[EMT907]

I just drove my mother's '99 Camry through some high water and the engine died. Of course it won't start now. Is there anything I can do?
Please bear in mind that I know very little about fixing cars.
You can contact me via AIM or ICQ.

Thanks.

 

[gLok]

Does the engine turn over at all when you try to start it or is it completely locked? If it turns over but doesnt start its most likely an electronic problem.

If you are not competent enough to remove the spark plugs and turn it over to see if there is water in the cylinders, i suggest taking it to a Toyota Dealer and praying its an electronic failure of some sort. I sucked water into my engine during a torrential downpour and bent a rod. Not fun.

 

[SmokingTires]

Never take it to a dealership. They will screw you for every penny.

That said... It may be hydro lock. Can you still turn your engine over?

Try this. Turn your engine over for about 5 seconds (slow count). Allow it to sit for about 2 min. Then try again. Repeat this a few times.

If there is water in the engine, this will burn it off and get it out of the system.

 

[Nico]

Doy you think that water might have gone into the air filter ?

 

[EMT907]

It turns over, but won't start. It wouldn't turn over last night.
I'd check the plugs myself, but mom is impatient and I can't find the plugs without my Chilton (which I can't find either).

 

[Nico]

The spark plugs you mean ????!!!
Wel that's on top of your engine, below the four wires

 

[EMT907]

Yeah well it's moot now. The car is in the shop.

 

[gLok]

Never take it to a dealership. They will screw you for every penny.

Well if you cant repair the car yourself, you have to take it to a dealership. Its not going to fix itself. You are better off taking it to a dealership than to some mechanic who knows nothing about Toyotas and wont warranty their work.