98 Avalon flooded - need advice

[joelc]

my 98 avalon was partially submerged in flood water for about an hour. The insurance declared the vehicle a total loss because of the potential electrical and cosmetic issues. Mechanically, the car is running fine and there are no issues with the engine. The water line on the inside of the passenger door suggests that the water was about as high as the arm rests. I took out the seats, carpet, and padding to let the car dry out. However, I've already started to have some issues with electrical components. For example, the passenger seat motor only has partial functionality (the seat can adjust forward, but not back). Does anyone have suggestions for how to repair the passenger seat motor? Should I replace the entire seat? Or could it just be a switch that needs to be replaced?

Also, does anyone have advice for how to prevent further electrical issues from cropping up?

Thank you!

[blkavalon]

remove the seat and under the seat you will see the motor. remove the switch and the motor. clean it with electrical cleaner. lubricate the mechanical components with lithium grease. make sure to disassemble the motor itself and clean inside.

next problem that you are going to have is mold. so remove all the door pannels, seats then the carpets let it dry outside very well. then put it back. this is not bad at all just needs time and basic skills. if you have the 6 passenger model everything is going to be easy.

good luck!!

[zythr]

If the insurance company cut you a check, then it's best to "junk" the car. There is no way to prevent future electronic issue unless you're going to replace all your electrical wires and connections.

[Jack Deth]

you can bake out almost anything at 160°F, but if you use a home oven you have to be very careful not to melt plastic parts. aside from corrosion, water won't cause much damage that it's removal won't cure... we're talking fresh water, not salt... right?

[joelc]

Ya, the car was submerged in fresh water, but for only an hour or so. Even though the insurance company cut me a check, I really want to keep the car running for as long as I can. The car only has 140k miles and prior to the water damage it was in great condition.

i've disconnected all the electrical components I could find and have a fan and dehumidifier in the car to dry everything as much as possible. The plan as of now is to let the car completely dry out and hope that the electrical issues are minimal and drive the car as long as possible.

Aside from replacing all the electrical wires and connectors, is there anyway to prevent or mitigate future electrical issues?

Also, any thoughts on how to prevent mold?

Thanks to all who have responded so far! This forum is awesome.

[blkavalon]

you are doing everything right. quicker you get the car dry there is a less chance of dealing with mold. few years ago i bought a flooded salvage car for very cheep from my friend and i fixed it up like nothing ever happened. put some dialectic grease on the wiring connectors so they wont corrode. any parts store should carry electrical connector cleaner and dialectic grease. after you get the carpets completely dry shampoo your carpets with a good carpet cleaner it will take out any bad smells and stains. your main concern should be seats because of the leather it might take a long time to dry. i recommend removing them if you can. don't worry too much this car will be your daily driver again.

[Jack Deth]

most trannys have a vent of some kind. maybe someone more knowledgeable than myself can tell you if you need to be concerned.
you're doing what you can to dry it out, thats the only thing that'll keep the mold away. just try to leave a window cracked when you start driving it again to let out the steam when the sun heats it up. also, some desiccant may help.

[Jigg007]

On your seat motor, if it works in one dirrection and not the other then its the switch.

Unless if the motor struggles in one direction and doesn't move in the other.