Drove through standing water (by accident) and now Check Engine Light is on

Asked by MeganMcVay Nov 27, 2018 at 01:36 PM about the 2008 Volkswagen Beetle

Question type: Maintenance & Repair

So last night, I was detoured several times due to flooding, but I still managed to drive through standing water.  After I drove through the water last night, my check engine light started flashing.  As I continued to drive home, which wasn't far, the light stopped flashing and just stayed on.  This morning, the same thing happened on my way to work; the light began flashing again, then stayed on.  The car is a 2008 new beetle, automatic, but it felt as if it was going to stall out like a manual.  Did I get something wet on the inside?  Should I wait it out and see if it dries out?

3 Answers
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Hornet_2497 answered 5 years ago

The water is probably what caused this to happen and it will probably resolve itself as the engine heat dries things out. The check engine light detected a misfire caused by the wet ignition. You can scan for codes to get more specific. Also, a scanner can cancel the check engine light so you can see if the problem comes back, or you may feel a misfire. It's no surprise this engine doesn't like water as they have the ignition coil mounted low on the back side of the block where things get real wet. And yes, it will probably dry out.

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Tom answered 4 years ago

Its annoying, huh? we drove through some heavy rain about 3 months ago, after several trips it cleared, but now if I so much as drive over some moisture the damn thing comes on. Next trip in for maintenance have them check it out for you, or go down to auto zone or someplace and get a code reader. easy to use and you can reset it. or see what going on with your engine.

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GuruRF1PJ answered 4 years ago

i was driving last night and went through a puddle a bit too fast and my car ended up cutting out, went back to it in the morning, it started was running fine then the engine light came on and only let me do 1000 revs can anyone help me

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