Water under driver seat... What to expect?

[abboxster]

Thanks all,

I'm in the same boat (bad pun).
Is it possible to remove the control unit without taking the seats entirely out?
Also, I dried the car out over night and managed to start the car the next day.
That evening I was stranded again and dried again overnight and started again
the next day a number of times. Today (day 3), once again I am stranded and I am considering taking out the control unit and drying it. Can I use electrical contact cleaner and a hairdryer to accomplish this?

[JackG]

Originally Posted by abboxster

Thanks all,
Can I use electrical contact cleaner and a hairdryer to accomplish this?

No. Most electrical contact cleaners have additives in them to inhibit corrosion and lubricate the contacts. This will not be good for the board, as it will leave a residue. You need a dedicated PC board cleaner, not electrical contact cleaner.

You'd be better of to simply dry it with the hairdryer, but even that's not a great idea. It'll take a lot of drying to get all the moisture out from under the components (where you can't even see it), and it'll be hard to get it hot enough, evenly enough.

Seriously, most solid state devices are rated for storage temps that go up to 125 degrees C, and operating temps to 85C. That's 257F and 185F. Automotive devices are rated even higher for their harsher environment.

If you do the CJ trick and heat your oven to 150F, then turn it off and place just the board in there and close it up until it's cooled back down, you should be miles ahead. After all, think about it... if you were parked in Phoenix in the summer with your windows up in the middle of the day, how hot would it be inside your car for those several hours? Yeah, over 125F, at least. It's built to take that.

[abboxster]

Oh My! Talk about corrosion. That board was completely corroded. I dried it and intalled and still no difference. The car does everything but start. Lights come on, top goes up and down, windows do the 1/2 " close when the door is opened and shut, the car does everything but start. Any suggestions?

Also, I was wondering if I maybe the key needed programming as all the other things work except for starting? If I replace the control module would I still need to have the dealer replace and program a new key head?