So i was driving and got hit by a flash flood, nearly drowned my car in the middle of the road but I managed to power through it. Afterwards the engine is making a grinding/clicking noise, more click than grind, seems like it's coming from the belt, and producing a very tiny amount of white smoke. It's not overheating, i saw the battery light come on briefly while getting soaked, as well as the check engine light flash repeatedly, and then stay on steady, it has been on already for a separate code. I do not have codes for anything new yet. I don't think it's related but i did get up on a curb with my front right tire going about 5-10 mph when i couldnt see anything in the rain. I don't think that did much damage though as the noises started only after the flooding. Please help if you can! :'(

 

where was the white smoke coming from?
Please list all stored codes, even if you think they arent relevant

is the clicking while driving or just when car is idling?

 

Smoke is coming from behind the belt on the left side of the engine, can't tell exactly where because it is so minimal.

Previous code is for emissions control system small leak.

Clicking is consistent with RPMs. Higher RPMs = louder and maybe faster clicking. At 1,500 RPM I can't hear it over the sound of the road, at 4,000 it sounds like death.

 

Flashing CEL means major engine misfire. Perhaps the noises are from you "powering through the flood" while it was doing that?

 

Could be. I did lay heavy on the gas in first gear... but it didn't get past 4000 rpm i don't think...

Do you guys think its safe to drive 5 miles to the shop?

 

You got AAA? You get a 5 mile tow...
If I was worried about something being broken, I'd just have it towed (actually did this very thing earlier this year with the Neon).

 

I don't have AAA. And I don't think I can afford to pay for a tow on top of whatever repairs I probably can't afford either.

 

It's been a day and you want to take it to the shop. Have you done any actual diagnosing yet?

 

No, that's why I am here. I don't know the first thing about anything forward of the dash board.

 

When I read your first post, it almost sounds like a bearing has seized up and the belt is burning, hence the smoke. You say the battery light came on, it's possible it's the belt tied to the alternator. The alternator is located in the right side of the engine bay (passenger side) right by the firewall in the back. Do the belts look shiny? Get a flashlight and start peeking around. The belts should have no shine to them.

If the engine is running, does the CEL come on and flash still, or is it off?