Problem with COLD start..

It has been freezing here recently and when I go to start the car first thing in the morning, it would crank for like 3 seconds and cough briefly but does not start. Then I try again and it does the same. Then on the third try, it starts immediately with almost no cranking. Then throughout the day whenever I shut it off and start again, it starts with no problem at all. The problem is only during the first start of the day. Has anyone ever had this problem and how did you fix it? I am afraid it might be something serious or expensive to fix. Thanks all.

When you turn your key, let it sit in the ign. position for a few seconds. This will let the fuel pump build pressure in the lines. Try cranking it then and see what it does. it may just be a fuel filter, or even the type of gas you are getting. Maybe the station hasnt switched to winter gas yet? always check the easy things first.

also, maybe your battery doesnt have enough cold cranking amps to start your car when its cold. i had the same problems w/ my 90 accord, and when i changed batteries, that problem went away instantly. but, i agree, you should check the easy things first before havin to shell out the big dough.

I had this problem with mt 89 SEI. It is very frustrating, however the problem was that the injectors were leaking down the fuel pressure.
It takes a few seconds for system to pressure back up but if injector is leaking it is also dumping fuel into cylinder which causes that cylinder to have to much fuel causing a flooding effect. The ignition systems today can most of the time handle this because of the very hot spark produced.
I removed the injectors and had them cleaned and tested. Since they were ok new seals were installed and I reinstalled them. This was much cheaper than the money for new injectors.
Good luck Rover2