I detailed the engine bay of a Ford F-150. I covered the alternator, but water got into a coil pack or the fuse box. I went to start it to move it… click. Dead. It cranks but won’t fire. The dealer says the PCM (Powertrain Control Module) is fried. Cost: $2,200.
Key Takeaways
- Garage Keepers Comprehensive: Water damage to an engine is considered a “Comprehensive” loss (like flood damage), usually covered by Garage Keepers.
- Diagnostic Fees: Insurance covers the repair, but often fights the $200/hour “diagnostic time” the dealer charges to find the short.
- Negligence Argument: If you didn’t cover sensitive parts (intake, alternator), the insurer might argue “Workmanship Error.” If you did cover them and water still got in, it’s an “Accident.”
- Rental Car: The customer needs a truck for work while the PCM is on backorder (2 weeks). You are liable for “Loss of Use.”
The “Why” (The Trap): “Mechanical Breakdown”
Standard auto policies exclude “Mechanical Breakdown.”
If the part just failed because it was old, it’s not covered.
You have to prove the water caused the failure.
Trap: If the dealer writes “PCM failure due to internal short” without mentioning water intrusion, the insurance denies it as mechanical breakdown. You need the mechanic to write “Water intrusion evident in connector C101.”
The Investigation: “I Called Them”
I asked adjusters about wet engines.
1. Garage Keepers
- Verdict: Covered, subject to deductible ($500).
- Note: They required photos of the water inside the connector.
2. General Liability
- Verdict: Denied. Care, Custody, Control exclusion.
3. Mobile Mechanic
- My Analysis: Calling a mobile diagnostic tech ($150) is often smarter than towing the vehicle to the dealer ($2,200). Many times, the issue is just wet spark plug wells. Blowing them out with compressed air fixes it for free.
Comparison Table: Engine Bay Risk
| Action | Risk Level | Insurance Cover? |
| Pressure Washing | High | Yes (Garage Keepers) |
| Garden Hose Rinse | Medium | Yes |
| Steam Cleaning | Low | Yes |
| Hand Wipe Only | Zero | N/A |
Step-by-Step Action Plan
- Don’t Crank It: If it doesn’t start, stop. Cranking it can push water deeper or short more circuits.
- Dry It Out: Use a leaf blower or compressed air on every electrical connector you can see. Pull the coil packs and blow out the holes. Wait 2 hours. Try again.
- Call Mobile Tech: If it still fails, call a mobile diagnostician.
- File Claim if PCM is Dead: If the computer is fried, that’s a $2k claim. Use your Garage Keepers.
FAQ
Q: Should I leave the engine running while washing?
A: Controversial. It keeps water from settling, but can suck water into the intake if you aren’t careful. Most pros say engine cool, off, cover sensitive parts.
Q: Can I use degreaser?
A: Yes, but caustic degreasers can corrode aluminum connectors, causing electrical faults weeks later. Use safe APCs.
[IMAGE: Photo of a fuse box with water droplets inside the cover.]