ok i have a 91 GXE, auto, good condition 180k miles on the car, about 100 on the junkyard engine...its gettin colder here (in iowa) and when i go to start my car, i turn the key and usually on the first time it wont start...so i have to unturn the key and turn it, then itll start but the rpms will be jerking back and forth the in very low levels, and it might die, the 3rd time itll start and when i put it into gear itll drop down to low rpms, and i usually give it some gas to keep it going, after that its fine, is this normal? or is something malfunctioning...any help would be appreciacted

 

obviously if its not starting on the first start and running smoothly somethings wrong. how many miles are on the junkyard engine.

 

around 100k - 103k

 

Check your IAC and you Coolant Temperature Sensor

 

ok yeah im 16 and HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THOSE ARE, im gonna read my manual for a bit, if anyone else could simplify that post one for me

 

Simple Version:
step 1. Find a competent Mechanic
Step 2. Take car to said mechanic.
Step 3. Tell Mechanic Problem and Say "Fix Please"
Step 4. Open Wallet , Pay mechanic
Step 5. Drive away with car fixed.

 

you forgot step 6...put on a big smile

 

step 1. Find a competent Mechanic
Step 2. Take car to said mechanic.
Step 3. Tell Mechanic Problem and Say "Fix Please"
Step 4. Open Wallet , Pay mechanic ...AAH this is the step where u bend over and pay the mechanic for something really simple...ignition system is a simple thing to learn. u got a manual...get your hands dirty. you'll be happy with yourself later!
Step 5. Drive away with car fixed

 

umm that didnt help, it made you guys laugh at your own jokes but didnt help

 

Do not attempt to work on your own car until you have a GOOD understanding of the system you are working on.
Which You do not have yet.
Until you do let a Mechanic fix it you'll be time and dollars ahead.

 

123456

 

Where in Iowa do you live?

 

I Live In Cedar Falls And Go To Uni

 

waterloo...junior in highschool...waterloo west high

 

I agree on the pay the mechanic thing-- but I like to research here first since there is more talent here than in most shops I think. It's good to have some education in advance when you take it to the mechanic.

For example, when I showed up at Nissan with my own replacement manifold studs and gaskets, etc. and told them "sheered studs are a known issue on these 3rd gens-- I just need a price for you to drill out and replace the sheered studs" they probably thought "let's not try and **** this guy" and quoted me what I knew was fair based on what I read on here.

At the same time, I knew I would be over my head doing it myself nor do I have the tools or the time. But the knowledge is key.

Take it to a good mechanic unless you have the time and don't mind diving in.

PS - My maxima has similar symptoms. When it was cold/wet it did not want to start. Other days it would. Tuned out a "wet engine test" (they spray water on certain parts to see if they can fail them) revealed I had a bad distributor cap. They replaced it and it now starts and runs top-notch again.

-Leo

 

I'm 18 and I know what that stuff is, but I didnt know what it was when I was 17.

I highly recommend you invest in a FSM, it will help you out alot! It's alot better to spend say $50 on the FSM and $1 on a can of degreaser or cleaner and clean your IACV and fix the problem than to fork over $250 to your mechanic for doing the same thing.

(sorry, I kind of stopped reading the thread after Internetautomar's post)