[MAS]

Hi,

I own a 2004 H4 Corolla 1.8G AT. I love this car and drive it only when there are clear skys and on weekends. For everything else i drive the Fusion 1.4 TDCI.

Last week, Chennai experienced heavy rains and i was driving the Fusion. While going around the Chennai, i had to literally wade through knee deep water logged streets. As everyone would guess, i had to drive slowly with half-clutch and quite high revs to make sure that water does not get into the exhaust.

Please let me know how should i drive a Automatic through water logged places. (IMO, having high engine revs and low speed is simply not possible in an AT - atleast the Corolla 2004 model).

Mods: i was not sure if i could start a new thread on this topic, but my search did not yield me results. If there is already a thread on this topic, kindly merge this.

[anupmathur]

Originally Posted by MAS

(IMO, having high engine revs and low speed is simply not possible in an AT - atleast the Corolla 2004 model).

LOL, if what you say is true, you could try doing the water crossings in reverse!

[headers]

@MAS, well you could try manually shifting gears. This will stop the auto box from shifting to a higher gear when revved, hold on to the brake as well as step on the gas pedal. With high revs, water will not enter the exhaust and the manual shift will ensure your car stays in the lowest gear!

In other words, put it in L, stomp on the accelarator [to increase engine revs] as well as the brake to control the speed!

[vasudeva]

On waterlogged roads, as you would know, you should not force the speed at all and not put a heavy foot on the accelerator. I also have H4 and though there have been only 2-3 instances when I faced waterlogging, I drive through at D or 2. L in H4 is quite redundant.

[headers]

well sir, i've not been brave enough or lucky enough to take an automatic in deep waters. My little water fordings have been in Indicas, Gypsies and Jeeps.

[sudev]

Using auto in water logged roads is not a problem. Keep in low and that should be sufficient.

AFAIK in manual transmission revving engine by slipping clutch in water logged conditions is creating a bigger problem for yourself. Just roll the car in first and that should be okay but slipping clutch is asking for quick replacement of clutch. In almost all instances of my drive through water logging (and been through many) I have tried not to use clutch as far as possible and avoid even changing gears.

A normal revving / idling engine will not allow water to be sucked in at the tail end but if you rev and then let it idle this can cause suck back. If you are moving then also generally the "bow" waves caused by your car will mostly keep the tail pipe in the clear.

[bonobashi]

Originally Posted by headers

well sir, i've not been brave enough or lucky enough to take an automatic in deep waters. My little water fordings have been in Indicas, Gypsies and Jeeps.

Ah.

You are, therefore, one of that lucky breed never to have lived through a Calcutta monsoon.

As all of you know, it gets 6 feet deep in front of the Thon-thonay Kali-bari. Even a Gurkha with a snorkel wouldn't be adequate for this. Perhaps an AMX-13?

Looking forward to more information and advice.

[renji3]

Originally Posted by headers

@MAS, well you could try manually shifting gears. This will stop the auto box from shifting to a higher gear when revved, hold on to the brake as well as step on the gas pedal. With high revs, water will not enter the exhaust and the manual shift will ensure your car stays in the lowest gear!

In other words, put it in L, stomp on the accelarator [to increase engine revs] as well as the brake to control the speed!

Here's another idea......try using the Parking Brake (hand brake). It must be in good condition for this to work. Lift it up just enough so that the car is able to move (4-6 numbers of "click sounds" heard when lifting brake should be enough). Then drive the car in D, or even 2 if required. ***NOT ADVISED TO DO THIS FOR LARGE DISTANCES!!!***

[GTO]

Originally Posted by renji3

Here's another idea......try using the Parking Brake (hand brake).

I must say Renji, that's true out of the box thinking and may just work if you absolutely need to keep the revvs high.

But honestly, if you ask me, driving an AT through water is simply not worth the risk. Better to take an alternative route, or park the car in a safe spot.

[pramods]

I didn't realized this, what should be done in Scorpio AT, put it in M mode and drive through with higher speed do hold at higher RPM? as I also have 4x4 puting it into M and 4L and drive through would be easier, what would be the best option of doing this in Scorpio AT 4wd?

-Pramod

[mkc15]

A S-shaped extension tube (maybe asbestos coated, like what we use with Solar water heaters) with clip-type latch can help here. Don't know if such a thing exists/available in the market. It should be part of emergency kit (like jump-start cables). This works on MT as well and saves the clutch.

[MAS]

Originally Posted by renji3

Here's another idea......try using the Parking Brake (hand brake). It must be in good condition for this to work. Lift it up just enough so that the car is able to move (4-6 numbers of "click sounds" heard when lifting brake should be enough). Then drive the car in D, or even 2 if required. ***NOT ADVISED TO DO THIS FOR LARGE DISTANCES!!!***

This is really a great mind at work. But with the hand brake slowing down the rear and the auto (atleast in cars, not Scorpio) powering the front wheels, i am not sure if this would work, but nevertheless worth the try.

Or everybody who buys an AT should also learn to break with the left leg?! just like Micheal Schumacher ??

@mkc15.. Would be helpful if you could throw more light on the S-shaped extension tube.

Till i get a better solution, whenever it rains, i will not take the Corolla out and use the Fusion.

[jigbarai]

Just thinking aloud -
cant we 'fit' a tail pipe 'extension' that is attached to the exhaust and pointing upwards and gain us like 6 to 12 inches.
It will pass the exhaust gases easily and prevent water seeping in thru the exhaust.

[mkc15]

Originally Posted by MAS

@mkc15.. Would be helpful if you could throw more light on the S-shaped extension tube

This is what I meant.

[MAS]

@MKC15 - thank you very much for your effort in giving a pictorial description.

It seems to be a very good business proposal if one can commercialise it.

I guess jigbarai also meant the same thing.