How to Deal with the Water Ingress Warning Light?
2 Answers
When the warning light is illuminated, it indicates that a sensor is not receiving a signal or a certain actuator is damaged. A simple solution is to disconnect the negative terminal of the battery. Use an automotive diagnostic scanner to read the fault code and identify the issue, then proceed with repairs based on the fault code.
When the water ingress warning light comes on, I don't dare to take it lightly, especially after experiencing a similar situation before. That time, I was driving through floodwater during a heavy rainstorm, and the light came on shortly after, probably because water got under the car and affected the sensors or wiring. I immediately pulled over, turned off the engine, and checked for safety around me, avoiding further driving to prevent deeper water ingress that could damage the engine or electrical system. Then, I found a place to let the car dry out, but I absolutely avoided dismantling anything myself, like opening the air filter to check for moisture—that requires professional tools. After waiting a few hours or even a day, if the light went off, I'd try driving again. If it stayed on, I'd call a tow truck to take the car to a repair shop right away. A warning light after driving through water might hide more serious issues, like transmission damage, so I always remind myself to check water depth in advance and avoid exceeding the midpoint of the wheel hubs. Safe driving is key, so I go slowly through any water to minimize splash impact.
