My car is difficult to get started if the engine is cold. It doesn't want to idle at all until it gets warmed up. It starts easier when the outside temperature is higher obviously. Now, is it the idle control valve, or perhaps the distributor? I know it isn't the coil cuz it's brand new.
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Have you checked the coolant temp sensor?
Do you have a service manual?
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Coolant temp. sensor is also new. I have a service manual, but it hasn't been too helpful.Comment
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It could be helpful if you gave us information on what car you're having this problem with.
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Oops, I thought I did. Sorry about that. '84 318i.Comment
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Since I'm not familiar with the engine management in your engine, I can't help you.
Something to check out would be the temperature sensor that tells the ECU the engine temperature... if your car has one.Comment
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I am wondering, does this car have a cold start injector? If so, that is most likely your problem. I really do not know anything about the M10 motor so I am not sure.Comment
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Yes, the car has a cold start injector. That's most likely your problem. It's located right in front of the ICV (toward the radiator end of the car).
Hope this helps!Comment
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Checked the cold start injector months ago. Sprays just fine. As I stated earlier in this thread the coolant/engine temperature sensor is new. My guess is that it's the idle control valve. Anyone know how to check this?Comment
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I bought a E28 518i ('82) a few months back and I couldn't start the car without using starter gas sprayed in the intake. The problem was an oxidized connector to the cold start injector. But it didn't really cure the problem all the way, but now I could repeatedly cold start the car and it never left me stranded. The next thing I did was two things, first I replaced every connector that went to the battery and cleaned every connector in sight, all fuses that looked suspicious got replaced. That helped a lot but the engine still idled a little uneasy. Secondly, I took a quick look at one of the ignition plugs.. ooooh. The ceramic had split and had probably been evaporated or spit out the exhaust port ;)
New plugs in and now my new work horse runs just fine. Why i didn't bother to check all the vitals when I got it was because it was a very tired, old and cheap car and I'm probably not going to keep it for long.. so why waste money as long as it runs? :)
I thought my story could help you with the 318i, or others perhaps who've read this thread with interest.
/MattiasComment
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