Didn't start, then it did.
 

This morning my wife's car didn't start. She told me there was gas and the car was trying to turn over. I didn't really worry about it; these kinds of things go alone with owning a 1996 automobile (and not having a payment). I just went out and tried to start the car. It started, although this car hasn't really ever fired right up like my Accord (since we've had it). When it started, there was a lot of smoke coming out of the exhaust. The smoke only lasted for like 3 or 4 seconds then it was normal.

Any ideas on the problem?

Clean the throttle body and IACV. The smoke is probably an indication of to much fuel and not enough air getting into the engine during startup. Cleaning the throttle body usually helps clear up minor starting issues like that.

Can you tell me how this is done? I'm wondering if there is any thing to put in the gas to clean it. I'm not a mechanic by any stretch and I don't like being in the cold weather (Maryland) any more than I have to.

Also, is the problem I stated normal when the throttle body is dirty? When she tried, it could have been a little colder than when I did it.

Check out www.motorvate.ca There is a write up on how to clean the TB.
With a nice clean TB, you should have better starts, smoother, steady idle speeds and better throttle response. It's really not that hard to do, some basic tools, a can of intake cleaner, few rags and maybe a tooth brush and in 20 minutes the job is done.