cold startup idle?

when you go to start your car in the morning (assuming you live in one of the colder climates, i live in iowa), does it idle at almost 2000rpm?

after warming up a bit, it drops down to the regular 8ish, but i'm thinking that this isn't quite normal?

doesn't sound normal to me the cold start should just richen up the mixture and maybe may cause it to make the revs rise slightly but not to 2000 rpm's

sounds to me could be a potentiometer problem when cold.

When your engine is cold, it's gonna run higher rpms and the temp gauge is gonna be way below the C (cold indicator). But as the water circulates around the cylinders and becomes hotter, the rpms go down. My rpms are at 1100-1200 when I start my car then they go down to the normal idle. Just let it idle to warm up and you should be fine. Although, 2000 rpms sounds a bit steep to me. Anybody else have thoughts on this?

Mine may hit 2000, at times if definantly hits 1500, but is fine as soon as the car warms up...just make sure not to boost or rev too high until it warms up. I don't go above 2500 or 3000 until the temp gets high enough.

yea, i let the needle hit about the middle of the c before i pull out of the driveway, and try to keep it around 2k rpm until it's almost to the normal temp point.

i probably should have mentined that it's a 95 stealth base, if that changes anything.

My car usually runs to 2000 rpm when i first crank it up, ive had it around 2200 rpm b4. but after 5 mins its back down to 700-800 at normal temp. ive also noticed that the transmission has to hit a certain temperature b4 it will shift to 4th gear. when i leave in the mornins it will shift up through the gears and stop in 3rd gear... at 55 mph its at 2500 rpms, then after goin 3 miles down the road it will finally shift into 4th...does any1 else with an automatic have this problem? i think there supposed to be like this tho

ya, i have the same thing happen. in TX, though, it doesn't get THAT cold. but on cold days, my startup idle is around 1500rpm. as said above by others, just take it easy til the engine gets to normal operating temps. i shift around 3k rpm til it warms up...then i romp!

i've noticed that my tranny is more clumpish in the cold too, like it needs to warm up before shifting properly.

just glad to hear i'm not alone! thanks guys ;)

i've noticed that my tranny is more clumpish in the cold too, like it needs to warm up before shifting properly.

Yup, I've got that too. Same principle as the engine idling high, needs time to warm up adn get the oil circulating. I still don't like this though. I'm thinking; a fully insulated garage with central heating (or a big heater) to prevent those cold starts and keep my car nice and toasty year round :grinyes: .

My car usually runs to 2000 rpm when i first crank it up, ive had it around 2200 rpm b4. but after 5 mins its back down to 700-800 at normal temp. ive also noticed that the transmission has to hit a certain temperature b4 it will shift to 4th gear. when i leave in the mornins it will shift up through the gears and stop in 3rd gear... at 55 mph its at 2500 rpms, then after goin 3 miles down the road it will finally shift into 4th...does any1 else with an automatic have this problem? i think there supposed to be like this tho


that is a common problem with the mitsubishi automatic gearbox.

it relies on engine temperature to function properly and i bet my last uk pound that your thermostat is not working properly or broken. the thermostat has a tendancy to split causing it to not close fully hence not letting the car warm up as fast as it needs to and as a result 4th gear will not function until it reaches operating temperature.

basically, change your thermostat and it will be a whole lot better.

that is a common problem with the mitsubishi automatic gearbox.

it relies on engine temperature to function properly and i bet my last uk pound that your thermostat is not working properly or broken. the thermostat has a tendancy to split causing it to not close fully hence not letting the car warm up as fast as it needs to and as a result 4th gear will not function until it reaches operating temperature.

basically, change your thermostat and it will be a whole lot better.

or you could just let your car warm up, take it easy on her before you punch it. i noticed yesterday my MTX 3000 idled at 2000 rpms when i started her up. but it went down once she was warm and ready to fly!

that is a common problem with the mitsubishi automatic gearbox.

it relies on engine temperature to function properly and i bet my last uk pound that your thermostat is not working properly or broken. the thermostat has a tendancy to split causing it to not close fully hence not letting the car warm up as fast as it needs to and as a result 4th gear will not function until it reaches operating temperature.

basically, change your thermostat and it will be a whole lot better.
I just replaced the thermostat about 4 months ago.

and what all would happen if u punched it when ur car was still cold?

i wish i could put input on the cold start up thing since i live in upstate NY, but i am fortunate enough to have a winter car, and to be able to take my baby off the road for the winter. you gotta love the 4 door chrysler cirrus

my r\t usually idles at 2000 until it warms up. but i like when its cold cause when i rev it up and let off the gas it sounds like i have a bov on it, but its NA. my friends eagle medallion idles at 1100 when its warmed up

hey roth :)

when it got cold a few months back (i live like 25 miles south of roth) my car would idle at about 1500 or so until it warmed up, and my stick would almost feel like molassis at first startup, but as soon as it warmed up it's back to normal.

if you rev while the car is cold its very bad for the engine the valves get a beating and the block also as the pistons have not reached operating temp and have yet to swollow up to make everything tight (as we all know everything gets bigger when hot) oh yeah my car idles @2000rpm all the time when its cold outside so dont worry

Nick, please check the dates before posting in an old thread, this one is 2 months old. Also, Old and Good is correct, reving it up alot and driving hard while the car hasn't reached correct operating temps is extra hard on the engine. I usually let mine warm up before I drive it, and if I'm in a rush, I give it 30 seconds in neutral to let the oil start flowing, and then I don't take it above 2500 until the car has warmed up.