02 max hard start

[transamdude78]

hey, this is my first post here, god I love these forums!

So my wife has a 02 max, all stock. The last few days shes told me that her car seem louder than normal. We went out lastnight and it did seem louder, so I thought that we may have a bad exhaust problem, either the cat or muffler. She also said the car seems to be working harder, but I told here it was probably just the loudness that made her think that. Well this morning we went to go get the kid from the in-laws, and the car wouldnt start. It just cranked, so i hopped in the seat and tried it. Same thing happened, but when I gave it some gas, you could tell it was trying to start. When it did finally start with me on the gas, it was real ruff, kinda like a fluttering sound, as if a plug or wire was bad. But after reving it up a few times she runs smooth, but still louder than normal thru the exhaust. I shut if off and did a restart, and she starts fine. I dont want the wife stranded some where, so if i could nip this in the bud soon, that would be great! Any help would be greatful! Thanks!