On Tuesday i cleaned out my engine bay and since that time my civic has been running so bad that i have had to drive my other civic.... For a few day the starter would even turn... My car was running very strong until i cleaned out under the hood. I disconnected the battery terminal and reset the car and the starter works now. However, my car still runs like crap. It lacks power and i am confused as to how a washing could make such a negative impact on my car. The timing seems off or something.... im not sure. The engines feels like it hesitates to the whole time and VTEC does not pull like it should.... I dont want to drive the car as i will probably mess it up more. Has anyone else run into this problem? What should i check on the car to fix this issue??? Let me know.
thanks,
Jordan

 

Water and electricity don't mix. Pressure-washing under the hood is generally not recommended. The high voltage parts of the ignition system are most likely to malfunction when wet.

If it's a model with distributor, take cap off and make sure it's dry inside. You may need new spark wires. Also pull the wires or coils out of the spark plug holes and check for water in there.

 

Its definitely a water with electronics issues. Clean any electrical terminals that you can, disconnecting and reconnecting wires. With the battery disconnected of course. Only do a low pressure cleaning of the engine and avoid anything electrical.