98 civic w/ trouble due to H2o where to start
 

[align=left]Hello all---We just got some wicked rain in Indiana and a friend of mine drove her 98 civic through some high water.

Now what we got is: Car runs rough and headlights pulsate light,dark,light etc. Odo, and Speedo are spinning wildly.

What or where should we start with this one? Thanks to all for the help.
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RE: 98 civic w/ trouble due to H2o where to start
 

This doesn't sound good. First, disconnect the battery and don't run the car until you have attempted to dry and clean all electrical connectors and components that may have become wet. How high was the water level in the dash area and engine compartment? Did the under-dash and under-hood fuse/relay boxes and the ECU (computer located behind front passenger kick panel) get wet? The pulsation of the lights and odd behavior of the gauges is caused by electrical shorting of wet circuits. Disconnecting the battery will stop any further short term damage from occurring. In the long term, however, rust and corrosion may be an issue. Will your insurance cover this unfortunate event?

RE: 98 civic w/ trouble due to H2o where to start
 

How deep was the water? Cars that have been substantially submerged in a flood are often a total loss. (Then someone patches it up enough so it'll run for a week or so and sells it to an unfortunate buyer.)

In addition to disconnecting the battery until everything has dried out, also check the oil and transmission fluid for water contamination.