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ZUKIWORLD Model Specific Suzuki Forum => Suzuki Grand Vitara, Vitara, Chevy Tracker (Gen. 2 Platform) 1999-2005 => Topic started by: eyb on September 29, 2009, 01:57:36 AM

Title: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on September 29, 2009, 01:57:36 AM
My 2001 grand vitara was unfortunate enough to be under water and oil sludge. It was parked in a basement parking of our dealership and due to the typhoon's flurry, mud and used oil mixed damaging my unit.

I dared did not start the engine, removed the negative battery terminal and was towed to one of our service bays.

What should I replace/check aside from changing all fluids (engine oi/filter, spark plugs, PS fluid, brake fluid, coolant, transfer case and diff oil, overhaul and clean the brakes, remove the carpet, seats, sidings. What am I supposed to look at and replace once the dashboard has been removed?
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: blacknight on September 29, 2009, 05:54:32 AM
Don't forget to pull a part the all the electrical plugs and clean them out too. 
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on September 29, 2009, 08:03:38 PM
Attached are photos of my damaged grand vit.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: blacknight on September 30, 2009, 05:52:11 AM
wow you have a lot of work ahead of you, or you could just leave it that way and get in to mudding  ::)
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: bzzr2 on September 30, 2009, 08:19:58 AM
that really sucks, hope you get it going and looking/smelling good again!
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: sir lance on September 30, 2009, 09:56:38 AM
i dont even want to think of the electrical nightmirrors that will present themselves over time......

Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on September 30, 2009, 11:23:46 PM
we are negotiating with the the insurance company to declare the unit "total loss" and credit me the insured value. What sir lance mentioned in his thread is quite true. I do not want to risk keeping the grand vit with just a superficial repair done on the electrical system. I would opt for the the "total loss" arrangement.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: fordem on October 14, 2009, 05:47:21 AM
If it was at the dealer when that happend then surely the dealer's insurance covers it?
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: Sn0vv on October 14, 2009, 08:17:08 PM
sorry to read and see your misfortune here.........clean her up and give her a chance..replace what need to be replaced
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on October 15, 2009, 07:20:26 PM
Thank you for all your comments. I decided to have the Grand Vit repaired instead. The dashboard and all the wiring harness are now disassembled
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on November 06, 2009, 03:42:37 AM
I am currently rebuilding my rig and have posted questions regarding the restoration. I need all the technical assistance I can get from al of you.  Thank you in advance. I just posted some questions.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: nprecon on November 08, 2009, 03:48:36 PM
I too am sorry to hear of your troubles with your truck.  I fully agree with some of the other posts here, though.  Don't allow your insurance company to short change you on repairs and/or replacement parts.  If your truck was soaked in salt water, the corrosion factor will cause all kinds of gremlins to chase down in the years to come. Don't neglect pulling the carpet out, power spraying and allow to air dry.  The electrical connectors under the seats, under the console and under the door sills will need attention as well.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on November 08, 2009, 06:19:18 PM
Hi Nprecon

Thank you for the advice. The while dashboars, electrical harness was taken off, all electrical connections were individually cleaned with contact cleaner. The carpet, seats and door sidings were also removed, sun dried, shampooed and detailed including the head liners , thou there is still a small hint of funny smell. How does one rid of the smell?

The ECM, spark plugs, oil filter, fuel filter, air cleaner and all engine fluids (ATF, engine oil, brake fluid, coolant) has been replaced already, while the brakes were bled and cleaned as well. The truck is now running but has a slight timing vibration. Carb cleaner will be used to flush the throttle body.

Still under negotiations with the insureanve company for replacment is the stereo, gauge cluster and aux fan.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: Toy Box on November 08, 2009, 06:53:15 PM
 Did you change the cabin filter ? And run a ozone in it.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on November 08, 2009, 07:07:54 PM
Hi Toy Box

Yes, the 2 pieces of micro filter was replaced also and the freon was also removed prior the disassembly of the dashboard and wiring harness.
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: Toy Box on November 08, 2009, 07:21:54 PM
Ozone machine Look in to them for gettin the smell out. rental yards have them
Title: Re: Philippine typhoon "ondoy" on my Grand Vitara V6 automatic
Post by: eyb on November 08, 2009, 11:43:08 PM
Hi Toy Box

Thanks for the info, may I know what an ozone machine is used for?