Hi guys,
I've been reading a lot of the threads on here about cold start problems, but i thought it may be an idea to have a new thread now the weathers turning (in the UK). It may be helpful to others.
My cars always been a little lumpy for around 30 secs after starting when theres been a chill in the air but the low temps the last few days have seen it taking a turn for the worse.
Yesterday on starting from cold it fired first turn as always but was running like a bag of bolts, probably on 2 or 3 cylinders for about 1 minute and then it settled down. It still seems to rev ok though and didn't throw a CEL. After that it was fine for the rest of the day.
Today similar temp, fired first turn again but then stalled, and then continued like above on the 2nd start.
I've only had the car a few months and the garage assure me they gave it a service before i had it but i'm doubting they did as i had to fill the oil up the day i got it (oil was below dipstick level!!) and it hasn't lost a drop since. Millage is coming up to 90K so its due a service but i was going to do that with the MOT in a couple of months.
Is a 1999 318ti with the M44 lump.
So list to check / change
Going to get the codes read tomorrow (i assume not all codes will throw a CEL?)
Change spark plugs
Check / change ignition leads
Check vacuum pipes
Thats probably about the extent of my knowledge as far as working on a car goes.
From reading the other threads i'm seeing cam sensor and crank sensor coming up a few times, though hopefully that would show up when i get the codes read? Also the secondary air pump, but wouldn't have a clue where to start with that.
It just seems strange that it only happens for the first 30 sec - 1 min, not really enough time for the engine to warm up, but the problem seems temperature related.
Anyone have any ideas?
Cheers
Rob