1998 Ford Taurus 2 Foot Puddle

Tiny
TACTICIAN
  • MEMBER
  • 1998 FORD TAURUS
  • 6 CYL
  • FWD
  • AUTOMATIC
  • 120,000 MILES
Today while driving home for work in a downpour I went through a puddle that was MUCH deeper then it looked about 1/2 way through the puddle the car died, I rapidly threw it in neutral and coasted out the other side, I tried to start it once and it just clicked but didnt turn over, all the electrical systems were fine lights came on power windows worked, wipers etc, after the rain stopped I took off the airfilter cover and the filter was drenched, the intake tube going to the manifold had a bit of water in it also, so I took out all 6 spark plugs then attempted to turn it over, nothing the same click, so I removed the starter (when I did a puddle fell out of the inside of the starter) by time I got to the parts store for a bench test the starter had apparently dried out and passed the bench test, I returned and re-installed the starter leaving the spark plugs out I cranked it over succesfully for about 5 seconds, got out and looked and none of the spark plug tubes had shot out any water, so I re-installed the spark plugs and tried to start the car, now it just turns over and tries to start, and even starts a little (like an old carbeurated car when it isnt getting enough fuel) just a huff puff chug chug, then it stalled when I attempted to hit the gas, now it doesnt even do that anymore, just cranks, and cranks, I am now at the end of my diagnostic whits, any suggestions on my next step?
Friday, May 21st, 2010 AT 9:40 PM

4 Replies

Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Hi Tactician. Welcome to the forum. Do you have access to a scanner that will read diagnostic fault codes and sensor data? In particular, if the Mass Air Flow sensor is wet yet it will not measure air flow properly. Did you reconnect the fresh air inlet tube? If it is not connected, the incoming air will not be sensed and the Engine Computer won't command the appropriate amount of fuel. Have you checked for spark and fuel pressure?

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 AT 1:32 AM
Tiny
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I believe I can get a code reader from the parts store, my uncle is a head foreman at a wyler dealership he may have access to the scanner you are referring to, but to answer, no I did not re-attach the air inlet tube after re-installing the starter cranking with no plugs to make sure there was no water spewing out, then re-installing the spark plugs and trying to start it, in a few hours I will be returning with some fresh oil (just in case) and a new air filter, I will re-attach all of those components to the intake before attempting again to start the vehicle, if it still does not start I will check for spark, I know its getting fuel because it had a strong fuel odor after about 3 minutes of cranking with no starting earlier this evening, thank you for fielding my question, I will post another update in about 6 or 7 hours
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 AT 1:40 AM
Tiny
CARADIODOC
  • MECHANIC
  • 33,873 POSTS
Happy to hear the intake tube is off. Hopefully that will be an easy solution to part of the problem. Also check for water between the spark plug wires and the boots in case some water splashed up that far. Check for the presence of 5.0 volts on one of the throttle position sensor wires. If it is missing, one of the sensors is shorting that power supply out. The 5.0 volts will return when the short is removed but you will have to cycle the ignition switch off and back on for it to return.

Caradiodoc
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Saturday, May 22nd, 2010 AT 1:53 AM
Tiny
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Took out the drain plug, drained the (chococlate milk) oil, left the plug out for about 3 hours, refilled the oil, changed all 6 spark plugs, car tries to start now, but just turns over and over still making the chug-a-lug sound I will attempt to get a scan tool monday morning and come back with those results
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Sunday, May 23rd, 2010 AT 1:15 PM

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