Won't idle cold

[fishersofmen]

Have an 02 Chevy K1500 w/small V8. Never had any issues with this truck except last winter any time it got below around 15 degrees it will not idle at start-up. Just dealt with it all winter, as long as I hold the pedal down for about 5 minutes until it warms up a bit it runs fine. Runs perfect all summer and then it gets down to 15 degrees and it will not idle when first started. Just sounds like its missing bad and kills unless I give it gas. Any ideas??

[fishhuntwork]

If it were me I would check to see if the TPS or Idle air control motor is working properly. I know soemtimes that the IAC motor will get carbon deposits on them and not open and close properly due to the carbon. If you replace that I would also clean all the carbon out of the throttle body too.

[Bigtom]

I have the same problem on our plow truck 03 Chevy 1500. It is at the dealer now, let me know what you find.

[Jeremy airjer W]

Leaking intake plenum gaskets. How long has the check engine light been on?

This is very common on newer chevy and fords. Bascically think of it as a vacuum leak. It throws the MAF sensor off which throws fuel off and causes the symptoms you described. After the vehicle gets some heat in it the parts expand, the leak is sealed and it runs fine.

[HANS76]

I bet you had two codes come up [P0171 and p0174]. I have a 03 chevy with the same problem. I think airjer is right on here! Airjer is this something I can do myself? (I've put in tranmissions, batteries, alternators, etc.- not a full fledged mechanic, but know my way around under the hood too.) Or is this something I need to have done by a true mechanic? I've done some checking around...sounds like there is a regular gasket kit for $40 or I've seen a "problem solver" kit but it's about $90. Any difference and is the "problem solver" worth it?

Thanks much for the advice...

[fishersofmen]

Check engine light has been on for a couple years, probly around the time it started doing this. (nice call) Like hans said can I do this myself??

[Jeremy airjer W]

This isn't to bad of a job. The only thing that may hand you up is the injector connectors and the plastic evap tube that run from the metal line near the firewall to the purge solenoid on the front of the intake plenum. Other than that a basic set of tools, a good torque wrench, a set of fuel line quick disconnect tools and 3-5 hours is all it takes.

Get the plastic gaskets. The metal ones are difficult to work with. Also be prepared for the upper plenum to be warped. I have not run into one yet but I hear it can happen.

[cabin boy]

My 98 Dodge Ram has the opposite problem-it won't stay running at idle once it's warmed up? Requires constant pressure on the gas pedal.

[fishersofmen]

Thanks for the info airjer I appreciate it!! I may just deal with it for a while, doesn't appear it will hurt anything. Just sucks having to sit in an ice cold truck for 5 min until it will idle on its own.

[Jeremy airjer W]

If your running lean you can always take the chance of burning up a valve! Just because it idles doesn't mean it still isn't running lean.

[Jeremy airjer W]

My 98 Dodge Ram has the opposite problem-it won't stay running at idle once it's warmed up? Requires constant pressure on the gas pedal.

Remove the IAC. Clean it, the bore it sits in, and the throttle body.

[HANS76]

Took my chevy into the shop to get the upper intake gasket replaced the other day. After further inspection the plentum was warped! Got the upper and lower gaskets in it and a new plentum. My 400$ bill went up to 821 with tax. Just wanted to reply and let you guys know what it took to get the problem fixed. Thanks everybody for advice!

[fishersofmen]

Thanks for the info....good to know what I'm looking at $$ when I decide to take mine in.