I have a new air filter and I think that the plugs are fine. 2000 5 speed 57k miles.

It's been cold lately in the mornings (60's!) and until the car is warmed up, when I accelerate there is a gentle stuttering - feels like I'm gently pumping the gas. When I coast with it in neutral the engine is fine and idling at 1400 or so (remember, it's cold, and that drops to 750 when it's warmed up). But in first or second when I'm trying to maintain a steady low speed down my street (I don't think it would do this with WOT, though I don't want to find out when it's cold) I have this vibration/stuttering throttle action.

What would be the likely cause? I planned on cleaning out the throttle body this weekend, but otherwise I have no idea...

Thanks!

BTW I tried to search but couldn't really find much, although I'm not discounting that this could be already posted under a different topic heading.

 

At 57K miles your due for a tune up. Change your plugs, fuel filter and PCV valve and clean your throttle body. Bet she runs smooth as silk again once you do that service.

 

Well I was going to do the plugs a week or two back but I checked on two of them and they were in great shape (also easy to get out, so I'm not worried about them burning in too badly). I figured I'd leave them a while. I'll give the thottle body a clean, and I can do the PCV valve mysel (I think), but fuel filter will be my last resort because that's definitely something I"ll want a dealer to do. I'm a touch worried about playing with gas especially considering how involved a job it is

 

I thought the fuel filter was a non servicable item. Can someone correct me?

 

let you car warm up a bit before driving off and don't rev higher than 1500 until temps are near the normal range

 

Unlike many/most cars it's not got a change interval specified AFAIK. I believe it says as much in the manual...however, some have found that changing it is beneficial for them.

Unfortunately unlike many/most cars it's not an easy access item at all and requires a fairly concerted effort to get at it

EvilRoadsVictim: Yes, that's probably a good idea, but who does that? I drive it like an old lady until it's warm, but I can't let the thing warm up for a minute. I'm far too impatient!