I just washed my engine and now I'm throwing a code. I was using a high pressure wash wand and was spraying around the fuel rail, filter etc. On the way back, I got a code. The code is 43 and that's malfunction in the fuel system, so what exactly does this code mean? Is it a mechanical or electrical malfunction? If it is electrical, what sensor could have messed up? If mechanical, what could have messed up? Thanks

 

It means you either got water in something or possibly shorted something out. Wait a while for all the water to evaporate from whatever you got it into then reset your ecu and start the car again in a few hours or so.

 

thanks man, I'll give that a shot.

 

you prolly got the injectors too wet... It's usually not a good Idea to pressure wash electronics.. I would run the engine till it is dry or use a hair drier... if you can get some of that electronics cleaner (basically brake cleaner) and wash use some of that on the electronic components that you soaked.. This might help in keeping rust to a minimum..

If you must wash electronics first make sure there is no power going to them. Then use only distilled water...

 

Don't run the motor when you have wet electronics or else you run the risk of shorting something out and/or blowing fuses.

 

well yeah but if he is already running it... yeah your prolly right.. good point.. Yeah bust out the hair drier...

 

washing a computer controlled vehical = bad idea! you should do it by hand with a rag!

 

For future reference, if you want to clean your motor here is what I use:

Spray can (the ones you use to spray for bugs) You put in all the water you want then you can control where the water is sprayed.

Simple Green For the easy to clean non-electrical parts. Such as any types of vacuum lines, or electrical wire looms. A brush helps to get the job done as well. When finished, rinse off with the water in your bug sprayer. Then just dry up with a shop towel.

Brake Parts Cleaner - For buildup on the block and such. Don't get this on any electrical devices. Like i said, this is primarily used to clean the block and metal parts of the motor. This stuff does strip paint, so be careful when using it.

Air compressor - to dry up any water on the motor or to just blow off any dirt particles that build up inside of the engine bay

 

also just to add one note... if you are going to wash you engine and you are going to use engine cleaner... like engine brite or similar. Don't use it anywhere near electrical components. That stuff must be fully rinsed off. Use the stuff Gude posted. They work better too...
Another thing that I used once but have not been able to find it again was a gas grill cleaner made for aluminum grills. I would not do this with the engine in the car though. If you do decide to use this stuff make sure you read the warnings because most of them say do not use on aluminum... But again this stuff must also be fully rinsed off..