Flooded 2018 Tacoma

I bought a 2018 Tacoma a couple of weeks ago. It had 8 miles on it and had been in a flood. Fresh water, at least. I inspected it before I bought it and it didn't smell and was otherwise brand new, dealer sticker on the window, clean all over. Some condensation in the interior, it got pretty wet. Maybe very wet. But the fluids all looked good, the windows worked, the engine turned over. What's the worst that could happen. Plus it's a $38,000 truck I bought for $15.

So far I love this truck. Except for one thing. It won't start. It will turn over. And turn over. And turn over. Nothing. The alarm comes on and flashes and I don't think the gas gets to the engine. Sometimes the engine lights come on, sometimes they don't. The key does not lock or unlock the door locks except if I insert it into the door. But only the driver's lock works that way.

I know, I know. I might have done something stupid. But maybe, maybe, just maybe not. It's a six speed. Not too common. I'd like to get it going and then, sadly, give it to my son. He doesn't know that. He just thinks I threw away $15K. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

@Jamesboy2233

You have experience with flooded Tacomas!

 

Might want to link this into the 3rd gen section instead of the 2nd gen section.

In regards to it not cranking over, taking it to a mechanic may be to your advantage for a diagnosis of such. once you get the list of issues, then you could evaluate whether each item can be done by yourself or may need a more skilled individual.

 

Put the truck in a really large box of rice. Worked for my iPhone when I dropped it in the toilet.

 

Put a dehumidifier in it, close the doors/windows and run it constantly . Keep drain pan clear, or run tube out a plug in the floor.

#1 priority is to get it DRY!

I’m the meantime, doublecheck all fluids. Hook a code reader up to it to see if it can communicate with the ECU. If so, it might be ok.

After it’s completely dry, run an ozone machine in it for a week. Turn on the vents (set on recirculate) and get that ozone through the HVAC to remove any potential odors.