Low RPM/Cold stutter

[Bladecutter]

Is your CEL light up on the dash?

Start with the spark plugs, and inspect the ignition coils for cracks/damage while you have them in your hands.

BC.

[thstone]

Based on your description I'd start with cleaning the MAF, but either way you've identified all of the likely suspects.

[sparker]

Yeah I thought MAF could be worth a try, possibly got a little dirty from the new inlet and filter. I bought some CRC MAF cleaner last night, but it was raining (and my garage is a work site at the moment) so didn't get a chance to try it out yet. Hope thats the problem!!!

If I were to look for cracks in the coils, can you describe (or show if you have pictures) the type of crack that could cause this? As in, would it be very obvious or do I need to inspect very very closely for hair line cracks?

Regards,
Sam

[sparker]

Oh - forgot to mention, no CEL and no codes when scanned. But there is certainly something going on!

Sam

[mikstew]

With my recent experience, I would also suspect the MAF, but would expect a CEL.

Note that you need to put some time/kms on the car for it to throw the CEL code, which is why your scan may have turned out negative.

[sparker]

Hmm, cleaned the MAF - problem still there.... Strangely, it does seem a fraction better though, so might just be the computer re-learning?

My next thought is some sort of leak in the inlet track, I suspect the J tube to the air/oil seperator.

Will also measure the voltage at the battery both before and after starting the car in these cold mornings to see if a combination of the battery and the under drive pulley are struggling at low rpm in the cold.

Regards,
Sam

[jhandy]

unplug your battery and let it sit, then re attach the battery. The goal is to reset your computer so that it can relearn.

You will know when it is learning, when you first start it, at idle it will RPM hunt a little. Drive it hard for a little. See if that helps.