Why after washing the engine the car twitches and stalls
Content
More often, after washing the engine, the car twitches and stalls when water gets inside the unit. The problem sometimes occurs when the contacts of the sensors are shorted from moisture.
A car wash improves the appearance and extends the trouble-free life of the car. Regular removal of dirt from the engine compartment prevents premature wear of parts and mechanisms. Sometimes after washing the engine, the car twitches and stalls. By following the safety rules for cleaning equipment, you can avoid trouble.
They washed the engine - the car stalls, reasons
The outer surfaces of the car, protected by paintwork and overlays, are resistant to moisture. But under the hood there are sensors and electrical equipment, damage to which causes a problem - the car stalls after washing.
Types of processing:
- Surface cleaning with pressurized water.
- Use of superheated steam supply devices.
- Wiping the engine compartment of a car with a wet sponge or rag.
- Cleaning using chemicals.
More often, after washing the engine, the car twitches and stalls when water gets inside the unit. The problem sometimes occurs when the contacts of the sensors are shorted from moisture. More often than other reasons, when the car stalls after washing the engine - tripling. Due to water seepage onto the cylinder head and into the candles, the unit starts to work unstably, with vibration. Therefore, it is better not to wash the equipment under the hood under pressure.
Jets during cleaning fall into hidden cavities, close the contacts. Moisture corrodes battery terminals. Loss of spark during ignition may affect starting. After washing the engine, the car twitches and stalls.
Symptoms of malfunctions after washing the unit:
- Idling failures, tripping in the engine.
- Starts fine, but after washing the car stalls.
- The consumption of gasoline for a trip increases sharply.
- The power of the car drops, the speed decreases on the rise.
- It is difficult to start the engine at any time of the year.
More often problems occur in winter and in wet weather. After washing the engine, the car twitches and stalls or smells of burnt insulation. And the resulting ice crystals can cause damage in hidden cavities.
Sensors usually stop working properly when chemicals are used to clean equipment under the hood. Wet candles during operation quickly become unusable. But the main cause of problems after engine compartment cleaning is inaccurate work.
What to do if the car stalled after washing
Trouble with the car when cleaning the engine compartment can occur immediately with an attempt to start the car. The main cause of failure is water, so it is necessary to remove excess moisture and dry the equipment.
Troubleshooting methods:
- Leave the car for a while in a warm room with the hood up.
- Wipe the equipment and wiring, dry the cavity with a hair dryer.
- Clean corrosion spots on terminals and contacts. Rinse gray deposits with clean water and dry immediately.
- If the car stalls after washing the engine, ventilate the spark plug wells.
With the advent of starting problems, the ignition system and starter are first checked.
Tips on what to do if the car stalls after washing the engine on the road:
- park your car indoors as soon as possible;
- inspect the engine compartment for moisture residues;
- wipe the battery terminals, contacts and wiring from water;
- warm up the car after starting for at least 3 minutes.
How to avoid the problem
The driver will not get the unpleasant consequences of washing the engine, observing safety precautions. Do not clean the engine compartment with a jet of water under pressure. Additionally, protect moisture-sensitive places - a generator, candle wells, bare contacts.
Before washing, prepare a set of materials and tools for cleaning the engine from oil and dirt. You need a clean rag, different sizes of brushes with handles. For a better effect, you can use chemical reagents designed for washing car engine compartment equipment. Work in a well-ventilated indoor area.
After cleaning the equipment, wipe down all exposed surfaces and cables. Leave the car until the final drying indoors.
If, after washing the engine, the machine twitches and stalls, then it is necessary to additionally treat the equipment with hot air. Blow out hidden cavities and candle wells from moisture. If the problem persists, it is better to ask for help in a car service.