Cold start problem

[protegenewbie]

Hey guys, this is my first post here but I was hoping the first one wouldn't be for troubleshooting.

2002 Protege 5, 224000 kms. In the morning after sitting all night, the car won't stay going after starting. It will start, then cut out right away. What I have found I have to do is hold the gas pedal at 2000 rpms for 30-45 seconds and then it will idle on it's own. What could be causing this? No CEL and runs good, other than a random power loss at highway speeds, which I am not sure would be related. Almost as if it hits a governor or something. I'll search for a solution to that problem after I clear this issue.
I haven't had this car very long, but I do have another 2002 Protege sedan with no issues that I can swap parts with to try and find the problem if I know where to look.
Any ideas?

 

[paper1122]

It sounds like something in the car isn't recognizing that it is cold and therefore keeping the RPM's higher while the car warms up. At the moment I can't think of what it might be though.

 

[jtlinna]

In the morning after sitting all night, the car won't stay going after starting. It will start, then cut out right away. What I have found I have to do is hold the gas pedal at 2000 rpms for 30-45 seconds and then it will idle on it's own.

Kinda sounds like your IAC needs to be cleaned.. Do you have a check engine light?

JT

 

[protegenewbie]

I don't have a check engine light. I did a search for IAC valve but all I can find are posts related to cleaning the EGR valve, which also seems like a good idea. How would I go about cleaning the IAC valve?

 

[jtlinna]

Before you clean your IAC i would go to the parts store and get a new rubber O-ring for it. The O-ring is the IAC gasket. Small chance the parts store may need to match the gasket by looking at it.

Ill write you a step by step on how to clean it when i get home from work. That is unless someone chimes in with a how to.

PS The EGR gasket is reusable..

 

[i12drivemyMP5]

Have you removed the VTCS butterflies in the intake right before the head? These are supposedly for first minute of cold start. I do not live in cold climate so do not know how much cold it takes for those to be of use. Mine were removed for more flow and less clattering. Otherwise, +2 on the EGR/IAC checks as mentioned.