Cold Start Problems

My wife's 97 Cavalier (2.2) is having problems starting in the morning. It cranks just fine, and if she gives it gas while cranking after a few tries it will fire up. Once it does fire up, there is a little black smoke out the back (my guess is that it's just her pumping the gas). I'm going to try replacing the fuel filter and see if that helps. Does anyone have any other insight? Thanks guys.

Mike

A fuel filter will not help with this issue. Clean your IAC valve. This is what changes your fuel/air ratio for cold starts. Good Luck.

A fuel filter will not help with this issue. Clean your IAC valve. This is what changes your fuel/air ratio for cold starts. Good Luck.

I don't know what that is or how to clean it? Can you offer me any further help or where can I look to find that?

It is a small device(about an inch in dia. and an inch and a half in length) on the side of the throttle body. It is held on by two torx bit screws. Be sure to clean the mounting hole as well. Do NOT move the pintle in or out, rotation is okay. If the pintle is moved in or out the you must go through a reset proceedure.

I would suggest a Haynes or Chiltons manual. Lots of photos and clear instructions. This is an easy proceedure. Good Luck.