2000 dodge neon starts fine, hesitates and idles rough until it warms up. Any Ideas what could be wrong?

Question

This car is a manual transmition, 2.2 liter, 69000 miles. Runs great when it is warmed up. Problem only occurs when it is cold out, Below 32 degrees F.

I am thinking it is running too lean. Could a water temp sensor or ambient temp sensor be causing this problem?

The reason i don't think it is the idle control valve is because it is controlled by the PCM and it gets its info from the water temp sensor and the air intake sensor. I doubt it is the plugs or wires. They should be good for 100,000 miles. I just don't want to randomly throw parts at it. I will think a while on what you all have said. Then take a stab at it

It was the darn plugs. I finally got a check engine light. Code read misfire #2 cylinder. I changed the plugs and wires and all is well. Thanx folks.........

Answer 1

It can be your spark plugs. They have a very large gap due to erosion. This can in the future result in hard starting (in damp weather), surging, poor fuel economy and eventually stalling. The original plugs are champion plugs with a center copper electrode. Which with time the gap erodes about .010" greater than the recommended gap. My suggestion would be to pull a plug and inspect for gap erosion. Regap if in reasonable condition or replace if necessary. I also recommend changing out the air filter if it's clogged (you can often tell by looking at the underside of it and searching for accumulated black deposits). Hope this helps, Jess.

P.S. I recommend inspecting sooner rather than later because this can result in damage to your ignition coil(s). Besides it's about that time to replace them. I bought my wife a 04 Jeep GC Limited with the 4.7L V8. I had to change out the spark plugs at 37000 miles. The original gap is .045 and when I pulled and checked theplugs to my amazement they were at .054" Very large gap that resulted in engine surging while the cooling fans kicked on. The factory maintenance manual said to replace them at 60K miles. Anyways I hope this helps you in any way, Jess.

Answer 2

My Dodge Durango was doing that. It turned out to be the Idle Air Control Valve. Usually, that would trigger a check engine light with a trouble code, but mine didn't. Also, how old are your spark plugs and wires? If they are original, it may be time for new ones.

Answer 3

ok it is what you want to do run the automobile at a classic speed and rigidity round somewhat to work out if it starts off to overheat back and if so supply up and open the hood and examine the hoses placing out with the hose popping out of the water pump (bottom hose) to the radiator and the right hose from the radiator to the thermostat to do this position your hand close to no longer on the position the hoses at each end is clamped to work out in case you could sense any liquid spraying out it must be a pin length hollow in between the hoses, yet be care finished the liquid is going to be really warm. the subsequent ingredient you ought to do is close off the motor and watch for the radiator to sit back down and run your hand alongside the seam of the radiator to work out in case you could sense any liquid. i am going to invite you this once you rigidity is there a squealing noise once you step on the gasoline and if so it ought to propose that your water pump is going although i'd be incorrect yet take your vehicle to the storage and performance a mechanic examine it out.

Answer 4

I agree with ^ Carguy. It is most likely an aircontrol valve that regulates your idle at start-up.

Answer 5

Try a tune up,lighter weight oil also in cold weather helps.

Answer 6

I believe carguy hit the nail right on the head with that answer

Answer 7

RUNNING LOW ON LOW OCTANE