Chevy Spark got stuck in water logging. URGENT Help needed

Lord Lucan · 15th August 2008, 11:26

Hello Bhpians,

My Spark got stuck in water logging in yesterday's heavy rains, engine died when I was driving through "Headlight level" deep water. I was in first gear with half clutch but when I experienced a decrease in speed in the water, I slight took the foot of the accelerator and depressed it again, at then moment the engine died. With a bit more skill I should have made it through

I remembered reading in the forum about a Honda CR-V that got stuck in a similar situation and how recranking with the silencer still submerged in water complicated the situation. So I did not try to start the car again. I pushed it to an elevated portion of the road where there was not much of water and tried starting it but couldn't hear any cranking sound. I waited for a few minutes and tried again, now I could hear the cranking sound but car still did not start.

I contacted my dealer(TVS), his suggestion was to wait for 10 minutes and try again, if that does not work, since their breakdown unit is currently in Peenya, please contact Vijai motors for a faster response..

By that time two complete strangers looking at my plight came to my rescue. On enquiring, I found that both of them have passed by my car (in their cars) when I got stuck in the water logging. They have parked their car in their apartments(>1Km away) and have walked back to check my status. BTW it was still raining quite heavily. A very noble gesture

One of them was working as a driver, he suggested me to recrank it continuously with the clutch and the accelerator pressed, it should start in a few minutes. I couldn't imagine doing it to my Spark, I gave the key to him and he started the vehicle in about 10 minutes but the second the foot was taken off from the accelerator, the engine dies And the engine sound resembled an old diesel Amby sound. His advice was once the water dries, then things will come back to normal. I thanked them and drove the car back to my apartment about a KM away.

Today Morning Status
1) Car starts with the accelerator pressed but engine dies when accelerator is released.
2) It is still making a lot of noise, kind-off a old fan running
3) Oil check warning light is ON.

Can more informed members please advice on what I should do? Should I wait for some more time for the water to dry and try again or should I get it to the dealer workshop?

If I have to take it to the dealer, what are the items that may be included in the Job card, a list of items will really help so that I do not get coned.

Thanks!
Vijay

neel12345 · 15th August 2008, 11:35

A very similar thing happened to my Indica. At first the engine was not cranking. I waited for about 10 mins, re-cranked it and it started. However , a wheat steam was coming out from under the bonnet and the engine was dying as soon as a was removing my leg from the accelerator. I managed to return home by driving like this. I called up TATA guys and they came to my house. The service personnel advised me to leave the car with the bonnet open under the sun under someone's super-vision for 2-3 days. On 4th day, the car started, there was no engine noise but the fan-belt was making a very shrill noise which too eventually disappeared after driving for 4-5 days. So what I advise you to do is wait for a two or four days, and see what happens instead of giving your car to GM right now. They might charge you bucks and do practically nothing !

khan_sultan · 15th August 2008, 11:38

just wait till the sun shines, water dries off and till then don't drive/start the car. As suggested, wait for 2-3 days -- anyway it's a long weekend :-)

Also Spark would be covered in that GM scheme called some 'Cashless Service Offer' or something similar?

Rudra Sen · 15th August 2008, 11:45

Do not try anything any more. Wait for the service team to inspect. Trying something out may push you out of their cashless service offer.

gowda79 · 15th August 2008, 11:51

It is better to ask the Service guys inspect at your place and if that does not work get it towed to the service station and get a thorough job done

Get the thing checked before starting the vehicle again, because something else can get screwed up...

Enjoy your long weekend at home with your family

ported_head · 15th August 2008, 11:55

What does your engine oil feel like?

Ideally you shouldn't have started the car, once it's stalled in waterlogged condition.

Check if any of the vaccum hoses have come undone. Could be loss of compression.

rranjith_kum · 15th August 2008, 12:27

I guess the water entered your engine. Is your exhaust smoke white ? ?

Jaggu · 15th August 2008, 13:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rudra Sen

Do not try anything any more. Wait for the service team to inspect. Trying something out may push you out of their cashless service offer.

PLEASE DONT TRY ANYTHING MORE with the car for now. Your car needs professional attention and checking air filter, all fluids and electrical's would be the top priority.

Ford Rocam · 15th August 2008, 13:39

In recent heavy downpour in mumbai i have seen 2 cars got water logged till headlight level, the engine died & after coming out of water they tried cranking the car & also tried jump start, the result was that both cars, a Laura & Zen the connecting rods got bend. Laura damaged his 1 piston too since it was stuck inside the bore due to water entering the engine. You sure don't want that thing to happen to your engine.

anjan_c2007 · 15th August 2008, 13:59

Yes a call to the GM service centre to get the men in blue is most desirable. Do not either try to start or to move the car.

Lord Lucan · 16th August 2008, 09:31

Thanks for all the suggestions

Quote:

Originally Posted by ported_head

What does your engine oil feel like?

I have no idea on how to check.

Update:
Today morning the car started with ease but little bit of accelerator is necessary (Much better than yesterday) and noise has subsided too

I have called the GM helpline and they will visiting me shortly. I will keep the group posted

hkanitkar · 16th August 2008, 09:39

Soory for hijacking Lord's thread, but can someone tell me what damages may occur in an Innova Diesel engine if it is water logged, and some attempts at cranking are made ?

Reason : my cousin's innova was stuck in water near Dervan ( konkan ) - water level upto his waist ( he's 5'10" ) - so i assume it was about 3', and the local mechanics pushed it out of water, checked on the oil dipstick and told that there's no water in the engine. After this, buggers removed water from air filter etc. and tried to crank her up. She didn't and they tried one more time

and i have no idea what noises/ fumes it gave out while the mechs tried their best ( ?? ) as i was not present there.

Jr Godzilla · 18th August 2008, 11:15

just a piece of info if you are sure water has not entered intake and crank crank crank crank and it starts then do not let the engine die. keep it above the idle rpm for 10 / 15 mins and on an open stretch drive for 20 to 30 mins a bit of agressive driving, this should help most of the water traces to be shoved out of exhaust (white smoke will appear) and electricals will dry.

dadu · 18th August 2008, 11:54

Wait for the service guys to check/ tow, next time dont try to cross any water if the level goes beyond half of your wheel rims.

mjothi · 18th August 2008, 13:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lord Lucan

Thanks for all the suggestions

I have no idea on how to check.

Update:
Today morning the car started with ease but little bit of accelerator is necessary (Much better than yesterday) and noise has subsided too

I have called the GM helpline and they will visiting me shortly. I will keep the group posted

Any updates? Did GM charged for this? or it comes in 3 yrs Cashless ownership? I doubt it is, but would like to know.

15th August 2008, 11:26	#1
Lord Lucan BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Chennai Posts: 144 Thanked: 74 Times	Chevy Spark got stuck in water logging. URGENT Help needed Hello Bhpians, My Spark got stuck in water logging in yesterday's heavy rains, engine died when I was driving through "Headlight level" deep water. I was in first gear with half clutch but when I experienced a decrease in speed in the water, I slight took the foot of the accelerator and depressed it again, at then moment the engine died. With a bit more skill I should have made it through I remembered reading in the forum about a Honda CR-V that got stuck in a similar situation and how recranking with the silencer still submerged in water complicated the situation. So I did not try to start the car again. I pushed it to an elevated portion of the road where there was not much of water and tried starting it but couldn't hear any cranking sound. I waited for a few minutes and tried again, now I could hear the cranking sound but car still did not start. I contacted my dealer(TVS), his suggestion was to wait for 10 minutes and try again, if that does not work, since their breakdown unit is currently in Peenya, please contact Vijai motors for a faster response.. By that time two complete strangers looking at my plight came to my rescue. On enquiring, I found that both of them have passed by my car (in their cars) when I got stuck in the water logging. They have parked their car in their apartments(>1Km away) and have walked back to check my status. BTW it was still raining quite heavily. A very noble gesture One of them was working as a driver, he suggested me to recrank it continuously with the clutch and the accelerator pressed, it should start in a few minutes. I couldn't imagine doing it to my Spark, I gave the key to him and he started the vehicle in about 10 minutes but the second the foot was taken off from the accelerator, the engine dies And the engine sound resembled an old diesel Amby sound. His advice was once the water dries, then things will come back to normal. I thanked them and drove the car back to my apartment about a KM away. Today Morning Status 1) Car starts with the accelerator pressed but engine dies when accelerator is released. 2) It is still making a lot of noise, kind-off a old fan running 3) Oil check warning light is ON. Can more informed members please advice on what I should do? Should I wait for some more time for the water to dry and try again or should I get it to the dealer workshop? If I have to take it to the dealer, what are the items that may be included in the Job card, a list of items will really help so that I do not get coned. Thanks! Vijay
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 11:35	#2
neel12345 BHPian Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Calcutta Posts: 114 Thanked: 0 Times	A very similar thing happened to my Indica. At first the engine was not cranking. I waited for about 10 mins, re-cranked it and it started. However , a wheat steam was coming out from under the bonnet and the engine was dying as soon as a was removing my leg from the accelerator. I managed to return home by driving like this. I called up TATA guys and they came to my house. The service personnel advised me to leave the car with the bonnet open under the sun under someone's super-vision for 2-3 days. On 4th day, the car started, there was no engine noise but the fan-belt was making a very shrill noise which too eventually disappeared after driving for 4-5 days. So what I advise you to do is wait for a two or four days, and see what happens instead of giving your car to GM right now. They might charge you bucks and do practically nothing !
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 11:38	#3
khan_sultan Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Apr 2006 Location: Noida/Bangalore Posts: 4,925 Thanked: 5,853 Times View My Garage	just wait till the sun shines, water dries off and till then don't drive/start the car. As suggested, wait for 2-3 days -- anyway it's a long weekend :-) Also Spark would be covered in that GM scheme called some 'Cashless Service Offer' or something similar? Last edited by khan_sultan : 15th August 2008 at 11:40.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 11:45	#4
Rudra Sen Team-BHP Support Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bangalore Posts: 11,590 Thanked: 6,532 Times View My Garage	Do not try anything any more. Wait for the service team to inspect. Trying something out may push you out of their cashless service offer.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 11:51	#5
gowda79 Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bengaluru Posts: 1,478 Thanked: 194 Times View My Garage	It is better to ask the Service guys inspect at your place and if that does not work get it towed to the service station and get a thorough job done Get the thing checked before starting the vehicle again, because something else can get screwed up... Enjoy your long weekend at home with your family
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 11:55	#6
ported_head Senior - BHPian Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Mumbai, India Posts: 2,387 Thanked: 20 Times	What does your engine oil feel like? Ideally you shouldn't have started the car, once it's stalled in waterlogged condition. Check if any of the vaccum hoses have come undone. Could be loss of compression.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 12:27	#7
rranjith_kum BHPian Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Coimbatore/ Aachen Posts: 693 Thanked: 20 Times View My Garage	I guess the water entered your engine. Is your exhaust smoke white ? ?
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 13:39	#9
Ford Rocam BHPian Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Mumbai-India Posts: 878 Thanked: 23 Times	In recent heavy downpour in mumbai i have seen 2 cars got water logged till headlight level, the engine died & after coming out of water they tried cranking the car & also tried jump start, the result was that both cars, a Laura & Zen the connecting rods got bend. Laura damaged his 1 piston too since it was stuck inside the bore due to water entering the engine. You sure don't want that thing to happen to your engine.
	() Thanks

15th August 2008, 13:59	#10
anjan_c2007 Distinguished - BHPian Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: India Posts: 8,331 Thanked: 20,644 Times View My Garage	Yes a call to the GM service centre to get the men in blue is most desirable. Do not either try to start or to move the car.
	() Thanks

16th August 2008, 09:39	#12
hkanitkar BHPian Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: pune Posts: 668 Thanked: 109 Times View My Garage	Soory for hijacking Lord's thread, but can someone tell me what damages may occur in an Innova Diesel engine if it is water logged, and some attempts at cranking are made ? Reason : my cousin's innova was stuck in water near Dervan ( konkan ) - water level upto his waist ( he's 5'10" ) - so i assume it was about 3', and the local mechanics pushed it out of water, checked on the oil dipstick and told that there's no water in the engine. After this, buggers removed water from air filter etc. and tried to crank her up. She didn't and they tried one more time and i have no idea what noises/ fumes it gave out while the mechs tried their best ( ?? ) as i was not present there. Last edited by hkanitkar : 16th August 2008 at 09:41.
	() Thanks

18th August 2008, 11:15	#13
Jr Godzilla BHPian Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: pune Posts: 269 Thanked: 151 Times View My Garage	just a piece of info if you are sure water has not entered intake and crank crank crank crank and it starts then do not let the engine die. keep it above the idle rpm for 10 / 15 mins and on an open stretch drive for 20 to 30 mins a bit of agressive driving, this should help most of the water traces to be shoved out of exhaust (white smoke will appear) and electricals will dry.
	() Thanks

18th August 2008, 11:54	#14
dadu Senior - BHPian Join Date: May 2007 Location: Bangalore Posts: 3,803 Thanked: 462 Times View My Garage	Wait for the service guys to check/ tow, next time dont try to cross any water if the level goes beyond half of your wheel rims.
	() Thanks