Why does the Odyssey not respond when starting after wading through water?
2 Answers
Odyssey not responding when starting after wading through water is caused by water-soaked and clogged air filter, water entering the exhaust pipe, or brake pad sticking. Below are the causes and solutions: Air filter clogged: After water enters the air filter, it causes the air filter to clog, resulting in insufficient engine air intake and thus lack of power and weak acceleration. The solution is to remove and replace the air filter. Exhaust pipe water ingress: When water submerges the exhaust pipe, some water will remain inside the pipe, affecting engine exhaust flow and consequently power. After the exhaust gases expel the water, the engine power will return to normal. Brake pad sticking: After driving through water, the brake pads and discs may rust and stick, creating resistance when driving. If the situation is not severe, the rust can be removed by the high temperatures generated during driving. If severe, new brake pads and discs need to be replaced.
No response after wading through water is quite common. Having worked in the auto repair shop for nearly ten years, I've encountered many similar cases, mostly due to water entering the electrical system. If water floods the air intake or wets the wiring, it can easily cause a short circuit or blow a fuse. Vehicles like the Odyssey with low ground clearance face higher risks when wading depth exceeds 20 cm. First, avoid forcing a start—try turning off all electrical devices and wait a few hours for the water to evaporate. Check battery connections for corrosion and dry them with a cloth. If it still doesn’t work, the air filter might be waterlogged and blocking the intake, or the starter motor could be damaged. After wading, if the engine sucks in water, it can cause hydrostatic lock, which is serious—requiring towing to a professional shop for disassembly. Daily driving advice: avoid rushing through waterlogged areas; detouring is safest. Otherwise, repairs can be costly and stressful. In short, first, be patient and let things dry. If that doesn’t work, seek help from a mechanic.
