My 2000 Chevy Malibu has always driven just fine, no major problems at
all. A few days ago, I got caught in a flash flood, and now I’m
having trouble.

The water was between 1 - 2 feet, fast flowing, with a whole lot of
trucks and SUV’s blazing by causing wakes. My car didn’t stall but I
know it was struggling. I couldn’t pull over because the currents on
the sides of the roads were worse.

Now, my car is struggling to start and I have to push the gas to get
it running. Also, when I accelerate, there is a whining noise. I
checked the air filter, it’s perfectly dry, and the timing belt is in
good condition. No problem with the brakes at all.

Does anyone have any ideas on what could be wrong? And/Or what I need
to do?

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"AZSun111" <none (AT) 000 (DOT) com> wrote



This group isn't very active. I would suggest you post this to alt.autos.gm

Hope that helps.

Willy

"AZSun111" <> wrote

alternator. The alternator making the whining noise
and the starter hard to start. It might clear up
after running the car for a while. Maybe your
battery light is on, or put a volt meter on the
battery with the car running, should read about
14 volts. Less than 12.5 volts, your alternator
needs replace. If the car remains hard to start,
could be the starter, could be some other component. If the car cranks,
starter probably OK.
If, somehow, you got water in the crankcase, a change of oil might help, but
the water should evaporate with 20 minutes of engine running.
Then there's the cooling fan. You might be able to
tell where the whining is coming from, stick your
head over engine with it running, (no tie or loose clothing). I dunno.

Thanks for the suggestions. My car is starting ok again, but the
whining is still there when I accelerate. I went and got the oil
changed and coolant flushed, but it almost feels like something needs
to be lubricated and I have no idea where to start. When I look under
the hood I can’t pinpoint where the sound is coming from. It all
sounds bad when you listen that close. Ugh...

"AZSun111" wrote: