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My wife’s car is a 2010 Kia Optima. She tells me that when she’s driving in the rain or hits a puddle or a car passes her and splashes water on the passenger side of the vehicle the engine stalls, the steering wheel locks up, the battery light comes on and the belt squeals. The car doesn’t do it when it’s dry. The belts and everything are on the passenger side. I sprayed water on the belt, and other things but can’t get it to do it for me. Any ideas on what the issue may be?
From what I can see you aren’t the only one this happens to. It sounds like what you are describing here is the serpentine belt slipping around the pulleys for the alternator and power steering pump when wet. There are a couple of things that can cause this issue. First, there should be a plastic shield on the underside of the vehicle to prevent the rain water from splashing up. If this is not present, this may be the problem. If the shield is in place, next inspect the belt itself. Check the flat side for excessive “glazing” (it will appear “shiny”) on the flat side. Inspect the ribbed side for excessive cracks along the ribs. If there are any doubts, replace the belt. If the belt checks ok, then the problem will lie in the belt tensioner not keeping the belt tight enough and it will need to be replaced.
