Damsel, you might want to search P0171 and P0174 on here and you will find a ton of threads on that. They are vacuum leaks and the hose you had taped is one of the main case. Also look up IMT o-rings as well. That also might be one of the contributors to your vacuum leak issue. Those are so easy(and cheap) to fix you wouldn't even need your neighbor to help. Glad to hear you are on your way to getting your car sorted. Once you get your new battery I bet things will really start to look up for you. Good luck!