Q: Idles fine and works fine when first starts cold then sputters and feels like horrible misfire when hot and idles low

asked by on February 01, 2017

When I first start my car in the morning, it feels great for the first 3-5 minutes. Then out of no where my Rpms drop and the car starts sputtering like crazy and I don't know where to go from here

My car has 145000 miles.
My car has a manual 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


Experienced Mechanic?

Earn up to $70/hr

What others are asking

Clunking car when I go over bumps
Basically, any bolted on or "jointed" moving part or bushing could account for noise in the front end. Not included in your list are rack and pinion mounts/bushings, strut bearings, tie rod ends, even brake parts (caliper torque plate), loose...
Serpentine belt is squeaking/chirping - 2006 Ford Expedition
When the car was built, I guarantee that Ford didn't have a guy on the assembly line spraying belts. I would first check to make sure that all of the pulleys are ALIGNED. It is not unusual, for the PULLEY...
Noise from right rear wheel area when turning right at low speed.
Hey there. You may be hearing the backing plate behind the rotor (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/brake-rotor-disc-replacement) rubbing on the rotor due to it being bent too close to the rotor or the bearing having excessive play and letting the rotor get too close...
Truck starts then immediately dies
Hello, thanks for writing in. Most of the time this is caused by a fuel system issue. I would usually start by installing a scan tool to see if there are any codes in the computer pertaining to this problem....
DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) melted
Hello. The DPF functions by trapping certain diesel particulates, and periodically goes through a regenerative cycle to burn those particulates (i.e. when you're on the motorway and get the temperature high enough to regenerate). This is a bit speculative, but...
I put my 05 nissan altima in neutral to push it because it won't crank now it will not go past neutral to go in park.
Have you tried depressing the brake pedal while the key is set to run to see if the lock will release? You may have a park/neutral locking solenoid starting to fail. The cranking and no start problem could be something...
Smoke comming from vent by windsheild wiper on hood and tail pipe.
Hello, thank you for writing in. There are several fluids that will cause smoke in the tail pipe. Whatever is leaking is likely both an internal leak (leaking into the combustion chamber or exhaust), and external leak (leaking onto the...
Triple A said my alternator (2007 Lexus RX350) needs replacement. Is there a way to double check? If bad, how much is your labor,
Hi there. if you'd like to have one of our mobile mechanics come to your location and complete an alternator inspection and replacement, please click this link to request an estimate (https://www.yourmechanic.com/services/alternator-replacement). Once you come to the service page, click...
2010 Mazda 3 has trouble starting sometimes
Hi S.E. Thanks for contacting us today. If you turn your key, and the engine cranks over every time but is hard to actually start, then the issue is not with the starter. It's more likely that fuel or ignition...

Related articles

2012 Kia Soul vs. 2012 Nissan Cube: Which One Should I Buy?
While technically these two vehicles fall into the “small wagon” classification, they look like nothing more than boxes on wheels. Some people are really into this design, while others are completely opposed to it. If you’re in the former camp,...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You Like to Go Off-Roading
Your Your best bet for off-roading is a 4x4 SUV. Depending on the model that pleases you most, though, you might have to shop around a bit to find a good used one. That’s simply because off-roaders typically become very...
The Best Used Cars to Buy If You’re a Massage Therapist
If If you're a massage therapist, one of the cornerstones of your business has to be that you don’t keep your clients waiting. That means you need a vehicle that’s reliable. You also will have to move your gear, including...