Here's what you should do:
1. Safety First: Disconnect the negative (-) terminal from your battery. This prevents accidental shorts and damage.
2. Assess the Damage: Carefully inspect the engine bay. Look for obvious signs of water pooling or standing. Check the distributor cap (if equipped), spark plug wires, and air intake for visible water.
3. Drying the Accessible Areas: Use absorbent towels or cloths to dry off any visible water. Pay particular attention to the distributor cap, spark plug wires, and air intake. Avoid using a high-pressure air hose, as this can force water deeper into sensitive areas.
4. Air Intake: If water got into the air intake, this is a major concern. The air filter may be soaked. Let the vehicle sit with the hood open for several hours or even overnight to allow it to air out thoroughly. Replacing the air filter is a good idea.
5. Distributor Cap (if applicable): If your Probe has a distributor cap, carefully remove it and inspect for water inside. Dry it thoroughly with a clean cloth. Inspect the rotor and make sure it’s not damaged or corroded.
6. Spark Plugs (Advanced): If the air intake was flooded, water might've reached the spark plugs. Checking and drying them (or replacing them) requires some mechanical knowledge. If you're not comfortable, skip this step and take it to a mechanic.
7. Exhaust System: If water has pooled in the exhaust system (unlikely, but possible), the low idle might be a symptom. Let the vehicle sit to let this evaporate.
8. Recheck the Battery: Once you've dried visible areas, reconnect the battery's negative terminal.
9. Test the Idle: Very carefully, try to start the engine. If it still idles low or doesn't start, do NOT continue troubleshooting yourself.
When to Call a Mechanic:
If the problem persists after drying the accessible areas, you likely have water in areas you can't easily reach (e.g., inside the distributor, within the engine itself). In this case, immediately call a mechanic. Continuing to try and start the engine could cause catastrophic damage. Water in the engine can lead to:
* Hydrolock: Water in the cylinders prevents the pistons from moving, potentially bending connecting rods or damaging the engine block.
* Electrical shorts: Water can short circuit electrical components, leading to further damage.
* Rust and corrosion: Water can accelerate rust and corrosion, particularly in older vehicles like a '97 Probe.
A professional mechanic has the tools and expertise to diagnose and address the problem safely and effectively. Don't risk further damage by attempting DIY repairs beyond simple drying.
