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Fall has just rounded the corner but the leaves have already begun to fall. And chances are, they've fallen into your plenum chamber. That's a new one, isn't it? It was to me. According to autorepair.com, a plenum chamber is "located between the throttle body and the runners of an intake manifold, used to distribute the intake charge evenly and to enhance engine breathing."
What it really means is that you don't want leaves -- or anything else, for that matter -- to accumulate in the plenum chamber.
If you don't know your intake manifold from your elbow, the plenum chamber is that tray-like area located at the bottom of your windshield and semi-tucked under the hood. There's also one at the back of the engine bay, where the heating system draws in air. Leaves can block the drains and cause them to fill with water when it rains. The moisture can then leak into areas of the car that should not be exposed to the elements, onboard computers and braking systems among them. Trapped water can also make the windows constantly mist up, impairing visibility and reducing safety.
Next time your hood is up, check your plenum chamber to make sure no leaves or other debris have accumulated there.
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