2005 Chevrolet Malibu

LT Sedan

3.5L 213Cu. In. V6 GAS OHV Naturally Aspirated

Automatic

1G1ZT54835F323144

Clear

GAS

Hydro-locked engine! My son drove through a deep puddle during a storm and the engine sucked water through the air intake. We had the car towed home, pulled the plugs, turned the motor over to pump out the water, drained the crankcase, then put in fresh oil, oil filter and new Denso plugs. The car started, but has the sort of knocking indicative of a bent rod. I figure that the engine would blow if we tried to drive at much over idle speed, so it is still parked in front of my house. As to the body damage; my son was driving and an elderly gentleman side-swiped him. We took the payout from the insurance company instead of having the body repair done, and my son kept driving the car until this incident with the water. Looking at the photo, you will see that the dents include the front fender and both doors on that side. I primed the damage shortly after the accident to avoid rust. Since the accident, there has been an issue with the power locks sometimes failing. What's good:transmission has always work perfectly and still has less than 80kNew battery in June4 Goodrich tires with less than 5,000 miles on matching 15" Chevy aluminum rimsBelt replaced in JuneHas the optional airbags and none have ever been activatedA/C, stereo and power windows work well.