check engine light on

This morning I started my 96 toyota camry. I feeled the car was vibrating or pulsing after few seconds. I walked around, I found the exhaust was pushing out some water and it seemed the water block the pipe and casued the vehicle pulsing. Then I went back, I found the check engine light was on. I waited a while and started again, the light was still on. Then, I disabled the battery, enabled it after few seconds and started again, everything looked normal then.

This is the first time I found there are many water come from exhaust pipe. But we do need to add some water to the car after few weeks or months. I was thought that was caused the leaking radiator. Recently I found the radiator leaking is almost ok.

I just want to ask you guys where was those water from? what is the problem? and possible solutions?

thanks,

There is often water in the exhaust of a car. Water is a product of combustion in your engine when it is running to rich. The engine (by design) runs rich when it starts, and in other pre-programmed conditions, so it is normal.
It can also come from the environment if it has been a little cold and humid. Usually some of the water in the exhaust will come out of the tailpipe during startup. Some will fall through a hole made in the exhaust for this reason. It is very very unlikely (but I won't say impossible) that the water in your exhaust is coming from your cooling system.

Check the lowest point on the exhaust (the part closest to the ground). See if there is a hole in there that got plugged. This hole is usually at the muffler I think, but there can be more than one.

If your problem isn't coming back, I wouldn't worry about it. It was hopefully just a damp, humid morning combined with a short driving trip.

By the way, you are putting a 50/50 mix of water AND COOLANT in your radiator, not just water, right?

As xfeejayx stated, "water is a byproduct of combustion". Some water/condensation comming out the exhaust of a cold engine is perfectly normal. The check engine light coming on however, is not normal. The next time it comes on, don't disconnect the battery. Your 1996 car is OBD2 compliant. That means the code that came on is indicating there is a problem with some system of the car. If it comes on again leave it on and take the car to Autozone. Ask them to read your check engine light code and note/jot down the code number. Then report back here with the code number and someone will be able to give you some direction. If you don't have Autozone in your area call around to other auto parts stores and ask them if they offer this free service.

Mike

There is often water in the exhaust of a car. Water is a product of combustion in your engine when it is running to rich. The engine (by design) runs rich when it starts, and in other pre-programmed conditions, so it is normal.
It can also come from the environment if it has been a little cold and humid. Usually some of the water in the exhaust will come out of the tailpipe during startup. Some will fall through a hole made in the exhaust for this reason. It is very very unlikely (but I won't say impossible) that the water in your exhaust is coming from your cooling system.

Check the lowest point on the exhaust (the part closest to the ground). See if there is a hole in there that got plugged. This hole is usually at the muffler I think, but there can be more than one.

If your problem isn't coming back, I wouldn't worry about it. It was hopefully just a damp, humid morning combined with a short driving trip.

By the way, you are putting a 50/50 mix of water AND COOLANT in your radiator, not just water, right?

Yes, there is coolant in the radiator. This morning was damp and humid in Boston area. Hopfully that was the reason. Thank you very much, Sir.

As xfeejayx stated, "water is a byproduct of combustion". Some water/condensation comming out the exhaust of a cold engine is perfectly normal. The check engine light coming on however, is not normal. The next time it comes on, don't disconnect the battery. Your 1996 car is OBD2 compliant. That means the code that came on is indicating there is a problem with some system of the car. If it comes on again leave it on and take the car to Autozone. Ask them to read your check engine light code and note/jot down the code number. Then report back here with the code number and someone will be able to give you some direction. If you don't have Autozone in your area call around to other auto parts stores and ask them if they offer this free service.

Mike

thank you, Mike. I should do that.