I looked through some of the other threads, but didn't see my exact problem. Hubby left last year, and normally handled what I call "boy stuff", so I'm totally at a loss and need help pretty please
Here's some info on the car and my problem:
I have a 2001 GLS with 39,714 miles on it. Haven't done the forty thou thing yet, and it is 300 miles from next oil change.
Right after Katrina hit, I of course, was low on gas and needed to fill up. Because of the scare, I waited a couple of days longer than I normally would have to fill up because of the lines. Right after that, I started having trouble getting the car cranked. It made the noise like it was trying, but took a few tries before it did. When it finally cranked, I smelled some gas, even though I was careful not to hit the gas while trying to crank it because I was trying not to flood it. (No idea what it means, I just know it's not good, and was trying not to do so). Someone suggested I may have gotten dirty or watered down gas because of Katrina and to try Fuel Injector cleaner. That suggestion worked like a charm until today.
At lunch, I tried to crank it and it made the noise again, and took forever to crank. Had the gas smell again, but went away just as quickly as it came. Once it cranked, had no problems driving. I am about 150 miles in to a tank of gas.
This afternoon, it cranked up first try, but was loud! Usually you can't hear it - or at least not like this. Sounded kind of sputtery, so I hit the gas real quick, and it revved up like the pedal was stuck. (It wasn't - I put my foot underneath to test) Finally, it came back down, and again, no problems while driving.
Any ideas? I'm scared to take it to a mechanic without at least an opinion or two, because I don't want to be ripped off. Other than this, I've not had any problems (knock on wood). Oh... and during the first incident, during the Katrina time, my check engine light was on for a bit, but went off, and hasn't been back on since.