I have been meaning to ask this but I always forget - just so happened to go to the store and was reminded!

Anyway, I have noticed that when the DX has been sitting for a while (depending on the temp outside determines what "awhile" is to be honest) - lets say overnight and I start it the next morning, it starts "rough" (best way I can describe it. It sort of feels like the whole motor jumps and shakes the car - not for an extended period of time and maybe only one or at the most 2 "jumps". Then immediately after it starts I get a belt squeal but only for like 1 or 2 seconds - then the squealing stops and it idles pretty good.

Now, the weird thing is that when the motor is only off for a shorter amount of time - even after like an hour or two it doesn't do this and starts up smooth as silk.

In fact, it seems to be worse when it is cooler outside. For instance, the car has been sitting outside work for about 4 hours and it is in the upper 60s lower 70s. I get into start it and it does the weird start and squeal thing. Drive to the store (maybe 3 minutes at the most), go in, come back out - start it up and no issues.

The AC is not connected and hasn't been since I bought it (the pully is not present at the moment) - but could this be a starting-to-sieze pulley or a bad belt. I am not sure on either; however, to answer a question I am sure someone will have - no the belt never squeals any other time and it drives perfectly fine.

Mike

 

I think you have two different things going on when cold. I would change the belt or tighten, first.

Then look for possibly faulty air valve thing that comes into play when cold.

Do one thing at a time.

 

A loose alternator belt will squeal worst on initial startup. That is because the alternator is pulling hard at that time to recharge the battery.

The IACV and the FITV (the one Maachan was talking about) let air past the throttle plate into the intake to control idle speed. If they are dirty or sticky, the engine won't rev up to a fast idle like it should. The FITV is mounted on the bottom of the throttle body. It is strictly temperature controlled, it opens below 60 F for better cold starts.

But "harder to start when cold" is also just the nature of any engine.

 

Move to FL and never have cold start problem!!!

Just kidding.

 

yeah, but that is actually not the best way to describe it. I mean cold as in not having been running for awhile - not cold outside. Last week when it was in the lower 90s it did the same thing when it had been sitting for a while.

I know the alternator was changed before I bought the car, right before - but I am not sure if he replaced the belt or made sure it was tight enough. i will check both suggestions. Thanks!

Mike