I own a 97 Impreza wagon and we just had a big rain storm. I drove through a puddle and now my car won't accelerate correctly when I first start it up. I don't have the plastic skid plate under my car anymore so I was wondering what could have gotten wet and caused this to happen. Any ideas?

Besides any number of electrical parts, the most common cause for poor driveability after a water incident is wet spark plugs. Pull the wires out and see if there is any water in the plug wells.

Also check the air filter. It could have got wet. If it did, pull the wheel well liner down from the passenger side under the bumper and remove the water separator box, and make sure it isn't full of water. There are drain holes in it, but they can become clogged so any water that gets in there would not drain out.

I would prop the hood up fully and park her in the sun. Also wouldn't hurt to take a leaf blower and dry her out with it.

I would prop the hood up fully and park her in the sun. Also wouldn't hurt to take a leaf blower and dry her out with it.

 

Likely coil, wires or knock sensor got wet and aren't up to par.

pull the plug wires out and spray inside with wd-4o and let them air dry. wd40 will displace water. Or just replace the wires with new NGK if they havent been done yet anyway.

99% sure u fried ur maf sensor. Pull the air filter. If the box is damp u managed to get some water in the intake box in the fender. Yes its possible. Not easy but possible. Thats the only thing i like about maf cars is an anti engine blow up sensor when you suck in water maf sensors calculate load which if its even 1% out of spec ur car will lose power and economy.