cabin (especially a saloon car, which is closer to the ground than an SUV) will also need to be removed and replaced, which can raise the cost substantially. While these will need to be replaced right away — as they can be a home to mould, bugs, and other problems — your engine and electronics will likely be functioning. Make sure, however, the mechanic does a full diagnosis.
7. If your engine has water in it, ask the technician to tell you what cleaning and repairing it will cost. It may be more financially sound to buy and install a new engine.
8. If you find yourself in a rapidly flooding area, turn off your vehicle immediately. Do not attempt to drive through rapidly-rising floodwaters; you’re not only risking your car, you’re risking your life.
9. Flooding doesn’t need major weather disasters to happen. Your engine can be as easily damaged by a large puddle as a roaring river. Drive carefully and avoid large puddles, especially ones that have just been driven through by other vehicles.
10. Above all, use common sense. If you hear a flood warning, move to higher ground. Don’t risk your vehicle simply to get somewhere in a storm. Play it safe and you’ll be the happier for it.

NB: Parts of this piece were culled from the Internet and domesticated to our peculiar local situation.

Diagnostic codes

P0236 – Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Range/Performance: The boost pressure sensor responds to pressure changes in the intake manifold. This pressure is created by the turbocharger and changes with accelerator pedal position (APP) and engine speed. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information to assist in diagnosis of the barometric pressure (BARO) sensor and to provide engine overboost protection. The boost pressure sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the boost pressure sensor on the 5-volt reference 2 circuit, and provides a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal to the ECM on a signal circuit relative to the pressure changes. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for voltage outside of the normal range. The ECM calculates a predicted value for the boost pressure sensor. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the actual signal.

Possible causes: Boost pressure sensor harness is open or shorted, Boost pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty boost pressure sensor, Faulty Turbo/Super Charger, Engine over temperature, Ignition misfire exceeds the calibrated threshold, Faulty Knock sensor (KS)

P0237 – Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor ‘A’ Circuit Low: The boost pressure sensor responds to pressure changes in the intake manifold. This pressure is created by the turbocharger and changes with accelerator pedal position (APP) and engine speed. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information to assist in diagnosis of the barometric pressure (BARO) sensor and to provide engine overboost protection. The boost pressure sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the boost pressure sensor on the 5-volt reference 2 circuit, and provides a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal to the ECM on a signal circuit relative to the pressure changes. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for voltage outside of the normal range. The ECM calculates a predicted value for the boost pressure sensor. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the actual signal.

Possible causes: Boost pressure sensor harness is open or shorted, Boost pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty boost pressure sensor, Faulty Turbo/Super Charger, Engine over temperature, Ignition misfire exceeds the calibrated threshold, Faulty Knock sensor (KS).

P0238 – Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor ‘A’ Circuit High: The boost pressure sensor responds to pressure changes in the intake manifold. This pressure is created by the turbocharger and changes with accelerator pedal position (APP) and engine speed. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information to assist in diagnosis of the barometric pressure (BARO) sensor and to provide engine overboost protection. The boost pressure sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the boost pressure sensor on the 5-volt reference 2 circuit, and provides a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal to the ECM on a signal circuit relative to the pressure changes. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for voltage outside of the normal range. The ECM calculates a predicted value for the boost pressure sensor. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the actual signal.

Possible causes: Boost pressure sensor harness is open or shorted, Boost pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty boost pressure sensor, Faulty Turbo/Super Charger, Engine over temperature, Ignition misfire exceeds the calibrated threshold, Faulty Knock sensor (KS).

P0239 – Turbocharger/Supercharger Boost Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Malfunction: The boost pressure sensor responds to pressure changes in the intake manifold. This pressure is created by the turbocharger and changes with accelerator pedal position (APP) and engine speed. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information to assist in diagnosis of the barometric pressure (BARO) sensor and to provide engine overboost protection. The boost pressure sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the boost pressure sensor on the 5-volt reference 2 circuit, and provides a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal to the ECM on a signal circuit relative to the pressure changes. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for voltage outside of the normal range. The ECM calculates a predicted value for the boost pressure sensor. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the actual signal.

Possible causes: Boost pressure sensor harness is open or shorted, Boost pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty boost pressure sensor, Faulty Turbo/Super Charger, Engine over temperature, Ignition misfire exceeds the calibrated threshold, Faulty Knock sensor (KS).

P0240 – The boost pressure sensor responds to pressure changes in the intake manifold. This pressure is created by the turbocharger and changes with accelerator pedal position (APP) and engine speed. The engine control module (ECM) uses this information to assist in diagnosis of the barometric pressure (BARO) sensor and to provide engine overboost protection. The boost pressure sensor has a 5-volt reference circuit, a low reference circuit, and a signal circuit. The engine control module (ECM) supplies 5 volts to the boost pressure sensor on the 5-volt reference 2 circuit, and provides a ground on a low reference circuit. The boost pressure sensor provides a signal to the ECM on a signal circuit relative to the pressure changes. The ECM monitors the boost pressure sensor signal for voltage outside of the normal range. The ECM calculates a predicted value for the boost pressure sensor. The ECM then compares the predicted value to the actual signal.

This diagnostic trouble code (DTC) P0240 will set if the boost pressure sensor signal is above the predicted range.

Possible causes: Boost pressure sensor harness is open or shorted, Boost pressure sensor circuit poor electrical connection, Faulty boost pressure sensor, Faulty Turbo/Super Charger, Engine over temperature, Ignition misfire exceeds the calibrated threshold, Faulty Knock sensor (KS).

Copyright PUNCH.               
All rights reserved. This material, and other digital content on this website, may not be reproduced, published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed in whole or in part without prior express written permission from PUNCH.

Contact: editor@punchng.com

Source: Punchng
10 steps to redeeming a flooded automobile

The post 10 steps to redeeming a flooded automobile appeared first on Naijadailyfeed.