Fixing a Flood-Damaged Aston Martin: A Costly Repair Journey

TLDRThis video follows the author's journey to repair a flood-damaged Aston Martin, including the challenges faced, the attempt to fix it without the help of the dealer, and the ultimate need for dealer intervention. The repair costs exceeded $40,000, with the main issue being a water-damaged Central Electronics module (CEM). Despite the high costs and time spent, the author remains optimistic and determined to bring this special Aston Martin back to life.

Key insights

💦The flood damage to the Aston Martin resulted in a non-functioning Central Electronics Module (CEM), which controls many interior features and connects the car's Electronics to its mechanics.

🔧The author attempted to fix the flooded Aston Martin without the help of the dealer, using a used donor CEM from a Volvo as a replacement. However, due to programming issues, the car still had no signs of life.

💰The dealer provided a repair estimate of over $40,000, including the cost of a brand new CEM from Volvo. The high cost and the need for dealer intervention frustrated the author.

🚘The Aston Martin dealer declined further work on the flood-damaged car, forcing the author to seek alternative repair options.

🚧The author's attempts to fix the car were hindered by programming issues and the need for specialized diagnostic equipment, highlighting the challenges of repairing high-end luxury vehicles.

Q&A

What was the main issue with the flood-damaged Aston Martin?

The main issue was a water-damaged Central Electronics Module (CEM), which controls many interior features and connects the car's Electronics to its mechanics.

Did the attempt to fix the car without the dealer's help succeed?

No, the attempt to fix the flooded Aston Martin using a used donor CEM from a Volvo was unsuccessful due to programming issues.

How much did the repair cost?

The repair cost exceeded $40,000, including the cost of a brand new CEM from Volvo.

Why did the dealer decline further work on the car?

The dealer declined further work on the flood-damaged car, potentially due to the extent of the damage or the complexity of the repair.

What challenges did the author face in fixing the car?

The author faced challenges such as programming issues, the need for specialized diagnostic equipment, and the high cost of repairs.

Timestamped Summary

00:00The author introduces the video and explains the initial damage to the Aston Martin caused by flooding.

02:46The author attempts to fix the flooded Aston Martin without the help of the dealer, using a used donor CEM from a Volvo.

04:52The author discovers that the used donor CEM cannot be programmed to the Aston Martin, leading to frustration and the need for dealer intervention.

06:11The author prepares the car for the dealer appointment, but faces challenges such as a long wait time and the need for shuttle arrangements due to the lengthy programming process.

08:01The author flatbeds the car to the dealership and awaits the programming process, hoping for a successful repair.