Help Help *wrx Wont Start* Help Help

[hawaiifosho]

So i am new to the Subaru game, i just bought my wrx less than a month ago and i love it. its a 2004 Wrx wagon 2.0. I recently took it off roading and she handled like a dream. Went to cross a river and realized that AWD is not quite 4X4. the car got stuck in the water and water got into the car. It was up to the door and water slowly started leaking in, i freaked out and got help from a friend who pulled me out with his truck. the whole driver side cabin was filled with water, a little on the passenger side but not as much as the other. the car ran fine while in the water as i did not shut it off to prevent water from entering the exhaust. Less than a minute after being rescued from the river the car stalled and did not start. had to tow home. got home and tried several times to start it but no luck. the car turns over fine just doesn't fire.

first issue the fuel pump was not priming when i turned the key, thought it might be the relay and had that checked, it worked fine. ran a direct wire to the fuel pump to check if that went out, and it worked fine.

then went with the OBD II scanner to see if anything came up and it did not link the connection. strange to not connect i have never seen that before.

thought it might be the ECU since its on the passenger side floor which wasn't flooded like the driver side but had a little moisture when i removed the kick panel and took out the unit. Went with a blow dryer and gave it a nice dry just in case, even though it wasnt wet. thought it was at least worth a try. didnt work. plugged in the OBD scanner and still no connection.

Thinking maybe the ECU shorted or something happened with that. just wanted to post and see if anyone had any advice. please help i cant be leaving my subie parked when she's meant to be on the streets.

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[scooby578]

First off wtf were you thinking..

Now to the question, have you checked all the fuses?
There is one relay that might have gone bad witch is the main relay its on th passenger side behind the kick panel it is dark brown.

If one of the fuses in the fuse box under the hood (that is a 30 i believe its right next to your window fuse) is blown thats your problem..

[subaru1773]

did the ecu get any water near it if so take it out and check it also if motor was in water check ur coil packs water could shorted them out

[Zachfeen]

OBD not connecting is bad news. Check fuses and if nothing surfaces there, I suspect the ECU might be hurt You can pull it out and take a hair drier to it to try to dry it better. Otherwise take it to a dealer/shop and get it looked at by a pro

[reaves99]

I can't figure out why your having these issues. The 2004 wagon typically respond great when you treat it like a submarine.

[Jubert69]

[Steeldon]

Originally Posted by reaves99

I can't figure out why your having these issues. The 2004 wagon typically respond great when you treat it like a submarine.

I know I take my 2004 WRX sedan through rivers all time I don't know what could be the problem lol.

[furiouswrx]

::facepalm::

I hope you're just a troll because it would be incredibly sad to see a WRX mistreated like this.

[God]

It's a ****ing economy car you douche.

[GL 07STi]

I saw a camaro cross that same river, but then again those are boats.

[hawaiifosho]

I think I might have fried my ecu. When I turn my ignition on I don't hear the fuel pump prime, the car cranks over but doesn't start. When i plug into test mode the check engine doesn't blink at all and the car still doesn't start.

I had water damage in the drivers and passengers footwell from flooding.

Took out the ECU and the carpeting was damp, not quite wet. And no visible water damage around the ecu or wires, but it was close.

When I plug in my OBD II scanner it reads "cannot link connection"

what are some of the symptoms of a fried ecu?
how can i check to see if the ecu has gone bad before buying a new one?
also, any advise on something to check on? I'm narrowing down my conclusion to the ECU, but open to ideas. thanks!!

[TFBHTMFSNE]

Originally Posted by hawaiifosho

please help i cant be leaving my subie parked when she's meant to be on the streets.

Well, at least you've learned that.

Now, on to your problem. Obtain the proper wiring diagrams for the engine control system, and the Input/Output (I/O) chart for the ECU. Your best bet is to pay for a one day subscription on Subaru for access to the service manuals, and download the whole thing.

Check all your power supplies and grounds for the ECU. As others have stated, you probably shorted something out and blew a fuse. If all the power and ground signals are there and there is no communication with the ECU, well, they don't like water.