What Are the Causes of Idle Shaking After a Car Goes Through Water?
1 Answers
After a car goes through water, the engine may experience idle shaking due to a small amount of water entering the high-voltage wires, causing poor ignition system performance, or water entering the exhaust outlet. When a small amount of water enters the high-voltage wires, it can soak the air filter element, increasing intake resistance and allowing water to enter the combustion chamber. This leads to poor ignition system performance, and in severe cases, the spark plugs may fail to ignite, causing the engine to shake at idle or even stall. Water entering the exhaust outlet: Open the hood and remove the air filter to check if the filter is wet, as a wet filter can cause the engine to shake at idle. If the interior is dry, the car can be used safely. If the filter is wet, it should be replaced promptly, and the intake tract should be checked for water droplets or moisture. Precautions for driving through water: When driving through water, shift to 1st or 2nd gear in advance and maintain high throttle to pass through. If the water submerges the exhaust pipe, power will drop significantly. If accelerating doesn't help, maintain high throttle without shifting gears midway. After passing through, stop in neutral, then press the accelerator deeply several times to expel water from the exhaust pipe. Before driving again, press the brakes several times to ensure they are functioning properly.
