Electrical Problems
One of the first signs that a car might have a leak is the appearance of electrical problems. Two of the most common we encounter are electric windows that stop working, or warning lights on the dashboard about airbags.
Modern cars are packed full of computers, and while some involved in engine management are in the engine compartment, many of the others may be hidden under the carpets. These include the main electronic control unit, Bluetooth, media and the airbag control units. Some cars have up to 150 ECUs.
If damaged, these can be extremely costly to replace, in fact, electronics account for up to 40% of a new car's value. Thankfully, most of these modules are sealed units which are water-resistant, but they are not designed to be submerged. The electrical connectors are not especially waterproof, electrical faults can cause power surges which can damage processors, and it is only a matter of time before water finds its way into a sealed unit.
Much of the wiring loom is hidden beneath the carpets, and if sitting in a puddle of water, capillary action will pull water along the bundles of wires, to connectors which can easily corrode.
We often find that the cause of leaks is perished and shrunken grommets, which are designed to allow electrical wiring to pass through the bulkhead, so the path of the water is following the wiring.
When a car is wet or damp, you will get condensation, which you will see on the glass. But if it is on the glass, it is likely to be coating other hard surfaces, such as all the electrical connectors. Often, this is where problems will occur first leading to electrical faults and blown fuses.
This is why it is essential to properly dry a car, and it isn't sufficient to just fix a leak.
Written by Danny Argent. Last updated 28/10/2023 16:43