I deperatley need help, I have a 1998 Honda Accord 2.3L VTEC, I just went and washed my engine, i coverd the ditributor cap and when i was finished it was running fine until i got about half a mile away from teh car wash and the engine started cutting out and my Check Engine Light is now flashing, could it be that something just got wet, or do i need to do somethine to keep it running? HELP Please!!!!!

 

find out what the light is for


work from there?

 

hi

What I would do first since you just power washed engine when this started is check for moisture in the distributor cap and in spark plug wells.
First remove dist cap and check for moisture (you can use dry cloth carefully to wipe any out). then put cap back on.
Second pull 1 plug wire at a time out, with light look down plug well for pool/moisture. If you find alot might be easy to used compressed air if you can get access to it. check the other plug wells one by one, don't remove more than one before replacing plug wire back .
If still missing then pull codes as noted by above poster .

PS: I hope you covered the alternator too as this shouldn't get drenched either.

LPED

 

Everytime I have had this happen I either park in a heated garage with the diz cap off or park outside when the sun is out.
If neither is an option, wipe as stated and get some moisture displacing spray.
Water will follow every wire and get in places you would never think of.

K

 

I agree with LPED. Usually check engine light flashing is due to a misfire. Probably something with distributor, wires or plugs. Make sure all that is good.

You all have a lot of faith. Id be terrified to pressure wash my engine bay. Good luck. Hope you get it figured out.

 

do you have an aftermarket intake? did you spray water in the intake? if it isnt the distributor cap, id suggest this. and for future reference, dont pressure wash your engine bay...lol...think of all those very VERY expensive electronics

 

i pressure wash my engine bay just cover dizzy and air filter. engine degreeser first, armor all the rubber and you have a new engine bay

 

aside from covering your cap.you should also cover your alternator and the plugs that cover your spark plug,my guess is that maybe water had found it's way into the spark plug,at times the spark plug cover has a tendency to pop loose,even when working with a high pressure hose---try replacing the plugs but before you do that take a dry shop rag to soak up any water that might still be in there,you would'nt want water going into your nice v-tec,after that reset your ecu