Possible water damage.

[maca]

Thursday night, I drove my Passat TDI through a rather large and deep body of water at speed. It had been raining torrentialy in Brisbane for about four hours and the water was still and the same colour as the road (happened about 6.30pm).

It drove for a bit then conked out. I tried starting it twice, it cranked but wouldn't turn over! The interior dash/radio lights were pulsing as the car was trying to start so I just bailed out. The water level was about half way up the front number plate when it happened but was receding quickly as the rain had stopped.

The city eventually came and unplugged the road (literally). I went back to the car and the electrics seemed to be working ok (managed to open the boot and the tow truck driver even released the park brake) but we didn't try starting it.

I've read that Diesel engines are more susceptible to hydrolock but what are the odds this has happened, or any other kind of water damage? It's currently awaiting assessment by AAMI.

Does anyone know what would cause the engine to stall and not turn over again?

I don't necessarily want a water-damage repaired vehicle unless if no water went through the engine whatsoever. What should I be wary of if the vehicle is repaired? It's a 2013 2.0TDI sedan.

Thanks in advance

[Rebuild]

what do you mean here? "it cranked but wouldn't turn over"
Do you mean wouldn't start?

If it cranked it's unlikely to be hydrolocked.
The dimming dash probably because of an electrical short somewhere in the wiring underbonnet, due to water.
On my T5, there is a lot of shrouded wiring, where water can get in and "sit"
My bet is if you let it dry a bit, it'll be fine

[Hillbilly]

After 4 hours of heavy rain I would suggest you drive slowly everywhere. As you have found out water can be hard to spot.

You are lucky you didn't aquaplane off into some poor innocent motorist or heaven forbid a pedestrian.

Unfortunately it seems Brisbane drivers haven't learned to drive slower in the wet.

Saw on TV some manhole covers were blown off in the rain Stick a wheel in one of them when going fast and it will be more than wet wiring to worry about.
Last time I was in town and it did that I was in the Cruiser and when the water got up near the axles we pulled over and waited for the rain to stop.
Cars were still pressing on pushing bow waves into properties. Absolute idiots.

Rant over.

[JustCruisn]

Probably water in the alternator. Let it dry and try again.

[maca]

what do you mean here? "it cranked but wouldn't turn over"
Do you mean wouldn't start?

If it cranked it's unlikely to be hydrolocked.
The dimming dash probably because of an electrical short somewhere in the wiring underbonnet, due to water.
On my T5, there is a lot of shrouded wiring, where water can get in and "sit"
My bet is if you let it dry a bit, it'll be fine

It would try to start but it wouldn't actually start running. It just tried for a few seconds then just stop totally.

I'm waiting to hear back from AAMI now, hoping it isn't too bad so I can get my car back.

[maca]

After 4 hours of heavy rain I would suggest you drive slowly everywhere. As you have found out water can be hard to spot.

You are lucky you didn't aquaplane off into some poor innocent motorist or heaven forbid a pedestrian.

Unfortunately it seems Brisbane drivers haven't learned to drive slower in the wet.

Saw on TV some manhole covers were blown off in the rain Stick a wheel in one of them when going fast and it will be more than wet wiring to worry about.
Last time I was in town and it did that I was in the Cruiser and when the water got up near the axles we pulled over and waited for the rain to stop.
Cars were still pressing on pushing bow waves into properties. Absolute idiots.

Rant over.

Yeah thanks, I'll keep that in mind.