Ok, so it was a huge thunderstorm out here last night, early this morning, still going...anyway...

I was driving on a dark road and had no idea the size of the puddle I was about to hit, and I was going speed limit when I hit it (like 45mph) and because I was worried about hitting the car next to me or the curb from hydroplaning I slowed as I continued through it.

Well now, my new baby won't turn over, I can hear it sound like it's gonna start, all the lights on dash come on like normal and it sounds like it's cranking, but it never fully makes it, just dies out. I checked the air filter and took the tube off the throttle body and there doesn't appear to be any water in either, but it still won't fully engage. Any ideas, I'm not sure what it could be because for the most part the engine compartment really doesn't appear to have gotten a whole lot of water in there...spark plugs appear dry, and it sounds like she really wants to start but doesn't follow through, I tried pumping the gas to no avail...

Well any suggestions, ideas or help people can provide is greatly appreciated in advance...oh and it's a 2011 Unlimited Rubicon btw, completely stock if that helps. Thanks again

 

well if the filter does not look like it picked up any water and it is not wet......the only thing I can think of is the starter is extremely wet and will not start. It's common for some JK's to not start if you have been to a car wash and you spray in the wrong spot. Happened to mine when I first bought it, the dealer had washed it before I picked it up, I drove it to a friends and it just would not start for a few hours.

 

does it sound like a solid thump when u try and start it???? like it wont turn because something inside is blocking it??

 

No not at all, more like if you got some crappy gas or something, I can hear it start up, and like crank over for a few seconds then it just slowly dies off after a couple seconds like it would if you ran out of fuel...

 

Yeah I'm praying that's what it is, I saw the horror story post Hydrolock, and I couldn't stomach that kind of hit in the pocket

 

well if it starts, and runs for a few seconds, then its prob not the engine, or starter..

the way ur describing it, it kinda sounds like an anti theft problem, which is odd... it definately sounds like some sort of electrical issue.. is there water in the fuse box?
myabe im interpreting it wrong..

 

No I think you might be on to something there, I'm not sure gonna wait a little while longer for the dealership to open and see if a mechanic has some advice too, but I think I saw on here someplace to check the ground cable from the battery to the frame...idk I'm just baffled, gonna try removing the spark plugs and check the oil, I guess if it's milky I'm hosed but I'm sure if it sounds like pumping the gas should start it up (but it doesn't) then the engine is probably okay, right?

 

Maybe water in the computer or fuse box?

 

check to make sure your intake hose going to the throttle body is on there secure. mine popped off and it would crank over but not start up.

 

try to start it with your spare key.