What causes engine shaking after water exposure without stalling?

[VanEden]

Engine shaking after water exposure without stalling can be caused by: 1. Engine temperature too low: Rapid cooling after water immersion causes the engine to temporarily operate in a cold state similar to winter startup conditions, resulting in poor performance. Allow the engine to warm up. 2. Water ingress in engine: Contaminated lubricating oil due to water entry. Requires oil change. 3. Exhaust system malfunction: Water exposure may damage certain sensors in the exhaust system, causing ECU malfunction. Check ECU signals. 4. Intake system issue: If the air filter intake is positioned low, minor water ingress may occur, leading to poor engine air intake. Inspect air filter element. 5. Drivetrain problem: Water entering the transmission system primarily due to poor sealing. Requires transmission fluid replacement.

[Carolyn]

I encountered the same situation last time when driving through a puddle. The engine didn't stall but was shaking violently, and I initially thought the undercarriage was damaged. Later, the mechanic told me it might be because a small amount of water got sucked into the cylinders. It's like when a hose nozzle gets airlocked during car washing—if one cylinder ingests water, it won't operate smoothly. You should immediately check if there's water accumulation on the spark plugs or if the air filter is wet. Also, after going through water, check the engine oil level—if it appears cloudy, change it right away. This issue can range from minor to serious, so I suggest not delaying the fix for too long.

[ReeseMarie]

Last week, I encountered the same situation while driving in the rain. When a vehicle drives through water, if the air intake is positioned low, water can be sucked into the engine. Even a small amount of water in the cylinders can affect the compression ratio, causing one cylinder to malfunction. At this point, the exhaust pipe will emit white smoke in bursts, and the steering wheel will noticeably shake. Remember not to repeatedly press the accelerator, as this can easily cause the connecting rods to deform. It's best to call a tow truck to take the vehicle to a shop for inspection, remove the spark plugs to dry them, and measure whether the cylinder pressure is balanced. Afterward, a comprehensive check of the chassis wiring and the location of the ECU is also necessary.

[LeJune]

I've encountered this issue before. After driving through a waterlogged section, the car started to hesitate, and the RPM needle was jumping up and down. The mechanic said it's likely due to water causing a short circuit in the high-voltage wires or ignition coils, leading to misfiring in the spark plugs. Unstable exhaust pressure from the waterlogged section can also cause sudden increases in tailpipe pressure, resulting in shaking. It's important to dry all electrical connections as soon as possible and remove the throttle body to clean out any water. After repairs, pay attention to changes in the coolant temperature, as the cooling system might have also been contaminated with mud.

[VonBryce]

The car has been shaking non-stop since the last heavy rain. When driving through water, the splashes kicked up by the tires can be sucked into the turbocharger, causing the air-fuel mixture to become too lean momentarily and resulting in misfires. Additionally, water entering the air filter can block the air intake, leading to imbalance among the four cylinders. After driving through water, it's advisable to immediately inspect the air filter box and check for any water accumulation behind the throttle body. Don't underestimate this issue—water on the spark plug electrodes can easily corrode the ignition coils, potentially doubling the repair costs.