What is the reason for engine shaking but not stalling when a vehicle wades through water?
2 Answers
Vehicle wading through water causes engine shaking but not stalling for the following reasons: 1. Engine air filter element: When the vehicle enters water, a small amount of water enters the high-voltage wires, causing the engine air filter element to get wet. This increases intake resistance and allows water to enter the combustion chamber, leading to poor ignition system performance. 2. Exhaust: It could also be due to wading too deep, where water affects the exhaust outlet, impacting exhaust flow. The engine didn't stall probably because no water entered it. 3. Precautions: Avoid lifting the throttle to prevent water from entering the exhaust pipe and causing stalling. If the engine stalls midway, do not attempt to restart it or tow the vehicle in gear. Only tow it back to the repair shop in neutral.
I've repaired many waterlogged vehicles where the engine shakes but doesn't stall, usually due to small amounts of water entering the intake system or ignition components. When water gets into the air filter, it disrupts the air-fuel mixture ratio, causing uneven combustion and resulting in shaking. Moisture on spark plugs or ignition coils can also lead to unstable ignition. Additionally, short circuits in sensors like the mass airflow sensor may send incorrect data, causing the ECU to make faulty adjustments. After driving through water, immediately stop to check spark plugs and filters, drying any moisture found. In severe cases, parts may need replacement to prevent internal rust or corrosion. Remember to keep speed below 10 km/h when wading, and avoid water deeper than the wheel hub height. Prevention is key—otherwise, engine repairs can be extremely costly.
