2nd Gen Non-Engine/Transmission Cold Idle

[McLaughlin]

I've recently noticed that my truck idle speed seems abnormally slow when the engine is cold. When fully warmed up the idle is about 800 rpm in drive (according to the dash tach) but when first started the idle speed is only about 600 rpm for the first five minutes or so then as the truck warms up the idle speed slowly increases up to about the 800 rpm mentioned before.



Is it normal to have that much difference in idle speeds between when the truck is cold and when it is warm?



I'm curious because as the idle speed gets below 750 rpm it gets more difficult to start. I can adjust the idle speed higher when cold but then the idle will be to fast after the truck warms up.

 

[EKlem]

You are correct that the idle will be much lower on a cold start. My truck idles up to 200rpms lower than normal depending on how cold it is.



If your truck does not like to start, either you need to give it a little pedal or your idle is set too low. I think that the rule of thumb for the automatics is that they should idle at 800rpm with the ac on and the transmission in drive. Someone please correct me if I am wrong about that.

 

[Joe G.]

Just give it a little pedal. No harm in doing that. Saves wear on the starter. I always start mine that way. Hits instantly.

 

[McLaughlin]

Thanks, the answers are about what I thought but just wanted the piece of mind.