Leak/Rain Damage, cascade of problems!

[AV813]

My wife's experience with her new beetle has been less than good on several problems she has had with it. Although most I have been able to take care of... but now I am at a crossroads.

We went away on vacation for 10 days or so. During that time, at home, there was some torrential rain storms. I guess over the weeks before that, the bug developed a leak at the sunroof (still determining where).

When I got back home, the floor has been flooded, there was already mold growing. The roof material is starting to come undone. I moved it under our carport till so I can work on it and get it cleaned out. Been cleaning it out for a few weeks now. Got the interior in OK shape.

Now that I get it up and ready and go to crank it up. The engine won't even turn and I have an EPC and check engine light.

It is a 2000 Beetle GLS Turbo. Everything else turns on and works when turning the electrical on.

Here are my main questions...

1) As I have been researching the EPC could be many different problems, all requiring VW to diagnose properly? (I can't even drive it to Autozone to scan...)

2) With the damage to the interior, age and value or the care, and now possible electrical/mechanical problems... I have to check coverage, but if possible, should I just try to "total" the car through insurance? (KBB Value is $3500-4500).

Any advice or insight on possible problems/solutions would be GREATY appreciated.

[dnyed]

Your NB may have a clogged sunroof drain. This a common issue. It happened to me, and my hubby (now ex) unclogged it with a CAT-5 wire. Something small diameter like that will do.

You can see the drain, by opening the sunroof, and in each front corner, are the drains. It's usually the passenger side.

Get a good shopvac, get as much water out of the carpet, open doors/windows and put the car in a warm, dry place. A few good sized boxes of dehumidifier stuff, like baking soda, will also help.


Good luck to you!

[silverliquid1013]

I have a similar issue except that I've cleaned all the sunroof drains and the exits near the front of the car by the windshield and I'm still developing water somehow on my driver-side carpet. I've come to the conclusion that it must have something to do with the underbody coating wearing away in a certain area that allows water to enter.

[janitz]

People really love their beetle, however at this point with the amount of damage inside the vehicle, and having water likely inside the dash causing damage, and the age of the car, I would say that if you can get any money for the car it might be the best thing to do for you.

Time for a 2012 perhaps?