Storm/water damage + Volvos: have any advice?

Post by **matthew1** » 31 Oct 2012, 11:02

I don't have any water-car disaster recovery advice, haven't ever had to learn, knock on wood.

Anybody have advice? "Don't start it until..." that type of thing?

Insurance adjuster advice?

Anybody who has property damage or worse from the recent super storm on the US East Coast, my thoughts are with you.

Post by **jimmy57** » 31 Oct 2012, 11:52

I have never seen regular flood damage that didn't leave an obvious water line. Find the water line. See if the water line is higher than bottom of air cleaner box. If the water line is that high then DO NOT START!
The other issues are whether the transmission/transaxle, angle gearbox, Haldex-AOC, and the rear differential have gotten water inside in of those units fitted to the particular car.
If the water got inside car and was as high as the console then you have more serious damage that usually will total an insured car. The SRS system has risks if the water go that high and the key shouldn't be turned on as that will be more likely to kill the SRS control unit.
Salt water flood water is much more harmful as electronics usually do not recover from saltwater flooding.

Post by **matthew1** » 31 Oct 2012, 15:39

Thanks Jimmy, great advice. I know you're not an Insurance Expert, so maybe JD can comment on this, but if you suspect water damage, does starting the car -- or trying to start it -- affect the insurance situation? Or would they let you off the hook if you damaged the car further trying to start it?

Obligatory cheesy illustrative image