Hard To Start When Cold

[Steve RX]

My 2000 RX with 80,000 miles has recently begun to have trouble starting in the morning (cold). When I pump the accelerator once or twice and try again it will start, but doesn't sound quite normal for a minute or so. It runs fine and starts warm like it is new. Any suggestions about what to look into are appreciated. Thanks.

[SKperformance]

search

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

.

iacv

[AmFam]

OK, one of three things probably.

If you push down slightly on the fuel pedal, (Don't pump it), crank it and it starts and stays running while you leave you foot slightly down on the pedal it is probably your IAC, (Idle air control solenoid).

If that does not do it then it may be your CTS, (Coolant Temp Sensor). It acts like what use to be a choke on older engines. It tells the ECM that it is cold and the ECM allows the injectors to stay open longer until the engine gets up to temp. Then the IAC takes over at idle.

Or, check valve in the fuel pump. If it is bad it allows the fuel to return to the tank and it takes longer crank times to get the engine started. Easiest way to check this is to turn the key on and off like 8 or so times before you actually crank the engine. If it starts and idles OK after doing this, it probably is the check valve....

Good luck...