Scotty and moderators, I need assistance addressing an engine issue. I recently drove from Western NY to Southern NJ and then back home this past weekend. While driving home, I had attempted to give my car throttle while going up the hill on the thruway and i started to feel a shutter (I have a manual transmission and it was in 6th gear). I downshifted to 4th with a rev-match to get power back but in the process, I felt slight shuttering and from the look of things, loss of power for the remainder of the trip when in different gears (I couldn't fully tell). I looked at it when I got home and heard rattling and knocking near the air box for the engine air filter. I'm going to take parts out and examine everything, but what do you think would be the cause?
You need to get it scanned for any codes (free at any major auto parts store) and go from there. It could be something as simple as a clogged air filter or something more complicated. If the air box came loose, that could also cause the rattling and power loss. A thorough visual inspection is necessary as you said.
Even if the service engine light didn't come on it should be scanned?
Of course.
Yes.
Ok. Thank you to both of you. I will take it to my local AutoZone to be scanned (i haven't bought my own OBD yet)
So they told me their OBD tools only scan for trouble codes; so I'm going to have to wait until I can get money to give one that shows live data.
Even inexpensive scan tools these days can display and record live data.
https://www.amazon.com/CGSULIT-SC301-Diagnostic-Vehicles-Emission/dp/B095WMX6B8
What would be your best recommendation for brands?
Thank you. I ended up getting a new air filter and it solved my issue. The air box rattling and excess vibration is gone. I still will, however, get a scan tool once i get enough money saved.
ps: for what it's worth, i got a k&n air filter. i've always had good performance from them.