Leon 1.9tdi won't start after a day of rain

[CGARD]

Hello I hope someone can help. Driving home the other night following a day of heavy rain and the anti-skid (ESP) warning light came on and the car stalled. Waited for a bit and the car started but would only tick over for a 30 seconds to a minute before stalling again. There was a strong continuous clicking noise coming from the back of the dashboard. This continued even when the keys were taken out of the ignition. After a rain free night, car started normally the next morning with no warning lights staying on and the clicking noise had gone. Did not take the risk of driving it though. More rain and the car will now won't start. There is evidence of water leaking into the driver's footwell and there has been a lot of condensation evident over the last few weeks. Has anyone experienced similar problems? Thanks.

 

[SteveD]

How old is your car?

 

[CGARD]

It was registered on 01/10/2004. Originally purchased in Southern Ireland then taken to Northern Island where it was registered. I have retained the NI plates. I suppose it's technically an import.

 

[P-torque.co.uk]

Check your ECU has not allowed any water in.

Its sits between your wipers, under splash guard. It should be set back and fairly dry around ECU

 

[CGARD]

Took the car to a local garage. They checked the ECU and there's no sign of water. However, water has leaked into the relay unit and there is corrosion evident which may have also affected the relays. The garage is going to dry and clean the unit/wiring and replace the relays as necessary. I wonder if this was the continuous clicking noise coming from the back of the dashboard?

What relays would be affected and are they costly?

The garage mentioned a big relay which they would have to get from Seat and two smaller ones that they could get from a motor factors.