Scary spinout, Check engine or trany?

[HGGuate]

Last weekend, while driving on a twisty mountain road at about 40-45 MPH I drove through a muddy patch and spun out. When I came to a stop I had spun 180 degrees, and rolled backward in 3rd gear with the clutch released and the brakes firmly planted.

Luckily I did not drift into a ditch and the only damage seemed to be scratches to the front bumper and spoiler from rolling over a pile of mud and rock. Checked for leaks and could not find any.

When I tried to start the engine, the Check Engine light stayed on for a few seconds, the car did not start up immediately and sputtered off. After a few tries, (the check engine light was now off) the engine caught and held a rough idle. After a few seconds the idle leveled and the car seemed to run well.

I drove home (slowly.....) trembling from the scare and have not driven my car till now. Engine felt fine and gear changes normal for the 30 mile drive back home.

There are no leaks or warning lights, I checked the underbelly and found no damage, but I wanted to know if any of you have had an experience like this and to get your ideas on other things I may need to check out before my next scheduled service visit.

I particularly would like your opinions on the short backward roll, with gears engaged. I imagine this is what caused the rough idle at startup.

[Loren]

This is why you need to get the clutch in as soon as possible in a spin. If you check your stage 2 over revs in your DME you are likely to find new over revs. These are dangerous and potentially damaging to the engine as it is forced to run backwards.

[carsareart]

Loren, I have spun my Tip on several occasions at driver ed events. I have never noticed any problems, is there anything I should be aware of?

[Loren]

I don't think the Tip has the same problem as a manual transmission but I would check the stage 2 over revs.

[oneyedjack]

As the saying goes......

In a spin, both feet in. When in doubt, both feet out.