Need simplicity.....

[DustinC]

I own a 1998 Camry 4cyl. I am a full time student and do not have the expenses to cover many of the diagnostics local mechanics are charging for.
Basically the car is at 190k , ran great for months. All of a sudden I fill the tank up all the way. I now noticed the car spudders and wants to die when I try to accelerate normally. It got worse when driving on the freeway because any hard pressing of the gas pedal makes the car bog down and then leap...altogether still giving indication of wanting to die. I thought it was the tranny but now I'm leaning towards a tune up....any advice on the cheapest route to the root of my problem?

[chronoti]

check light on?

yes then autozone and come back with the code

no? tune up

[BMR]

First off, is the Check Engine light lit? If yes, take it to an autoparts store and get the code(s) read. Most of 'em do that for free.

Has the air filter been replaced recently? If not, or you don't know, remove it and see if that fixes it. If it does, replace it.