Hi Scotty,
I live in Fort Myers FL. My 2014 Toyota Yaris had about 6 inches of water inside the car from hurricane Ian. I did not have full coverage so I want to salvage it if possible. The car started right up after the storm and drives like new. The anti lock brakes are not working. This is my sons first car and I want him to be safe. I want to replace the wiring harness that was submerged on the floorboard of the car along with the anti lock brake sensors. I have only found one mechanic willing to do the work. All the other mechanics are not willing. Is this a car that I should repair or would you recommend that I sell for scrap and find a different one?
2014 Toyota Yaris had about 6 inches of water inside the car
Well that such a huge shame.
The last small car to be pretty much 100% bulletproof - the only thing is the average engine.
The anti lock brakes are not working
I assume you mean that the car has an ABS light.
You need to connect a professional proper scanner (or get it scanner at a parts store) to see what are the ABS codes.
This could be issues with the pump, could be the wheel sensors, could be wiring - requires investigation.
Is this a car that I should repair
It depends. I would.
If it can be done for under $1k? sure - it may last some time, it may not.
But I'd try to reset the ABS codes and hope nothing comes back - may be just water in the fluid, or sensors, or something that doesn't cost too much to replace.
Short term:
1. READ ABS CODES WITH PROPER TOOL (or at a parts store, feel free to post them)
2. ERSAE ABS CODES
3. TEST THE CAR (BE SAFE!)
4. IF ABS ISSUES PERSIST:
I. READ ABS CODES.
II. POST CODES AND @mention RELEVANT USERS.
III. IF ISSUES ARE NOT ELECTRONICS - REPLACE BRAKE FLUID AND TEST.
5. AFTER A WEEK, IF ABS ISSUES DO NOT COME BACK:
A. REPLACE BRAKE FLUID, ATF, ENGINE OIL, P/S (if applicable).
There's really not much to lose - just don't put thousands into it.
sell for scrap
Definitely would not scrap, at worst sell for cheap and notify the buyer of its history.
I took to orielly auto parts. The scanner would not read anything.
Anything? as in no comm and no live data??
was it a proper scanner? or some cheap OBD2 unit?
Is the ABS light on?
All the other mechanics are not willing.
They know it will come back to bite them.
Most mechanics will squirm when it comes to water damage ... for good reason.
I have only found one mechanic willing to do the work.
is he willing the guarantee that work?
Right now, it's only an ABS problem. In a month or two, it will be something else ...
I personally would not take a chance with that vehicle. You fix one thing and another problem can pop up.
Put it in rice
I would personally drive without ABS
The car is for my son and he is a novice driver. If it was for me I would be ok with no anti lock brakes
I hear that but if you live in Texas and you never have icy or snowy roads if you have decent tires you should be able to stop safely even without ABS unless you're driving on dirt or gravel roads
Maybe try taking it out for a spin when it's really rainy and do a few brake checks
ABS isn't just for inclement conditions. It reduces stopping distance on dry asphalt too, and helps you to maintain control of steering.