kwas911

I own a 97 SE (5sp) with 73k miles...until two weeks ago it was running and starting great! Now, when I start it the RPMS spike to 1800-2000 and immediately fall back to normal (1500). Could the recent cold (near/below freezing) temps cause this? If not, what else coud it be?

Also...I am due for the 75k maintenance...could that have something to do with it?

Thanks

KWheelzSB

iTrader: (1)

If it coincided with the severe drop in temps., then yes, it could be related. You said it's settling down to 1,500rpm after it spikes. . .

Is it idling at that rpm after the engine is warm, or just after it initially spikes up - then idle drops down to somewhere below 800rpm once engine is warm?

Is this happening with cold starts only, or also after the engine has been running? (as in: on an errand)

What is the recent service history of the car? (What was done @ 60k mi, or most recently?)

Preliminary list of possible candidates:

1) Throttle Body - needs cleaning
2) ECTS (Engine Coolant Temperature Sensor)
3) TPS (Throttle Position Sensor)

njmaxseltd

iTrader: (19)

I don't see any problems with that start? It think mine hits about 1800 on the first start of the day as well, then drops to 1500, 1400, 1300, 1200, 1100, 1000, 900, 800, 750ish.......

kwas911

2000 spike on cold start
1500 for 30 seconds
steadily declines to 600-700 when engine is warm

When starting after engine is warm, it spikes to about 1200 then immediately settles to 600-700.

over the past 12,000 miles I have had the following replaced:
compressor belts
O2 sensors
Vent control valve
spark plugs.

It also has a very shrill metallic sound when starting? is that of more concern than the rpms??

Jr'sMaxima

That sound I think is the starter grinding....that can be fixed yourself.

As for the RPM's, I have that same deal and it always does it here in teh cold mornings (Colorado), so just about every day..goes to around 2k rpm's then right down to 1500.

kwas911

I do I fix the starter issue???

Thanks for the help...

maxima4me

Check out www.motorvate.ca for the starter noise. Simple quick fix.

IMO, with the cold weather, the rest sounds perfectly reasonable.

KWheelzSB

iTrader: (1)

Ok, that actually sounds pretty normal for a severe cold-weather start. The extra noise (esp. during frigid temps) could be attributed to extra valve noise, before your molasses-thick oil makes it's way to the top of the engine & starts to thin out.

You might want to seriously consider switching over from Dinosaur oil to Synthetic if you deal with severe winter temps. You can really take the life out of a motor with repeated sub-freezing startups.

A quality synthetic oil will dramatically improve cold-weather start protection.

kwas911

I run fully synthetic. I think I will try what maxima4me suggested (re-lubing the starter).

Or move further south!!!!!

maxima4me