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CEL frenzy, after driving through standing water

8054 Views 11 Replies 5 Participants Last post by  subiesailor
New to SubaruOutback.org. I have 2010 Outback 3.6 and 2017 Legacy 3.6. Outback is my swiss army knife and has weathered blizzards, hurricanes and nor-easters without a single issue till now.

Reading forum about Engine, Cruise, Brake Christmas Tree effect on forum. I had to run through a 4-5" of standing LI Sound water with Outback today after NorEaster and started getting the Christmas tree light effect. AGM Battery 1 mo old and gas cap tight so those are not issues. Car was running rough after passing through water and the idiot lights came on. Checked air box and battery cables and everything is fine. Car has since "dried out" and engine seems to be running fine.

Has anyone had similar issues after running through standing water? Unfortunately, passing thru standing water from storms is getting to be a regular fact of life where I live on Long Island and won't be able to avoid it. That is reason why I have Outback and leave wife's Legacy in driveway under such conditions. Just as precaution I will go to Autozone for computer check. I hope its not O2 sensors...
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In my case it was an improperly installed transmission harness at the factory that allowed water to get to some sensor. That's what I was told. Back then, I did no work on my cars so I did not inquire any further. Never had issues with water crossings afterwards though I never did more than half a dozen. Similarly, no issues with standing water after it was replaced.

I would not worry under 15" at proper speed but you can hyrdrolock in 5.

If you are just driving paved roads, you can opt to just ignore this. In my case, the car would shut off, then re-start. Later, the lights would come off, could be 24hr later.
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