Ok, crazy story! We had a really bad storm today in Houston, lots of thunder and lightning. I go out to the car, and a guy parked diagonally from me had his hood open and was trying to look at his fuses. Turns out his car wouldn't start at all (Ford Focus). So I go to put my bag in my trunk, and the trunk wouldn't open (weird!). So I get in the car and try to start the car, and it won't start! The steering wheel doesn't lower, the mirrors open when they shouldn't be opening.

After a few tries, the car started, but was really unstable, so I shut it off.

On top of that, the trim piece that is above the doors (runs length of roof) on the driver's side was just laying on the roof!

Long story short, waited two hours for a tow truck and finally got it home.

What could it be!? Seems like half of the electrical stuff is going hay-wire.

 

I think you're right - lightning strike. I wonder if that would be covered under a CPO warranty? I'd call my insurance company right away.

 

Called the insurance company this morning, and they're going to be covered. Adjuster came and totalled it right away! Crazy!

 

I was just going to say, because usually a car is pretty much ruled to have endless electrical problems after a lightning strike. How well would you say they appraised the vehicle in comparison to market value would you say?

 

I wonder if it would be appropriate to post the VIN to alert possible buyers here who may find your car for sale in the future at a to-good-to-be-believed price.

 

It will most likely have a salvage title. The car will not even work without replacing over a dozen or so ECU's at which would be too expensive to do so. Most likely stripped for trim and body panels before losing her to the crusher.

 

crazy.....

now I know when it's time to get rid of a car, but it's not time to sell it....stick a big lightning rod on it's roof...lol...

btw...how did they determine that it was actually lightning?

 

wow thats crazy hopefully they will give you a good value for your car

 

That would be the right thing to do, but...

 

Late update, but the insurance gave quite a bit of money. Car was replaced was replaced by a Certified '05 Flint Mica/Black with 44k miles!

 

Congrats, happy for you sir!! L.G.N.M

 

i was under the impression that car will be ok after watching the topgear episode.. i guess not. congrats on the replacement!

 

Here's a photo I forgot I took. Sad day...

 

sucks to hear about this...but glad u got a newer one lol.

damn i wish i coulda had ur headlights lol.

 

Lucky you! You ended up with the best looking, fastest, best gas mileage, most comfortable, most reliable, overall hottest LS version ever built!

j/k Glad to hear it turned out okay.