What Causes Engine Shaking and Lack of Power After Driving Through Water?
2 Answers
Reasons for engine shaking and lack of power after driving through water: When a vehicle passes through water, a small amount of water may enter the high-voltage wires, causing poor ignition and the spark plug's high voltage to be supplied to the engine block. Below is relevant information: Common causes and solutions for engine shaking: 1. Dirty air filter: The air filter is designed to protect the engine and reduce wear, typically requiring replacement around 10,000 kilometers. If not replaced in time, insufficient air intake can cause low idle speed, leading to engine shaking. Simply replacing the filter can resolve this issue. 2. Broken high-voltage wire: A broken high-voltage wire refers to a break in the wire core, which can affect ignition and cause engine shaking. Use a multimeter to measure the resistance and replace the wire with significantly higher resistance (several times higher than normal).
Last time I drove through a deep water puddle, my engine started shaking and losing power. I figured water probably got into the intake system. I usually drive on mountain roads and try to avoid water accumulation, but that time the rain was too heavy to dodge. Water got sucked into the engine through the intake, with less air and more water, the spark plugs couldn't ignite properly, causing the cylinders to shake and lose power. It could also short-circuit electronic components, like the ignition coil or sensors failing when wet. I immediately stopped to check, avoiding staying in the water too long, and had it towed to the repair shop to clean the intake system and inspect the circuits. Remember to drive slowly and steadily through water, don't accelerate abruptly, as splashing is also dangerous. In the long run, regular maintenance of the air filter can reduce the risk of water intake. Safe driving is most important—if you notice anything unusual, deal with it immediately, don't push through.
