Engine Dies After Cold Start

[rkr]

Well, we got our first coldish weather here (-10C) and this morning when I started the Suburban she fired right up. RPMs at 1500 and started to come down. Unfortunately they came down to 400rpm where it sputtered and died. Started up again and kept rpm in the 1500 range for a minute or two after which she idled OK.

 

Now this is really annoying and I'd like to know what needs to be fixed to get proper idle after cold starts. At -5C weather this did not happen. She's 2002 Suburban with 6 liters Vortec engine. Any ideas what to do/check?

 

Cheers, Riku

[ColoradoSkiCountry]

Clean the MAF sensor, check the fuel pressure, maybe a new fuel filter.. how many miles?

[Mojavered]

I had the same problem, although temp was not an issue. I believe SKI to be correct, but also check your throttle body. Was told that the reason my throttle body was "gummed" up was because I had an oiled K&N filter. I guess that oil builds up over time, 65,000 miles before problem. Since cleaned, problem gone.

[Z_71_steve]

I had the same problem, although temp was not an issue. I believe SKI to be correct, but also check your throttle body. Was told that the reason my throttle body was "gummed" up was because I had an oiled K&N filter. I guess that oil builds up over time, 65,000 miles before problem. Since cleaned, problem gone.

 

I agree i have the k&n filter and when i opened my throttle body up to clean it out it was gummed as well... i cleaned it out with some throttle body cleaner and a tooth brush and it runs flawless.... better than it ever has... no more extremely low rpm idle... i forgot to mention mine went through the whole dying out after it started fase too... but after i cleaned it it went away...

 

goood luck hope this atleast helps!

 

steve

[rkr]

Thanks for the suggestions guys! Is there a procedure for checking the MAF? What about the throttle body, do I need to reset something after putting it back in?

 

I'll be checking these things once it gets a bit warmer. -15C now and dropping + I have a nasty flu = don't feel like toying with the car outside at the moment.

 

Slainte, Riku