Rolled my Yukon! Need advice!
July 11th, 2014, 11:52 AM
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Rolled my Yukon! Need advice!
Long story short I rolled my Yukon yesterday around 4pm.
luckily I wasnt moving very fast, i avoided a collision on the highway, drove down into the median (read slid down into the median via wet grass and mud), came almost to a complete stop, then the wheels sank in, and it slowly tipped over onto the drivers side of the vehicle in a swamp/muck area. If you have never been in this position, I will tell you, it is excruciating how long it seems to take for the thing to go from upright to on its side. I had half my body in the passenger seat by the time it actually landed on its side.
There is no damage to the body, no airbags went off, the only physical damage was a broken rear drivers door window that broke when my laptop fell on it. Even the window mirror on the drivers side door is undamaged. The front of the vehicle was in about 6 inches of muddy water, the rear end was not submerged at all.
All in all, my cell phone, laptop, and drycleaning were ruined by the water entering the vehicle, as well as some signed witness statements. (the boss is not happy, neither is my bank account).
It was on its side for approx 20-30 minutes, and was tipped back on to its wheels (a roll back winched it from the passenger side frame rails). The cop suggested i drive it out to save some cash, but the tow truck operator said it wasn't worth the risk since the fluids had all shifted, and if it did start, i would be risking damage. I had them drag it out by the tow hooks on the front (in Neutral), and winch it up on to the truck. $480 later, it was in my driveway.
I plan on a full damage assessment (check cv axles etc) but I have it all a good look yesterday, and due to the slow motion tip over, I think/hope I'm in fairly decent shape as far as physical damage goes.
Now on to the fluids issue. I have never been in this spot before, but my gut tells me that i should change out the engine oil, tranny fluid, coolant, and differentials, flushing where possible, before even trying to start the vehicle. I should note that could smell a hint of gear oil (not sure if it was tranny or otherwise, the tow truck driver said it wasn't tranny, but that's what it smelled like to me) when it was on its side, so i am thinking it must have leaked out of a vent somewhere? I let the vehicle sit overnight without touching anything, so it should be as settled as its going to be by this evening.
As far as my skill level goes, I am no excuse for a mechanic, but i do all my own work, ranging from body work, to paint, to mechanical. I've replaced or rebuilt almost every possible part on a vehicle including engines (with assistance), a transmission, axles, suspension, rear ends, a couple hundred wheel bearings, etc. You name it, I've probably been there on this vehicle or another. To be honest I don't fully understand how everything necessarily functions, but i can follow instructions and I like to think i can understand the main concepts of how things work.
What i would like to do is take a crack at it myself before getting insurance involved, as I am very hopeful that i can have it back up and running for under a grand if my math is right (including a detail to get the swamp water out of the interior). That is if the wiring in the drivers side door and surrounding areas survived the submersion. Electrical problems i realize are likely, and could spell the end for me, but i am keeping my fingers crossed.
Has anyone ever rolled one of these things before, or repaired one that a less fortunate individual had rolled? What scares me about trying to get this thing back on the road is what i may not know about the vehicle, or about vehicles that had rested on their side in general.
I have spent some good time searching the web for tips, etc, and think i have the basics down, but I'm sure there is a lot out there that I don't know, and I am very concerned that learning the hard way could lead to a nightmare down the road.
So, here is my plan of action, I would really really appreciate it if anyone had anything to add, whether specific to Tahoes, or tipped vehicles in general.
1 - Change engine oil
2 - Flush coolant
3 - Change tranny fluid
4 - Change diff fluids
5 - See if it starts/runs
6 - figure out how to get the swamp water smell out
7 - replace window
I apologize for spelling, grammar, etc. as I am using a laptop from 2002, since i ruined my brand new laptop in the incident, and half the keyboard keys don't always work (shift and space being the biggest offenders).
It's pretty clear to me that I wont be towing my boat to the fishing trip I've had planned for months that was supposed to happen today, but I would like to be proactive in getting this thing fixed, as the last thing i want to do is let it sit full of swamp water with a trashbag over the window for a month.
Again, I really really appreciate any advice anyone can give me, with all the items i lost in the incident, i cant afford to pay a shop to handle this, and frankly I don't know any I trust for such a laundry list of potential complications. I have a guy who i may pay to change the tranny and diff fluids, if i think it will make it the few miles to his shop without any damage. I haven't changed those fluids on this truck, and the mess/aggravation/learning curve might not be worth it since he will let me bring my own fluids, and change them out cheap - plus he has a lift.
mods - as this is my first post, I believe i have followed all the rules, however if I need to move, edit, or otherwise change this post, please just let me know and I will do so.
Vehicle info - 5.3L 2002 Yukon XL
luckily I wasnt moving very fast, i avoided a collision on the highway, drove down into the median (read slid down into the median via wet grass and mud), came almost to a complete stop, then the wheels sank in, and it slowly tipped over onto the drivers side of the vehicle in a swamp/muck area. If you have never been in this position, I will tell you, it is excruciating how long it seems to take for the thing to go from upright to on its side. I had half my body in the passenger seat by the time it actually landed on its side.
There is no damage to the body, no airbags went off, the only physical damage was a broken rear drivers door window that broke when my laptop fell on it. Even the window mirror on the drivers side door is undamaged. The front of the vehicle was in about 6 inches of muddy water, the rear end was not submerged at all.
All in all, my cell phone, laptop, and drycleaning were ruined by the water entering the vehicle, as well as some signed witness statements. (the boss is not happy, neither is my bank account).
It was on its side for approx 20-30 minutes, and was tipped back on to its wheels (a roll back winched it from the passenger side frame rails). The cop suggested i drive it out to save some cash, but the tow truck operator said it wasn't worth the risk since the fluids had all shifted, and if it did start, i would be risking damage. I had them drag it out by the tow hooks on the front (in Neutral), and winch it up on to the truck. $480 later, it was in my driveway.
I plan on a full damage assessment (check cv axles etc) but I have it all a good look yesterday, and due to the slow motion tip over, I think/hope I'm in fairly decent shape as far as physical damage goes.
Now on to the fluids issue. I have never been in this spot before, but my gut tells me that i should change out the engine oil, tranny fluid, coolant, and differentials, flushing where possible, before even trying to start the vehicle. I should note that could smell a hint of gear oil (not sure if it was tranny or otherwise, the tow truck driver said it wasn't tranny, but that's what it smelled like to me) when it was on its side, so i am thinking it must have leaked out of a vent somewhere? I let the vehicle sit overnight without touching anything, so it should be as settled as its going to be by this evening.
As far as my skill level goes, I am no excuse for a mechanic, but i do all my own work, ranging from body work, to paint, to mechanical. I've replaced or rebuilt almost every possible part on a vehicle including engines (with assistance), a transmission, axles, suspension, rear ends, a couple hundred wheel bearings, etc. You name it, I've probably been there on this vehicle or another. To be honest I don't fully understand how everything necessarily functions, but i can follow instructions and I like to think i can understand the main concepts of how things work.
What i would like to do is take a crack at it myself before getting insurance involved, as I am very hopeful that i can have it back up and running for under a grand if my math is right (including a detail to get the swamp water out of the interior). That is if the wiring in the drivers side door and surrounding areas survived the submersion. Electrical problems i realize are likely, and could spell the end for me, but i am keeping my fingers crossed.
Has anyone ever rolled one of these things before, or repaired one that a less fortunate individual had rolled? What scares me about trying to get this thing back on the road is what i may not know about the vehicle, or about vehicles that had rested on their side in general.
I have spent some good time searching the web for tips, etc, and think i have the basics down, but I'm sure there is a lot out there that I don't know, and I am very concerned that learning the hard way could lead to a nightmare down the road.
So, here is my plan of action, I would really really appreciate it if anyone had anything to add, whether specific to Tahoes, or tipped vehicles in general.
1 - Change engine oil
2 - Flush coolant
3 - Change tranny fluid
4 - Change diff fluids
5 - See if it starts/runs
6 - figure out how to get the swamp water smell out
7 - replace window
I apologize for spelling, grammar, etc. as I am using a laptop from 2002, since i ruined my brand new laptop in the incident, and half the keyboard keys don't always work (shift and space being the biggest offenders).
It's pretty clear to me that I wont be towing my boat to the fishing trip I've had planned for months that was supposed to happen today, but I would like to be proactive in getting this thing fixed, as the last thing i want to do is let it sit full of swamp water with a trashbag over the window for a month.
Again, I really really appreciate any advice anyone can give me, with all the items i lost in the incident, i cant afford to pay a shop to handle this, and frankly I don't know any I trust for such a laundry list of potential complications. I have a guy who i may pay to change the tranny and diff fluids, if i think it will make it the few miles to his shop without any damage. I haven't changed those fluids on this truck, and the mess/aggravation/learning curve might not be worth it since he will let me bring my own fluids, and change them out cheap - plus he has a lift.
mods - as this is my first post, I believe i have followed all the rules, however if I need to move, edit, or otherwise change this post, please just let me know and I will do so.
Vehicle info - 5.3L 2002 Yukon XL
July 11th, 2014, 12:39 PM
#2
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Welcome to the forum and glad to hear you are okay and the vehicle recovered well...
I'm not the expert in the matter but I can give my opinion....
Yes fluids can move into places but really the only one of real concern I would think is the oil...
coolant is not going to drain anywhere but out of the overflow as its a close system and in theory should work upside down or sideways....
transmission same thing, it may have drained out some via the fill tube or the case vent but non issue other then being low...
same for diff fluid it may have lost some due to running out vent tube....
Don't go overboard ! you can introduce more problems by attacking every conceivable scenario....if it looks like something has lost fluid then address it but do them one at a time as needed....
Let the vehicle sit upright for several hours, check the oil level....
adjust as needed and I say start her up....
The tow guy was partially right but also was using fear to get you to have him tow you for a hefty bill.... hopefully your insurance will reimburse you....
I'm not the expert in the matter but I can give my opinion....
Yes fluids can move into places but really the only one of real concern I would think is the oil...
coolant is not going to drain anywhere but out of the overflow as its a close system and in theory should work upside down or sideways....
transmission same thing, it may have drained out some via the fill tube or the case vent but non issue other then being low...
same for diff fluid it may have lost some due to running out vent tube....
Don't go overboard ! you can introduce more problems by attacking every conceivable scenario....if it looks like something has lost fluid then address it but do them one at a time as needed....
Let the vehicle sit upright for several hours, check the oil level....
adjust as needed and I say start her up....
The tow guy was partially right but also was using fear to get you to have him tow you for a hefty bill.... hopefully your insurance will reimburse you....
July 11th, 2014, 1:24 PM
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Thanks for the quick reply and words of assurance. I'm sure the tow driver wanted to get his 55 mile tow out of the deal, but I was going to give it to him anyways as I was on a major highway, i couldn't let it sit there for the fluids to settle by law.
I did a little research and realized there is a dipstick under the hood for transmission fluid level, what a relief that is. The mountaineer I had before this didn't believe in such things even though it was a newer model year.
I don't keep comprehensive on the truck as it is my second vehicle, I don't owe on it, and I rarely use it for anything outside of fishing trips or moving the occasional building supply or refrigerator. Lesson learned. Better off over insured than under insured. Then I wouldn't be buying phone, laptop, and suits out of my own pocket right now, not to mention repair costs.
I will start with replacing engine oil and try to start her up and see what happens. Should I be worried about fouled plugs?
What about burn off from oil getting into strange places, would it be wise to disco the exhaust before the cat to avoid any issues with burning oil? Or am I buying trouble there? I live in NY. This truck may as well be named Trusty Rusty, so if oil burn off isn't a risk to the cat, I'd rather not start snapping heads off of bolts.
I did a little research and realized there is a dipstick under the hood for transmission fluid level, what a relief that is. The mountaineer I had before this didn't believe in such things even though it was a newer model year.
I don't keep comprehensive on the truck as it is my second vehicle, I don't owe on it, and I rarely use it for anything outside of fishing trips or moving the occasional building supply or refrigerator. Lesson learned. Better off over insured than under insured. Then I wouldn't be buying phone, laptop, and suits out of my own pocket right now, not to mention repair costs.
I will start with replacing engine oil and try to start her up and see what happens. Should I be worried about fouled plugs?
What about burn off from oil getting into strange places, would it be wise to disco the exhaust before the cat to avoid any issues with burning oil? Or am I buying trouble there? I live in NY. This truck may as well be named Trusty Rusty, so if oil burn off isn't a risk to the cat, I'd rather not start snapping heads off of bolts.
July 11th, 2014, 2:14 PM
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I'm thinking if fluids moved to new places while on its side, they went back when put right side up for the same amount of time. The engines I've seen after a stunt like yours did smoke and cleared right up in minute or two. I'd focus on the swamp water smell. The electrical in the door should be fine after it dries out. The power buttons on the door may need to be double pushed to knock off any dried residue on the contacts. Here we drive through rivers up to the cowl for fun. Things get wet and dry out just fine. Just don't run water into the engine air intake, bad things happen then.
P.S. Glad your ok. And yes you did witness what felt like time slowing down. The mind is amazing in an emergency, like high speed photography.
P.S. Glad your ok. And yes you did witness what felt like time slowing down. The mind is amazing in an emergency, like high speed photography.
Last edited by BW56; July 11th, 2014 at 2:22 PM. Reason: P.S.
July 11th, 2014, 2:31 PM
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I agree with BW56 any oil that ran up into the cylinders above the piston head will drain right back down after a few hours of sitting, there may be some fouling but it will likely burn off....
I wouldn't bother disconnecting the exhaust, that is creating more potential problems then just letting the catalyst deal with a short bout of gas and oil, that's its job anyway, as long as its a very short period to deal with it , it will just burn it off...
If you are willing to put the effort into restoring the vehicle, I'd pull out the carpet and clean it, and throw out the jute (padding) and replace with new....
The electronics in the door like the speaker may need to be replaced, the switch like BW56 said may recover on its own, though removing the door panel and cleaning the window track and lubing it and the door latch/lock assembly with with lithium grease...
I wouldn't bother disconnecting the exhaust, that is creating more potential problems then just letting the catalyst deal with a short bout of gas and oil, that's its job anyway, as long as its a very short period to deal with it , it will just burn it off...
If you are willing to put the effort into restoring the vehicle, I'd pull out the carpet and clean it, and throw out the jute (padding) and replace with new....
The electronics in the door like the speaker may need to be replaced, the switch like BW56 said may recover on its own, though removing the door panel and cleaning the window track and lubing it and the door latch/lock assembly with with lithium grease...
July 11th, 2014, 2:48 PM
#6
nope
nuts to that. I have a $500 deductible. who knows what all could go wrong/be wrong.
have the insurance company make it look brand new again... you could be opening Pandora's box here.
I'm all about fixing stuff myself as well, but this is why you have insurance... let them deal w/it.
also.. photos would help.
have the insurance company make it look brand new again... you could be opening Pandora's box here.
I'm all about fixing stuff myself as well, but this is why you have insurance... let them deal w/it.
also.. photos would help.
Last edited by SabrToothSqrl; July 11th, 2014 at 2:50 PM.
July 11th, 2014, 6:31 PM
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So I changed the oil, and removed the window switches which were full of water, dried them, and isopropyl alcd them (they were unrecognizable due to mud, I could hear them popping when I put the key in. The isopropyl bath did the trick on the swithes, however I still have very concerning electrical problems.
The truck started right up, didn't miss a beat, and smoked like all hell, but the engine ran just fine. I didn't let all the smoke clear out, due to being in a neighborhood and it engulfed the neighbors house...
after two minutes, I turned the key off and pulled it out of the ignition, but to my surprise, the engine was still running! Obviously there are some demons in the electrical, in a major way. The fuse box on the drivers side of the engine bay looks like it got some mud seepage in it, which I think may be at the root of my issue. Does anyone have any experience with that issue?
I didn't try to move it since one of the tires went flat overnight, I'm hoping the seal started to leak when they flipped it back over, otherwise it was a victim of the windows glass shards.
I did throw a foot on the brake and switch it into reverse, which it seemed to do pretty easily, but I noticed a slight clunk so I threw it back in park and figured I'd deal with the window and mess around with the electrical tonight, look into the Trans fluid level, then throw the spare tire on and try the maiden voyage tomorrow.
Forgot to add - the Trans fluid read high after the two minute idle, but it wasn't even slightly warm, so I guess that's no surprise.
The truck started right up, didn't miss a beat, and smoked like all hell, but the engine ran just fine. I didn't let all the smoke clear out, due to being in a neighborhood and it engulfed the neighbors house...
after two minutes, I turned the key off and pulled it out of the ignition, but to my surprise, the engine was still running! Obviously there are some demons in the electrical, in a major way. The fuse box on the drivers side of the engine bay looks like it got some mud seepage in it, which I think may be at the root of my issue. Does anyone have any experience with that issue?
I didn't try to move it since one of the tires went flat overnight, I'm hoping the seal started to leak when they flipped it back over, otherwise it was a victim of the windows glass shards.
I did throw a foot on the brake and switch it into reverse, which it seemed to do pretty easily, but I noticed a slight clunk so I threw it back in park and figured I'd deal with the window and mess around with the electrical tonight, look into the Trans fluid level, then throw the spare tire on and try the maiden voyage tomorrow.
Forgot to add - the Trans fluid read high after the two minute idle, but it wasn't even slightly warm, so I guess that's no surprise.
Last edited by 2002yukonxl; July 11th, 2014 at 6:42 PM.
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July 11th, 2014, 9:32 PM
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nuts to that. I have a $500 deductible. who knows what all could go wrong/be wrong.
have the insurance company make it look brand new again... you could be opening Pandora's box here.
I'm all about fixing stuff myself as well, but this is why you have insurance... let them deal w/it.
also.. photos would help.
have the insurance company make it look brand new again... you could be opening Pandora's box here.
I'm all about fixing stuff myself as well, but this is why you have insurance... let them deal w/it.
also.. photos would help.
July 11th, 2014, 10:09 PM
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July 11th, 2014, 10:23 PM
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The isopropyl may be your best bet for cleaning up the electronics/electrical connections as it has the added benefit of evaporating quickly and non staining...keep us posted on the progress!