Does a non-responsive second ignition after wading count as a second ignition?
2 Answers
Not necessarily. If the vehicle stalls during wading, do not attempt to restart it immediately. There are two possible outcomes of a second ignition: 1. No impact: The engine may still start after wading, but if water enters the air filter, the engine may ingest some moisture, forming steam. The mixture of water vapor and gasoline can burn completely, causing minimal damage to the engine. 2. Negative impact: If a small amount of water enters the engine and mixes with the oil, the oil quality will deteriorate. Water in the oil can increase wear on engine components, potentially leading to louder noise and greater vibration while driving.
I used to work in an auto repair shop, and attempting to start the engine after water exposure definitely counts as a second ignition attempt. Simply turning the key or pressing the ignition button activates the starting system, which constitutes one ignition attempt—even if the car doesn’t respond. After stalling in water, liquid may enter the exhaust or intake system, blocking the engine and interrupting the ignition signal, which is why the starter won’t engage. But don’t underestimate the issue—it can cause chain damage to the engine, such as hydro-locking the pistons due to water in the cylinders, potentially leading to repair costs in the tens of thousands. My advice: if the car stalls in water, immediately shut off the power and call a tow truck—never risk restarting it. For deep water crossings, maintain a slow, steady speed to prevent stalling in the first place.
