2007 Saturn ion/ model #2/ 2.2 liter engine
Hey Scotty, whenever I start up my car after leaving it sit for the night and start it up the next morning, it immediately dies, then one more try gets it going but it sounds sluggish. After 30 seconds it sounds brand new. Thanks in advance!
Sounds like a fuel related issue. Cold engines require relatively more fuel to start up compared to a warm engine.
Start with checking for any vacuum leaks, dirty MAF sensor, changing your fuel filter & pressure testing your fuel pump. If they’re all good, move to the injectors.
Are you getting any trouble codes?
@inthrustwetrust
I did clean the MAF sensor and took care of a few vacuum leaks. I was hoping to stay away from the fuel components but I guess there's no bad time to learn. Thanks for the suggestion! edit: also no codes showing at all
Since there’s no trouble codes, it might very well be fuel filter/pump related. Pressure test it & compare the reading to the manufacturer specification.
Good luck mate!
It seems to me that it could be an idle problem. Older model years had an Idle Air Control [IAC] valve to facilitate sufficient air flow during cold idling. In newer model years it appears that software is now exercising control of the throttle body via a motor. That software is also apparently controlling the idle air flow - via the throttle body - in lieu of an IAC valve [which doesn't exist on a 2007].
For this reason, you may want to visually inspect the condition of your throttle body. The butterfly valve could be sticking if there is 'gunk' buildup inside the cylindrical air passage where the valve is located. Dirt, built-up carbon and varnish may be holding the butterfly closed [or otherwise severely impeding its movement]. It wouldn't hurt to clean it anyway. Consider it a 'diagnostic investment' of periodic maintenance, especially if it hasn't been done in awhile.
If you choose to clean the throttle body, be sure to use the 'special' throttle body cleaner. CRC makes a fine product - CRC 05078 Throttle Body and Air-Intake Cleaner - 12 oz. - for about $10. Important! - do NOT forcibly alter the position of the butterfly valve. You could damage the motor assembly that controls its operation. I suggest to use a medium bristle toothbrush to clean the accessible surfaces. Spray the cleaner. Let sit for about 30 seconds. Then scrub with toothbrush. Spray cleaner again [as a rinse, per se]. Wipe all surfaces clean with a shop rag.
Including the removal of the air intake duct, this entire procedure [performed with throttle body on the engine] should take only about 15 - 20 minutes.
I personally prefer to remove the throttle body so as to facilitate access and cleaning from both sides. This could add another 10 minutes or so; but, it's well worth the extra effort. When reinstalling, torque the bolts to 89 inch pounds.
Happy diagnosing!
