I need help. I coach football and on the way to a game our cooler full of water dumped in the trunk. Now the convertible top has now power, the reverse sensor has no power and the power trunk latch has no power.
I checked the fuses in the trunk and they all look fine. Several gallons of water shorted something out.
Any ideas?
Thanks
Mike

 

The Security Control module (SCM) is located directly below the trunk fusebox and almost certainly got wet.

It is directly involved in control of both the trunk latch and top operation.

To get access, disconnect the battery. There are 2 or 3 bolts which hold the rear fusebox in place...remove these, as well as several wire harness retainers. Then, flip the fusebox so you can unsnap the SCM module from the plastic latches which retain it to the underside of the fusebox. Unplug the SCM connectors. Now, with the SCM removed, snap open the housing. If is is just wet. it needs to be thoroughly dried, then it can be retried. You may or may not get lucky and have it function again. If you see corrosion, or burn marks, it probably will more than likely need to be replaced

The reverse sensors and or the reverse control module may also be water logged. The module is usually mounted in or near the bottom of the trunk at the rear of the car.

BTW, circuit boards can be dried with a hair dryer, then it is a good idea to immerse it in uncooked rice (a natural desiccant) for at least a day to suck out any hidden moisture.

 

whitexkr,

Steve, you know more about electronics than I do. When would you first douse flooded electronics with distilled water, after power disconnected of course and before the Rice? Is that more likely to help with micro electronics where tap water's disolved minerals can more easily bridge conductors?

Not trying to correct you, just thinking out loud and providing the logic for my question for others to understand why I'm asking. Love to hear what you think when you get to it. Thanks. John

 

John, you are absolutely right, an initial rinse with distilled water, (or isopropyl alcohol) after removal and prior to drying is a beneficial extra precaution.

 

Thanks Steve,

I love the isopropyl alcohol idea.