Flooded in battery compartment

[Shroud]

A couple of months ago i had the windscreen replaced and also serviced the wiper linkages. Anyway, i carried out a routine check of the compartment where the battery sits and found it submerged in a few inches of water. I extracted a few litres of water and then took the battery out to clean up the two drain plugs, one of which had a 10mm socket in it, which obviously would have contributed to it getting clogged up.

The car ran fine before and afterwards, so my question was whether it is likely that any damage would have been caused by having the water sloshing around for a couple of months?

ps: battery was a bit of a sod to remove, but possible without removing the scuttle panel if you pull off the wiring block that runs the width of the engine bay, (just in case any one else ends of needing to remove their battery).

[paul b]

As long as this water hasn't entered the car and got at the CCU in the passenger footwell then you should be okay. To be sure, you could pull the carpets up and check if the CCU connectors are sat in water or dampness. If they are you need to dry them out ASAP. Otherwise just put it back together and forget about it.

As one plug was blocked, it may be worth checking the other drain plug under the brake servo. You can JUST about reach it without removing the servo.

[Peter D]

You would have to remove the scuttle panel to access the drain hole under the brake servo. You need to inspect the servo for corrosion which can lead to a servo failer. A coat of waxoyle may be in order. I am surprised you removed the battery without the panel off as the battery fouls the bulkhead cable harness which you normally detached and ease out of the way. Regards Peter

[Shroud]

It was a tight fit removing the battery without removing the scuttle panel, but it can be done so long as the wiring harness is lifted off. The battery lifts up and out over the air con filter.

I also cleaned up the drain plug under the servo at the same time. It was in this plug that the 10mm socket was found.

The servo was one of my concerns. There is no obvious sign of corrosion and passenger footwell seems dry, so hope i've caught it in time.

[Peter D]

What year is your car. This does not make sence unless you are referring to the scuttle panel being the section that is attached to the bottom of the windscreen. You could not remove the harness without the forward section of the plenum being removed. Regards Peter

[Shroud]

It is a '99. I was referring to not having to remove the cowl panel grill, which some call the scuttle panel. It is indeed the plastic trim at the bottom of the windscreen.

[Peter D]

There is the confusion then and explains why you managed to access the drain whole under the servo. No you do not have to remove the cowl panel grill as you call it. Removing this is best avoided as the wrong technique or excess forch van easily crack the screen. Regards Peter