i want to open up the box the air filter is in to see if there is any junk in there...is there anyhting i should look out for when lifting the cover/making it come off?

Just unclip the 4 clips and lift it off. Then you can take the filter out and dust if off by taping it agains the ground if you want.

Yea, and have you had the air filter changed before? From you question I assume you haven't changed it yourself. If its been 6 months (IMHO) go ahead a get a new one from your local Auto parts store and change it.

Also, I usually have some debris in the bottom of the box and I just wipe it out with a wet paper towel when I'm putting in a new filter. Don't forget to clamp back all 4 of the clamps as for some reason (It's hard to see I guess) people tend to miss the one that’s in the back toward the firewall side of the air box.