I cant figure out what is going on with my 2004 toyota matrix xr with automatic transmission
I know very little about cars and need some advice. I drive a 2004 Toyota Matrix XR.
The car already had a steady Check Engine Light for code P0420, but it ran fine until we hit a major storm.
We went through a very deep water puddle. At the same time, a car beside us splashed a massive wave of water all over us. A few seconds later, the Check Engine Light started flashing. at the same time, the Battery Light started flashing. Then the steering wheel became incredibly stiff/heavy (either lost power steering or locked up; Im not sure). after like 15 seconds everything started acting fine so we continued 1 mile to my friends house where it was safe. We called my dad and he gave us a couple ideas but when we went to try again the RMPS were jumping from 1,000 to 2,000, so we towed it home. once we were home, after a couple hours, We started the car to see if it would run. The flashing lights were still gone, and the steering still felt normal. However, we noticed white smoke consistantly coming out of the exhaust pipe, so we turned the car back off.
We started the car again the following day, and new symptoms appeared, however the white smoke was gone.
While sitting in Park, the RPMs were actively surging/jumping back and forth between 1,000 and 2,000 RPM. When shifted into Drive, this jumping and rough idling got significantly worse. When shifted into Neutral, a loud squealing sound started coming from the serpentine belt area.
We also noticed a cable/electrical connector that looks completely unplugged near the Alternator, my dad said he thinks it could be to the crankshaft position sensor, but not sure.
We have already ordered new spark plugs and ignition coils hoping the water just caused a bad misfire, but we are completely lost aside from that. any ideas?
codes: PO301 P0102 P0113 P0420 P0441 P0442 P0446 PO456