Well I decided to wash the engine at the car wash (don't know why) was prolly bored or just wanted that warm and fuzzy feeling inside. I didn't cover anything cause I was sure that I had a steady hand. Shortly after spraying de-greaser and rinsing off everything the engine stalled. After a restart it would idle erratic and I drove down the alleyway towards home at 5 mile an hour. It started to crackle/backfire (not sure cause I was in panic mode). Now it runs like crap.

The only thing that I for sure is the CEL Flashing On and OFF at intervals....Never seen this before so this added more to my panic!

What kinda code is that?
Is it some kind of emergency?

So the Sportage is parked at home waiting for me to take everything apart for a serious look over.

I know what I did was pretty stupid, but what could have gotten wet to cause this?

BTW: I will never wash the Engine again! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/angry.gif" alt="" />

Well High Pressure Water and old hoses, cables, & connectors really are not a good mix.
I fully understand the want to wash the engine down,,,done it in the past on other vehicles and always had an issue with idling or driving right after. From what I can remember it all just went away. Not saying that this is going to happen with your vehicle though.

I guess check all connectors, make sure all hoses on top are still plugged in before buying parts.

Good Luck and keep us posted.

I always was my engine in my sporty if i wouoldnt wow i dont think the pulleys would turn from the mud. I always have my engine off. Never used degreaser though. Prolly once it all dries up it should be ok.

Engine running while washing? Probally got the MAF wet! Get the code read asap! and don't worry to much, bet you donuts to dollars it's not serious!

The flashing CEL light indicates a misfire, looks like you got something wet that shouldn't have gotten wet. With a little luck it'll be fine when it dries out.

Agreed, the ECM will rapidly flash the CEL if it detects a misfire code. You probably got water under the plastic cover over the plug wires/coils. Pull the cover and make sure everything is dried out.

Update:

Just finished taking everything apart and putting it all back together. Sprayed All of the electrical connections with "electric dry" cleaner. Sprayed the MAF with "air flow cleaner." Dried the spark plug bay (without taking any spark plugs out of course). cleaned/dried the O2 sensor connectors, idle control connector, throttle control connector and checked the fuse box under the hood as well. I reconnected the battery terminal and started it up (this is day three). Ran like a champ and drove it for a few miles and I am good to go!

:So I guess that I got water in the spark plug area:

Thanks everyone for the speedy and helpful replies. This KIA forum and group rocks! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

BTW: I Will Still never Wash my Engine Again! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/butwiggle.gif" alt="" />

Man, that was pretty scary............... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

When I change my spark plugs I usually like to put a thin bead of silicone on the spark plug cover. That way the spark plug cover is waterproof from the top at least. The back is still open which allows any moisture to escape as it dries, but you won't get water in the back from washing your engine. Just a suggestion.

Good idea Nukey,
Are u missing bolts from the spark plug cover as well?
I will certainly try this suggestion! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Nope no missing bolts, just wanted it to be water tight from above for when I wash the engine.