Starts up then shuts off on cold start

Tiny
THATSTHESPIRIT
  • MEMBER
  • 2005 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX
  • 3.8L
  • 6 CYL
  • 149,000 MILES
On cold starts my car usually starts up then shut off right away if I don't give it a little gas. On the second try it usually starts fine. It's minor but is there s something I can do to fix this? It must be a common with this model because I had a 2004 that had the same problem. I think I was told a way to fix it but I can't remember. I recently put 'Seafoam' fuel system cleaner in my gas tank but it didn't help. Any help is appreciated.
Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 1:11 PM

1 Reply

Tiny
KASEKENNY
  • MECHANIC
  • 18,907 POSTS
Normally this is caused by an idle air control valve that is sticking. However, your vehicle does not have one. It is has a control motor that opens the throttle valve. I suspect you have build up on the throttle bore which doesn't allow enough air in the engine during cold starts.

I would suggest starting with cleaning the throttle body so that the motor is able to open the blade just enough to keep it running until it warms up.

Here is a guide that should help:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/throttle-actuator-service
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Friday, November 1st, 2019 AT 6:39 PM

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