# Cold start

**URL:** <https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842>\
**Category:** Maintenance/Repairs\
**Tags:** start\
**Created:** [September 19, 2007, 3:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842 "2007-09-19T03:40:47Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 6\
**Page:** 1

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**Author:** ![jvm123](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/c37758/32.png) [@jvm123](https://community.cartalk.com/u/jvm123)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 3:40am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/1 "2007-09-19T03:40:47Z")

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My corolla, VE model, 75K mileage has cold start problem. Mechanic says, I need to replace TPS (Throttle Positesion sensor) and Oxygen sensor. Also cleanup fuel injector. It does not start first time in the morning and sometimes in evening. Engine check sign also comes (sometimes, and disappear at times). Any sugestions??

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**Author:** ![mr\_josh](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mr_josh/32/3008_2.png) [@mr\_josh](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mr_josh)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 5:08am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/2 "2007-09-19T05:08:21Z")

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Sounds like you need to replace the TPS sensor and the oxygen sensor. The O2 sensor is secondary to your cold-start problem, but if you’ve gone 75k without replacing it, it’s time.

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**Author:** ![Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/joseph_e_meehan/32/21_2.png) [@Joseph\_E\_Meehan](https://community.cartalk.com/u/Joseph_E_Meehan)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 9:17am UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/3 "2007-09-19T09:17:51Z")

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He may be right. We would know more if you had the codes read. That CEL (check engine light) is just a kid in class waving her hand trying to get you attention because she has the answer. You need to have the codes read. Some places will read them for FREE. Try Autozone or Advanced Auto Parts. Get the exact code not just their translation into English and post it back here.

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**Author:** ![SteveF](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/stevef/32/2_2.png) [@SteveF](https://community.cartalk.com/u/SteveF)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 12:17pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/4 "2007-09-19T12:17:37Z")

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Here is a case where you may trust your mechanic. Well, half-way at least. Replace the TPS and oxygen sensor as he says. That should be all you need. Pass up the fuel system service for now.

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**Author:** ![mcparadise](https://sea1.discourse-cdn.com/cartalk/user_avatar/community.cartalk.com/mcparadise/32/32_2.png) [@mcparadise](https://community.cartalk.com/u/mcparadise)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 1:14pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/5 "2007-09-19T13:14:51Z")

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If your mechanic came to this conclusion by reading the trouble codes in the computer, he is probably correct. I don’t agree with the fuel injector cleaning, however, as it’s usually nothing more than a profit generator.

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**Author:** ![hellokit](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/h/6a8cbe/32.png) [@hellokit](https://community.cartalk.com/u/hellokit)\
**Post date:** [September 19, 2007, 1:59pm UTC](https://community.cartalk.com/t/cold-start/4842/6 "2007-09-19T13:59:31Z")

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Further suggestions are: to change the spark plugs and wires, air filter, and pcv valve. Then, check the strength of spark on all plugs. If weak spark(s) suspect (check) the ignition coil. If the spark plugs show a rich condition (black, or sooty), check the engine coolant temperature sensor (Or, as a shortcut to checking, change the sensor).