high idle at startup

[JoDan]

this started happening about a month ago and i keeps bothering me.... when i start my car up in the morning it runs at a really high idle (dont have a tach so cant tell you RPMs) then after about 5-10 mins it lowers down to normal idle speed

is this normal? or does involve something with the cold we've had recently or what?

[GenevaDirt]

Normal

[hawkdoc60]

Normal unless it sounds like the engine is about to explode because it is running so fast. In that case you need to adjust your high idle setting.

[JoDan]

kk

[WmWatt]

If you can plug in a block heater on cold mornings it would help.
Also try depressing the gas pedal about 10 seconds after the engine fires up
although that might only work on the carburetted models.

[stevewl1164]

If carbureted...Consumer Reports said...
February 1988 Consumer Reports on Festiva L Plus

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Starting and running: VERY GOOD The carbureted four had a raving fast idle when cold. As the engine warmed up (and occasionally when it was fullywarm) it hesitated slightly while accelerating. The exhaust smelled like rotten eggs

[ejp2fast]

this is normal. for my 91 efi, it runs above 2000 rpm on super cold mornings..for about 3-4 mins, then settles down. look into a tach install! its really pretty easy!