So, I'm working on the East Coast right now and my girlfriend is telling me that it sounds like metal on metal clicking when she presses the gas, no torque, no power going up hill.

Basically sounds like its about to throw a rod. I told her not to drive it anymore.

Is there anything I can do to fix it before it happens? Or will I have to pay a mechanic to check everything out before I do anything? I really don't want to have to get another engine.

2000 SI
MT
~138,000mi
recent oil change-137,600mi
Engine light recently came on, before oil change.
This has been her car, and I'm not sure if she has ever had any adjustments

LMK if you need any other info.

 

What code did it throw? Hope for the P0420 and that the cat honeycomb flipped on its side instead of spinning a bearing.

She can check the code. Have her use a paperclip to short the little blue service connector located just above the right side passenger kick panel. She doesn't need to remove any panels to get to it. Turn ignition to on, but dont start the car. Count the number of short and long blinks of the check engine light, and that's your 2 digit code. I can look up the number for you in my helms (I have a 2000 si as well). I think P0420 is 67.

 

Has she checked the oil? Recent oil change, they could have not put enough in or caused a leak.

 

Well, to update, turns out the code was for the cat converter which had clogged and the metal noise she was hearing was from that.

$600 later, we're back in business.

Thanks for your help guys!