* Floodedin Louisiana*, battery submerged, now what?

[Brike]

So my 2004 V70 was partially submerged in recent flooding under carport, high water mark about mid-dooor 24-27 inches/top of tires.
I live near Lafayette/Broussard/Youngsville, which received significant rainfall over past couple days...I'm sure you've seen the news.
I have some mechanical understanding, but this is my first Volvo, purchased in May 2015.
Now that the water has receded, I'm stranded with a car that won't start, and am hoping you all will assist me with your expertise about what to do.
I'm a new member to the boards, although I've periodically perused the site, and thank you in advance for any assistance.
When I unhooked the battery, I didn't have key in ignition...so of course, once I charged battery and hooked it back up, alarm went off. I unhooked it, and then left it overnight, hoping memory would wipe, and alarm would not trigger second attempt.
Before I do any damage to the car, is there any general advice you'd give given circumstances? I've never had a vehicle flooded before.
some specific questions:

1. do I need to be concerned about water having gotten into the engine somehow? It wasn't running when flooded. Should I remove a plug/plugs before I turn engine over?
2. How can I reset alarm with key FoB if alarm goes off once I reconnect battery?
3. How best to deal with the swamp water soaked interior...?

[F250]

Man, I hate to hear about your trouble. I have never been in that situation either. Hopefully, someone with more specifically helpful knowledge will chime in soon. In the meantime, perhaps the links below will offer you some insights and assistance.

http://cars.about.com/od/adviceforowner ... -Flood.htm

http://www.safebee.com/travel/is-your-flooded-car-goner

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/ho ... 0/1272386/

[Brike]

Thanks, I got the Craftsman WetVac out ...one of the best "selfish" purchases of my 15 year marriage...lol. It sucked the standing water out of battery well, and footwells. Charged the battery up with similar "selfish" battery charger...that my ex-wife was equally questioning with "do we really need that?..." yup.
So battery charged, try to start, alarm goes off, enginge turns over, but not firing. No obvious water contamination on dipstick. Have not yet pulled plug, I suspect several fuses have been blown, maybe a relay , donno...electric boogaloo.

I'm greatful for your response, and links F250....nice to know somebody willing to help in any way...thank you!

[F250]

Hey... the water will not show on the dipstick... it will be on the bottom of the oil pan. Don't start the engine until you drain some oil and check for water in a jar from the FIRST oil that comes out the drain plug.

The same is true for your transmission... drain some fluid to check for water in a jar.

[JRL]

It's probably history
Many electronic sensors are at or in the floor including the CEM
I would get in line with your insurance company and be thankful you're alive

[oragex]

How high did the water got, higher than the black strip along the doors?

As above, this car is sensitive to anything wet electrics and connectors. And there are plenty located relatively lower. At very least drain the oil and filter and, if the car does finally start, think about draining the transmission oil right away.

I'm supposing the cabin wasn't flooded to the same level? There are electrics (Airbag) located under the front seats. How high was the water inside engine bay by the marks left? Near the engine, passenger side, there is the ECM computer in a big black box, lift the cover see if water got inside - the modules are connected at the bottom. I would not put the key in ignition until sure all module contacts and connectors including those inside the car are dry.