When its cold outside it starts and runs good for about a second and then shuts off or runs really rough and then takes off. I tried turning it off and starting it about 4 times. After the fourth time I gave it a little gas and it started after that. If the block heater is plugged in it starts fine. And starts great the rest of the day after the initial start. It is not that cold here, lower 20's in the morning. Any suggestions on where to start with this problem?

 

a tune up and maf clean to start

 

Just did a tune up and a maf cleaning not long ago.

 

Check for a vacuum leak or a sticky IAC valve.

 

I have to agree with EXv10. It seems to me that something isn't happy with the maf reading. I suggest pulling codes.

 

You can unplug the MAF to see if it makes a difference. Without a MAF senor input, the PCM will pull some default replacement values out of stored tables and use them in place of live data.

 

We'll have to try unplugging the MAF sensor. It seems like it quits when it should be changing from whatever process it uses for starting to running off the sensors. The IAC is a good idea too. Can't get into shop til next week. It started fine last year into the low -20s and didn't have the block heater. Thanks for the help.

 

Please report back here and let us know the verdict.

 

Yes , I'll let you know what we figure out.

 

There's always a rash of sticky IAC valves every fall as the weather gets cold. It's common.

 

My wife cleaned the MAF sensor and it's running better. It still stumbled on the cold start though. Our shop might have time tommorrow or Monday to check codes. It's supposed to warm up in our area so that won't help with the diagnosis. I'm guessing it's the IAC. Is it on the side of the butterfly valves? I haven't been able to find pics of the location. I thought she could get one and change it if it isn't buried. We don't have a garage, so if it can't be done quickly it can go to the shop or wait till I can get to it. Does anyone know, is it a 10-15 minute deal or takes a while to do?

 

New IAC installed yesterday. It started great this morning, but was 33 degrees. I think this will fix the problem but won't know for sure until the temps drop again.

 

The IAC seems to have fixed the problem. Thanks for everyones help.

 

Great!!!!!!!!!