2001 making popping noise through air cleaner chamber

[Ryan Casey]

Once in a while my Protege makes a popping sound with comes from the air cleaner chamber. Seems like the tach shows up and down action also like the idle is off balance. Anyone have an idea what it could be? Dealer could never duplicate the problem, (imagine that). Seems worse when the AC is on.

 

[kurzball]

usually when the start doing someting wierd, it means they need a little love. if you havent done it receantly, try changing your plugs and wires. also a new air filter and
a bottle injector cleaner might help. look in the owners manual for scheduled maintenance and see if you missed anything.