[Charlie OK]

thanks. may try to replace the air and fuel filters. wish me luck, as you can tell I am very mechanically-impaired.

[El Sordo]

If you can replace the air filter easily enough, do it. Even if just for peace of mind. The odds aren't great that this will fix your problem, but it will help eliminate it as a question mark.

I'd advise not changing the fuel filter without proper tools and procedures. The modern fuel systems tend to be highly pressurized. Usually there is a procedeure for disabling the fuel pump (commonly by removing the fuse) and running the engine until the fuel system is depressurized. A good set of flare fitting wrenches can be useful for working with any type of pressure lines. The filter housing tends fo be steel, but the fuel lines likely attach with flare fittings or other type of compression fitting. Regular box end wrenches can damage these fittings if you are not careful.

No real good short term answer for you there, sorry.

You might see what Click and Clack have to say:

http://www.cars.com/carsapp/national/?srv=parser&act=display&tf=/advice/caradviser/car_adviser_index.tmpl

[hottomale]

Temp. sensor went bad in my chevy. Caused hard starting and bunny hopping until the engine came up to temp.. I have a Chiltons manual for mine specific model. My recommendation is to find a local library and read a little. Sometimes a local mechanic can be of help. Even dealerships might be having a good day and would give some estimate of what is wrong. My manual goes into detail about the check engine light and the diagnosis of the different occurances. I don't even know what a protege is but good luck.