Corolla cold start rough idle

I'm tearing my hair out here! I've got a 2004 Toyota Corolla, gasoline engine, with barely 48,741 km on the clock. Lately, it's been a nightmare to start when it's cold. I mean, seriously rough engine running in the cold start phase. It cranks and cranks before finally sputtering to life. Sounds like it's only running on 3 cylinders or something. I'm thinking fuel delivery, but where do I even begin? Could it be the cold start injector? Anyone else seen this?

4 comment(s)

Rough idle on a Corolla? Sounds familiar. I had a similar problem with my Corolla. Is it misfiring like crazy when it finally starts? Did you check the injectors?

Misfiring is a good way to put it, yeah! How did you end up diagnosing it? Injector test, right? Did you pull the fuel rail, or is there an easier way to get to them? I'm kinda dreading messing with the fuel lines...

Yup, injector test confirmed it. Honestly, I wouldn't mess with the fuel rail yourself unless you're super confident. Fuel and sparks aren't a good mix! Just take it to a workshop; they'll sort it out quickly.

Thanks! I bit the bullet and took it to a shop, like you suggested. Turns out it WAS the cold start injector. New injector and labour came to 515€. Runs like a champ now, even on these chilly mornings!

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