Thanks everyone for your advise. I brought it to a different place and they ran a full diag. test. They said one of my O2 sensors is bad. Hopefully that will solve the problem. I'll report back.

 

For your sake, I hope it's not the $285 one with the built-in heater?

 

Alight - time to update. I had the 02 sensor replaced last week. A day later the light came back on. I couldn't believe it. I decided to look around myself. I cleaned the MAF sensor and started touching and looking at all the hoses. After 10 minutes I found a hole in the bottom of the air intake hose. Ordered a replacement part for 80 bucks and changed myself. Light went off and has stayed off all week. Why is it so hard to find a good honest mechanic. Oh well, glad it's taken care of. Thanks again for all the advise.

 

Unbelievable.
I knew Protege's had a problem w/leaky intakes but this is the first time I've heard of a 6 or 3 series with it. $80 is a lot to pay for a simple hose, but at least you've got your car back to normal... and you also know your original mechanic didn't know what he/she was talking about.
Are you considering a revisit to that shop? I would. Just to rub it in their face.

 

Yeah - I'll go back to them. It won't get me anywhere but it'll make me feel a little better. The found the part online and $80 was the cheapest. It fits great.

 

Why is it so hard to find a good honest mechanic

They may not have had enough TIME to totally go over your ride.WE are thinking of our ONE ride 24/7. THEY are thinking of many rides,ALL the time im sure.Just trying to mack a buck,and thats about all they make....this may go to show you that you CAN do it!