My car won't go faster than 25 mph when the engine is cold, Why?

Question

It will only go up to 2500 rpm's and if I push down farther than a little bit the revs will go down below 1000 and the engine will start to choke.

It runs fine once the engine warms up though...my car is a 4-cyl 2000 Jetta.

It's a real pain in the ***, why the hell does it do this, what can I do to fix it?

Answer 1

Running a cold engine is almost the worst thing you can do, The ECM is programed to protect the engine from the abuse you are trying to put it through, It reads the coolant, and oil temp, once they get to operating temp( anywhere from 150-180 Deg F), you can abuse it all you want...

Answer 2

You didn't mention in your question what type of transmission you have, however I'm going to guess it's an automatic due to the issue. Both the Germans and the Japanese auto makers are famous for putting tempurature sensors on their transmissions. Transmission fliud is a thermalviscous material (that means that it expands in volume when hot and contracts in volume when cold). Since this fluid is the main protection for your transmission it needs to be nice and warm before it can do it's job. This tempurature sensor is protecting your transmission from damage by limiting your RPM's until the fluid is warm and then allowing you to drive normally. You have 2 options - live with this issue (which should really only be a pain in winter) or replace this sensor which can be quite costly. Hope this helped.

Answer 3

first try to let it warm up, lock your doors go back in your home( plz dint lock your keys into the car unless you have an extra set) get the rest of your stuff the time you come back out it should be warm enough and then see what happens if it still do the same thing you might want to have your trans inspected to make sure the computer is sending the correct information to the trans.

Answer 4

it somewhat is the alternator belt. once you start up the motor vehicle the alternator is under heavy load at first to recharge the battery, so squeal at startup that is going away in a minute or much less is the alternator belt. changing the belt is often the main suitable part of do. till the belt has been disturbed that's already tensioned appropriate, and belts become worse with age. in case you could no longer try this appropriate away, you should purchase it sluggish with belt dressing. the single that has labored maximum suitable for me is Balkamp Belt-Ease, bought at NAPA shops interior the U. S..

Answer 5

It could be a number of things, I`m thinking of something with the sensors for the fuel. Just let the car Idle less than 5 mins. then everything should be fine.

Answer 6

Gosh, let the poor thing warm up before hitting the drag strip.

You go out and lay in the driveway all night and see if you can be your best right off.

Answer 7

Let it warm up first!!! and if nothing call a Mechanic

Answer 8

because it needs a major tuneup and a new fuel filter