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
43,910

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.

21 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
50

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.

5 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful
130

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

13 people found this helpful.
Mark helpful

Your Answer:

Related Questions

Beetle

Looking for a Used Beetle in your area?

CarGurus has 155 nationwide Beetle listings starting at $712.

Postal Code:

Shortcuts

Search Volkswagen Beetle Questions

CarGurus Experts

  • #1
    tenspeed
    Reputation
    3,220
  • #2
    Chris Billings
    Reputation
    2,970
  • #3
    Deathjam4
    Reputation
    2,150
View All

Find great deals from top-rated dealers

Search

Related Models For Sale

Used MINI Cooper
36 Great Deals out of 616 listings starting at $1,999
Used Jeep Wrangler
145 Great Deals out of 5,071 listings starting at $5,450
Used Honda Civic
180 Great Deals out of 3,705 listings starting at $1,995
Used Ford Mustang
65 Great Deals out of 1,259 listings starting at $4,995
Used Toyota Camry
52 Great Deals out of 985 listings starting at $2,212
Used Toyota Corolla
108 Great Deals out of 2,035 listings starting at $2,795
Used Volkswagen Jetta
82 Great Deals out of 1,896 listings starting at $995
Used Volkswagen Eos
4 Great Deals out of 34 listings starting at $6,999
Used Ford F-150
321 Great Deals out of 14,968 listings starting at $1,712
Used Volkswagen Golf
26 Great Deals out of 444 listings starting at $3,987
Used Volkswagen Golf GTI
25 Great Deals out of 608 listings starting at $4,900
Used Chevrolet Corvette
29 Great Deals out of 1,060 listings starting at $15,871
Used BMW 3 Series
71 Great Deals out of 1,176 listings starting at $1,995
Used Mazda MX-5 Miata
3 Great Deals out of 65 listings starting at $7,995

Content submitted by Users is not endorsed by CarGurus, does not express the opinions of CarGurus, and should not be considered reviewed, screened, or approved by CarGurus. Please refer to CarGurus Terms of Use. Content will be removed if CarGurus becomes aware that it violates our policies.