2003 Buick rendezvous
246k
My son Left the window open and after it rained for a very very long time I realized it was open and that everything was wet on the inside. Of course it was the drivers window. I let it dry out for a good couple days and then when I came out to start it, turned over once and then died. It will crank but not turn over. I pulled the dash off to make sure no rain was trapped and don't see any. Any ideas on what I can look for? I checked the fuses under the hood and all seem to be good.
Charles
So here is the final solution!
Followed the service manual guide for hours and it wasn't from the rain storm that caused it. I had checked the fuel pump relay and it checked good. I went ahead and switched the daytime running lights relay with the fuel pump relay (same relay) and viola!, it fired right up. So it was the fuel pump relay the whole time. So hours of checking and all it turned out to be was a relay.
I assumed water damage to the electrical somewhere which was a huge mistake on my part. Never assume. Lesson learned.
Now I just have to find a way to replace that nightmare 02 sensor!
Thanks everyone.
Check the PCV valve. My brother had an Oldsmobile when it rained, it did not want to start. A mechanic told him to check it. He changed it and didn't have the problem. Sounds crazy but who knows.
Since this all began when the drivers window was left open in the rain, maybe get under the car and just behind the drivers seat location you'll see some wiring connectors. Pull off the connectors and see if it's wet or corroded in there.
The top of that connector is just inside the REAR driver side door in a recessed well where water could have pooled and caused damage. I think you have to pull out the back seat to get to it.
If this is the issue and it's too corroded to repair you'll have to drill out the rivets securing that connector and replace it.
If you pull up the carpet even more, towards under the front seat, you'll find another recess with more connections in it. Check that out too.
It's been a month since I have had a chance to get back to the Buick. I checked the pcv valve and it wasn't the issue but could the ignition switch have got wet and failed? Can it cause a no crank no start?
Any other ideas from anyone?
You could get a couple of cans of WD40 and spray down all the electrical connections you can access. The WD in WD40 stands for water dispersing, it actually displaces any water. Worth a try!
Maybe the battery just died. Did you try boosting it from another vehicle?
