Driving through a puddle in the rain the car shut off?

Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
  • MEMBER
  • 2007 HONDA CIVIC
  • 194,000 MILES
Drive on freeway and my car powered off when going into a puddle should I let it sit give it few days?
Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 AT 10:53 AM

15 Replies

Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
  • 109,755 POSTS
Hi,

How big was the puddle? As far as the no-start condition, the first thing I would think was affected is the crankshaft position sensor.

You may have to wait to see if something dries allowing it to start. However, I would at least disconnect the crankshaft position sensor and see if it is wet.

Also, let me know the model. Is it an LX, DX, GX, Si? Let me know if you checked fuses as well.

Let me know.

Joe
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 AT 5:31 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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The puddle was small, but my car is really low to the ground not too low, it's a two door, EX model. Yeah, I go and crank it, it makes a weird noise. I will check all fuses first thing in the morning tomorrow. I knew it might have been that, because the engine and everything else seemed fine. I will try to see if the crank shaft is wet.
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 AT 7:12 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

When you crank it, how would you best describe the noise? Also, is it possible for you to record it cranking and upload it for me to hear? If so, have a helper crank the engine while you have the hood up and record so I can hear it.

The idea that it makes a weird noise may indicate a different issue.

Let me know,

Joe
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Wednesday, November 9th, 2022 AT 8:46 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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It's a rapid clicking noise and yes, I can provide a video.
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 10:13 AM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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A rapid clicking usually indicates a weak battery. The water may have gotten to the alternator. Do me a favor. Try this simple battery load test and let me know what you find:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/car-battery-load-test

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 7:27 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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Here's the video:
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 7:42 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
  • MEMBER
  • 14 POSTS
There's power running though interior lights turn on headlights everything just won't start I sent video not sure if you were able to view it.
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 7:47 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
  • MECHANIC
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Hi,

I just watched the video, and it sounds like a weak battery. Do this. Turn the headlamps on and crank the engine. Do the lights get extremely dim? If they do, remove the battery and have it load-tested at a parts store. Most will do it for free.

If the battery is good, I'm questioning if the starter itself was damaged.

Let me know.

Joe
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 7:51 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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Okay, I will check if the lights are dim going back to my car and will have to remove my battery and take it to AutoZone to test it first thing after work tomorrow. I will keep you updated.
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 7:56 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

Sounds like a plan. Let me know what you find. Also, and this is just another thought, when you went through the puddle, did anything hit under the vehicle? If the battery is good and the starter is making that noise (and this is very unlikely) I wonder if something caused the engine to lock.

Regardless, let me know what you find. If the battery is good, confirm you can turn the engine by hand.

Take care,

Joe
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Thursday, November 10th, 2022 AT 8:02 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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Hi, no, I didn't hit anything and the lights flicker like there not working.
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 2:59 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
  • MEMBER
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Here's video not sure if you can see light flickering:
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 3:05 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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It was the battery after all worn out and bad. I appreciate the help.
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 8:05 PM
Tiny
JACOBANDNICKOLAS
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Hi,

No problem whatsoever. I'm glad you found the issue. I had a feeling that was the cause, but the timing of hitting the puddle was odd. LOL

Regardless, take care, and feel free to come back anytime in the future.

Joe
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Friday, November 11th, 2022 AT 9:54 PM
Tiny
STEVEN619HURT
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Thanks dude.
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Saturday, November 12th, 2022 AT 10:23 AM

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