Erratic Idle In Colder Temperatures

[a2k]

So ive noticed that as the temperature is droping here in toronto, that in the morning when i first try to start my car, 2 things:

1 - car idles erratically, and when i put the car into reverse to get out of my driveway, car gets way more erratic. i would say about 900 - 1200 rpm is the range

2 - sometimes when the car is cranking for a start, it sounds as if the car isn't going to start and then quickly pow the car starts (almost like the fuel pump died and then right after 3,4 seconds, kicks in). how else to describe it... here: almost like there is a long delay in the crank right before the car finally starts - so it feels like the car is about to not start /stop cranking - and then bam it starts.

when i put the car to drive and step on the gas, the erratic behaviour goes away after a cpl of minutes.

I dont have a garage -- so the car is outside all night. 97000km. im the original and only owner. havn't changed plugs/wires/belts/nada yet.

So what could it possible be? possible air filter/fuel pump/plugs/wires/belts?
is there a checklist of items that I should be checknig? i would like to figure this out before it gets colder so i can make whatever fixes myself.

thanks a lot! :thumbsup:

[King Asoka]

id start with changing the fuel filter. then the plugs and wires. I just had to replace my fuel pump relay, which was faulty and causing similar problems and eventualy it didnt start.

[Vtolds]

The next time you start your car let your fuel lines and pump prime up. Just turn the power on for about 5 seconds then turn it all the way over.

[bigd6983]

yea its weird, but it just seems like the fuel lines take a lil longer for the pressure to get up.....also change the fuel filter, i think they got bad a lot sooner than what the manual says, and it isnt too expensive and you will notice it starting easier........check the ohms on the wires, pull a plug out and look at it, check your air filter, if anything looks fishy change them.....

[j_smith]

My problem didn't necessarily occur in cold weather, however when I was in reverse idle and low speed was very shaky. Also had to crank a while before starting. Had the fuel pressure regulator replaced and everything was fine. I don't know that much about cars but just throwing that out there :)

[a2k]

Originally posted by King Asoka@Oct 27 2004, 08:28 PM
I just had to replace my fuel pump relay
how did you know the relay was defective? just pop in a new one and try?
how much was the relay?

[a2k]

Originally posted by bigd6983@Oct 28 2004, 12:52 AM
change the fuel filter

check the ohms on the wires,
can u change the fuel filter yourself? i'll check the How-To Section after this post. i'll also check my GM manuals.

the resistance on the wires - shud be 0 right? and if all wires are 0 - no need to change em?

[a2k]

tomarrow morning is going to be 6 deg Celsiuos in the morning, so i'll try the 5 sec prime trick! if this fixes it.. is it indicitive that the fuel system is weakening in some way and that something will need to be replaced soon?

[sound_xtreme]

how is it erratic?

the fuel filter is a pain to get off without f***ing the clip up. i took mine to a shop cause i didnt wanna piss with it.

[turtles_ride]

i've always waited at least a couple of seconds for the fuel pump to prime before starting my car. someone told me about it once and now i live by it, especially in these cold canajun winters

[a2k]

holy sh!t!!! i did the 5 second trick this AM -- well i left it in ON for 10 seconds though before cranking -- but yeah smooth as butta in both idle AND when i was reversing out the driveway.. damn.

THX for that one vtolds!! that one is a keeper!

[a2k]

Originally posted by sound_xtreme@Oct 28 2004, 07:16 AM
how is it erratic?
hmmm erratic.. best way to explain is it the engine sound isn't constant -- it goes little louder and then quieter and louder and quieter all quite quickly... and then when you change into gear (reverse for me), engine like vibrates/gets louder a lot more then usual... and the louder, quieter, louder, quiter thing speeds up considerable.