Q: I have a 2002 mercury sable with about 128 thousand miles on it, The last few times I have started the engine cold the rpm goes up
The last 2 times I have started my car after sitting over night in cold weather the rpms immediately goes up to just below 2000 for less than a second drops back down then goes right back up one more time and then is fine. It only does this when it has been sitting for a long time and its cold out. But wasn't under the same conditions just last week. Any ideas of what it might be. Should I be worried? Should I stop driving till I get it looked at? Thanks for your time guys!
My car has 128000 miles.
My car has an automatic transmission.
The statements expressed above are only for informational purposes and should be independently verified. Please see our
terms of service
for more details
Get an instant quote for your car
Our certified mechanics come to you ・Backed by 12-month, 12,000-mile guarantee・Fair and transparent pricing
What others are asking
What does it mean if the Anti-theft Light is on in the dash?
Your car has a built-in anti-theft system. If someone attempts to start the car without a programmed key, open a locked door without a key, or even get in through the rear liftgate or open the hood, the horn will...
Overheat light came on
Hello. Yes, your vehicle is equipped with an electric water pump that may have experienced a failure. Once an engine overheats, the thermostat is usually damaged in the process and it is recommended both be replaced at the same time...
Cleaning with laquer thinner
Sure, I do it all the time, but in your case you don't really need to put in a strong concentration of lacquer. You could use half a gallon or two quarts to a whole tank of gasoline. I do...
Leaking coolant and coolant jug has to be filled every other day
There are more than five different coolant hoses on your Mitsubishi Montero that may be causing the coolant leak. Without being there to physically inspect the vehicle, it's hard to diagnose precisely which one is causing the leak (https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/how-to-find-the-source-of-an-oil-leak-by-ed-ruelas). The...
Car shakes and rattles in first gear
Hello. Your vehicle has a few things going on and it is probably best you have it inspected by an experienced technician. The shakes and rattles may be due to worn engine mounts (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/engine-mount-replacement) or an out of tune ignition...
My car will not get over 20 mph. What is wrong?
The battery replacement seems to be a coincidence and has no bearing on the symptom you are experiencing. The only exception to this would be if during the battery replacement, any essential wiring was disconnected or damaged, such as the...
P2047 lost power when accelerating
I am working on this
No rear lights of any kind or working. ( No running, brake, or signal lights)
Check the ground wires on the back of the vehicle as they are either broke or loose. Over time the bolt that holds the ground wire to the frame tends to become rusty causing the ground to have a high...
The IMA light, battery lighy, and check engine light all came on and the AC stopped blowing cold all at the same time
The IMA (Integrate Motor Assist) light relates to the Hybrid function of your vehicle, specifically the Hybrid battery pack. This light indicates that the battery pack may not be charging to its full capacity anymore. This is likely also the...
Related articles
How to Buy a Good Quality Idler Pulley
The The idler pulley system drives a car’s alternator and is part of a belt and pulley system that also covers power steering, the air compressor, and other devices. The pulley is essential; with all of the important equipment that...
Symptoms of a Bad or Failing Air Cleaner Temperature Sensor
If your car is having trouble starting in the cold, the Check Engine Light comes on, or idle quality is poor, you may need to replace the ACT sensor.
How Long Does a Timing Chain Last?
A timing chain is a metal chain, as opposed to the timing belt which is made of rubber. The chain is located...
Browse other content
Maintenance
Cities
Estimates