What would cause my car to stall right after starting a cold motor?

My rpm's would reach up to 3000 rpm's come down and then just stall. I have to give it some gas so it doesn't stall. After warmed up if I try starting it again it starts right up.

If I start it up cold and let it idle for about 30 seconds to a min, turn it off and start it up again rpm's would drop to 200-300 rpm's at lowest but it wouldn't stall.

 

most likely a vacuum leak..

 

i have the same problem with my 88 TII. seems to be common once the outside temps are below or near freezing. if it were a vacuum leak, you would constantly be having problems...unless it were a bad tb or lim/uim gasket..potentially, the leak could seal once the engine has started to warm up..you know metal expantion..

 

Non functional BAC.

 

both of you need to post a list of all modifications done that could affect idle

 

I'd rather do it piecemeal.

 

It is the thermo sensor for sure. Went through this last month. It costs about 40.00 and is easy to change. Check to see if the green clip is broken first. Easy to remove once you unloosen the alternator just remove with 14mm socket screw back in attach clip and will be as good as new. I have not had a problem since in -30 weather. Good luck

 

No mods done to my car.

All stock with all emission components.

88 gxl

 

Well I had a extra thermowax sensor and tried swaping the one on my car for that and on cold start my car didn't stall.

Would a bad thermowax sensor cause my problem?

 

If the car is hard to start cold, but starts and idles fine once hot, then do like the man above said. Either replace the water thermo sensor or fix the wiring b/t it and the ECU.

If the water thermos sensor is bad, and you try to start the car on a COLD day, then it'll be a bitch to even get started much less idle..........til the engine gets hot that is. Then it'll start and idle fine...if the only thing wrong was the water thermo sensor. IF.

If the car idles crummy as you say, whether hot or cold, then it's other things.

If the car just won't IDLE when it's cold, the fix/adjust the water thermowax on the throttle body. See FSM, Fuel and Emissions section.

If it won't idle when hot, then make sure the BAC is working and or adjust the idle speed per the Fuel and Emissions section of the FSM.