Went through a puddle, CEL is n, and rough idle

[specialfxn]

I have a 2004 Ranger XLT 3.0 and this morning on my way to work in the rain, I went through a large puddle. After, the idle was rough and it was rough getting going from a stop. Shortly after, my check engine light came on. I felt it was sluggish to accelerate. The CEL went off but the symptoms stayed the same. I went to reverse into my parking spot and it was even rougher getting going. Any thoughts?

 

[redneck_rainey]

Check to see If you baptised the air filter, I know that sounds stupid but my 01 has done it

sent while I should be working, or fixing something,,,

 

[swynx]

I've filled the air box with water going thru a puddle. Hydrolock

 

[specialfxn]

If it was hydrolock, would i be able to start it. It seems to start fine. Air filter was dry as a bone. I found little to no water under the hood at all. IT could have dried, but there was no signs of moisture. Oil looked clean as well. I will hook it up to my OBD II when and if I can get it home. Any more suggestions?

 

[black_demon69]

check coil pack for cracks and replace as necessary, also check wires

 

[specialfxn]

The truck ran great on the way home (about 11 miles going 40-45 mph). It stored the code P0303 indicating cyclinder 3 misfire. Could this be a one time thing? should I erase the code and see if it throws it again? Does it need immediate attention? Thanks a ton in advance!

 

[adsm08]

If the truck is running properly now go ahead and clear the codes. You will know if the problem comes back before the light comes on again.

It's possible that you just got water up under the boot on the plug wire and it was making it miss.

I have seen more than one used car run through the shop running perfectly, recon washes the engine bay and suddenly it has a misfire until we pull the plug wires or coils and dry the ends out.

 

[specialfxn]

Mahalo Nui Loa to everyone! It not easy finding good help on Maui. Thank goodness for forums. I'll update this thread if something else happens just in case someone goes through something similiar.

 

[Timmy!!!]

My expedition has done that exact same thing after going through a big puddle way to fast. Check engine light came on, it started beeping at me, and it started running really rough. The whole truck was shaking when I tried to accelerate. Ended getting water in my coil, just had to let it dry out and it was completely fine, zero problems since then and the check engine light went away on its own. Stay away from giant puddles

 

[Kelson_w]

my 88 ranger did that but whenever it would rain and it would have the same issues, i replaced my coil and the wires and it has solved my problem.

 

[85_Ranger_danger]

It may sound weird but that happened in my old 84 ramcharger. Turns out water got into my distributor and I took it apart and dried everything and it worked again.