flooded out in Houston, Tx

I live in houston, recent flood, water came in under the car, not over the door, anyway floor was holding water. I had to crank it to move it and the driver seat started moving by itself, the rear head rest folded by itself and the steering wheel moved by itself, as I was driving it to the car wash to vacumm the water, the seat kept moving as well as the steering wheel. I parked it for a week with all the carpet out. Everything seems to be working fine now, all except the central locking system, and the memory for the seats. Can anyone give me any ideas on this. I am a D I Y kinda guys and will try just about anything. Thanks in advance.

[Kebowers]

What has happened is the seat motors are wet, and the position sensor is coated with water born crud. The seat memory will not function without mposition feedback. It will have to be taken out, taken apart and cleaned--if it is not already corroded up.

Not familiar with locking system on that car if it is air powered (by pump in the trunk) that pump is likely flooded out too.

If you have insurance ( comprehensive) call your agent and let him know what happened. Take it to a competent shop (******** on Edloe is great).

You may get lucky. (Hans and Joe there told me the engine rebuilder shops have no more inventory--lot of people drove into high water, it built up in front of radiator, got sucked into air intakes and BAM broken rods, hole sin blocks, etc. Lots of folks do not realize the engine intake is not 'protected' up inside the engine compartment, and just a little water into the engine (tablespoon is enough) will destroy an engine immediately.

[Benzmac]

Also, the seat controller is under the seat. When it gets wet, all hell breaks loose with the memory.

The vacuum pump is located UNDER the passenger rear seat. Not driver side.

If it was full of water, you will have to replace it.

Brothers of The Benz, especially those flooded here at home.
Fortunate for the Spidermans Joy, she was high and dry.
If you are seeking excellent service from an independant that services NOTHING but M/B;
Try G.R.Care Care
13940 Bammel North Houston #316
Houston,77066
(281)580-8672
George and his son Larry
I was there today and they weren't overloaded with water damaged Benzs.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!;

Brother of The Benz,TXBILL
There are so many excellent service facilities for M/B Autos in Houston, we must be Blessed.
Happy Trails Beep Beep from The Spiderman in Houston!!!

[william rogers]

depending on how high the water got I would have the differencial and tranny drained and refilled..........
William Rogers......

guys lots of great info, to add a bit more shortly after writting my first post, now every time i crank up the car, the driver seat moves in either back or forward. Water did not get into the trunk and I have already had the tranny serviced and flushed, with not one sign of water. Mech, said it was a really clean looking car, not signs of any kind of leak, oil or trans. I only have 92,000m on this car. I will try to give all these suggestions a try and get back with you guys...thanks alot. Well let you all of the outcome..

[G-Benz]

I can't speak for everyone here at the forum, but I would like to express my regret and sympathy for the tragedy of the flood over in Houston, My heart and prayers go out to those of you who may have lost loved ones, suffered injuries, and basically had personal possesions ruined or lost forever.

Being in in DFW Texas, I feel a sense of brotherhood, but I also have a deep respect for Mother Nature's power when it comes to floods. I survived the big flood in 1993 back when I lived in Missouri. And living in a small town next to the Missouri river was even more frightening. The water was so high that the horizon dissappeared to the north, as if we lived on an ocean shoreline!

After the flood waters receded, the destruction left behind was beyond words. There is now an 80-foot deep lake left where a small pond existed.

Even today, buidings left standing still have the water lines embedded. I think most residents left them there as a reminder of how bad it can get.

well i got the doorlocks fixed, thanks to a new vacumm pump, it had gotten water in it and fried it. My new problem is the driver seat, everytime i open the driver door the seat moves, and sometimes while i am driving, it moves. I have taken the seat out, no water, any solutions.....thanks to everyone, and I am fortunate to say I was real lucky, alot of people lost alot. mine is very minor compared to everyone else, who lost complete cars and homes.

[Ron Johnstone]

Not to be simplistic, but why don't you catch the seat in a position that is good for you and then unplug the damn thing? If your insurance will pay for the damage, get the seat base replaced with the motors and attached relays. That should solve your problem. If $ is a problem, perhaps a can of tuner cleaner on the relays will be of some inexpensive help. Another cause could be water in the wiring harness that ran under the carpet. Sorry for your trouble. I was in a flood when I was a kid and I know the mess they cause.

[bstreep]

I like the idea about finding a spot you like and unplugging it. That should give it some time in the hot Texas sun to dry out. Then in a few weeks, try plugging it back in and see what happens...