Erratic idle after cold start

[toduncom]

Hi I have a 2014 Ruby Red SHO with about 13k miles and it has a "variable" idle after it sits for a several hours. The best way to describe it is that on fast idle "it fluctuates about 100-200 rpm and seems to stumble". It only lasts for 30 seconds to a minute, and if I try to drive it before the idle has stabilized the throttle is very sensitive to input, almost a lurch and surge condition.

It has acted like this from day one after a cold start. I am not overly concerned because it isn't throwing a code. I have an extended warranty and it isn't getting any worse.

I have searched the internet and haven't found any information on this behavior. I am wondering if others are experiencing the same behaviors?

Thank you for your responses! In case any of you were wondering, yes I still love my car. I just let it warm up a little longer, lol!:sun:

 

[SHOdded]

Did this condition just start happening? Has this SHO seen cold weather temps before, similar to today? Recently made any changes to the SHO? If the shop updated the PCM or pulled the battery cable, could be in a relearn process. Otherwise, it is normal in modern engines to do a bit of hunting/pecking while warming up during a cold start. Should not feel jerky or anything though. The throttle will be ultra responsive as neither the engine nor the transmission have not warmed up yet, and the engine will work harder until then trying to get to operating temp.

Patience is well-rewarded in this case

 

[Calgary]

Did this condition just start happening? Has this SHO seen cold weather temps before, similar to today? Recently made any changes to the SHO? If the shop updated the PCM or pulled the battery cable, could be in a relearn process. Otherwise, it is normal in modern engines to do a bit of hunting/pecking while warming up during a cold start. Should not feel jerky or anything though. The throttle will be ultra responsive as neither the engine nor the transmission have not warmed up yet, and the engine will work harder until then trying to get to operating temp.

Patience is well-rewarded in this case

when in cold temps the engine should goto 1200-1250 rpm then to 1000 then 800 then 600 once the coolant is within operating temp.

mine went up to 1500 one time when it was super cold out.

 

[LemonScent]

Every turbo car ive owned has always been very sensitive to cold or overnight starts. I know exaclty what you're talking about with the slightest touch of the gas spools the turbo to near max operating psi. Ever since I'll usually let the car warm for a few mins then be on my merry way

 

[toduncom]

Thanks all!

LemonScent - that is exactly what I figured and I am not really concerned. I wanted to know if others were having a similar experience and it seems my car operation is normal. Thank you for your response!

 

[TheDailySHO]

It's funny you bring this up because I was starting to wonder if mine had something wrong with it. My 13 does the exact same thing and it's as if it doesn't know if it should speed off or shut down for just a minute or so when I first start it up. The lurching is annoying but glad to hear it's a normal thing. Might have to start using the remote start while walking to the car. That can buy a few more seconds of warm up time.

 

[toduncom]

Good point, TheDailySHO! I am now starting my car before I walk out the door and after a few seconds in the drive way it is smooth sailing. Enjoy your car!

 

[UtesFanRy]

It's funny you bring this up because I was starting to wonder if mine had something wrong with it. My 13 does the exact same thing and it's as if it doesn't know if it should speed off or shut down for just a minute or so when I first start it up. The lurching is annoying but glad to hear it's a normal thing. Might have to start using the remote start while walking to the car. That can buy a few more seconds of warm up time.

My '14 does this too!! I was wondering about this - glad to know I'm not the only one...

FWIW - I have gone to doing what you mentioned and remote start the car when it hasn't run in a while before getting in it. No problems since doing that!

 

[toduncom]

Hey UtesFanRy - Where do you live? I live in Northern Utah and work in SLC. I see your location as Utah. Are you in the SLC area? FYIW I work by the SLC airport. What color is your car? Cool coincidence! Enjoy your car.

 

[UtesFanRy]

Hey UtesFanRy - Where do you live? I live in Northern Utah and work in SLC. I see your location as Utah. Are you in the SLC area? FYIW I work by the SLC airport. What color is your car? Cool coincidence! Enjoy your car.

I'd say crazy coincidence! I also live in Northern Utah, North of Salt Lake in Davis County at least! And I work near the airport also. About a 5 to 10 minute drive from it!

My car is Platinum White and I bought it about 2 months ago...

 

[WojoMojo]

I'm up in northern Minnesota and during the winter I start my SHO in 30 below weather pretty frequently. It definitely has it's own characteristics when cold out as compared to a naturally aspirated engine. I let it warm up for about 10 minutes and it won't be too bad. Otherwise it's super touchy. Definitely doesn't like to start very easily at those temps and definitely becomes a gas Hog during winter. I average like 15 mpg on a good tank and f150 Ecoboost's up here get like 10 mpg during the winter months.

 

[SHOdded]

BTW, try switching to a 0W20/30 oil for the colder months and see if that helps any.

 

[toduncom]

I'd say crazy coincidence! I also live in Northern Utah, North of Salt Lake in Davis County at least! And I work near the airport also. About a 5 to 10 minute drive from it!

My car is Platinum White and I bought it about 2 months ago...

Hey UtesFanRy,
The coincidences keep coming, I am also in Davis County (Syracuse) so we are both commuters. I bought my car about 5 months ago at Westland Ford in Ogden. Did you buy yours from Larry Miller? I know there weren't many available and most were Tuxedo Black, the only white SHO I was aware of was at Larry Miller.

Enjoy your car, I know I love mine.

 

[UtesFanRy]

Hey UtesFanRy,
The coincidences keep coming, I am also in Davis County (Syracuse) so we are both commuters. I bought my car about 5 months ago at Westland Ford in Ogden. Did you buy yours from Larry Miller? I know there weren't many available and most were Tuxedo Black, the only white SHO I was aware of was at Larry Miller.

Enjoy your car, I know I love mine.

So - I live in Bountiful, so likely we pass each other in our commuting lives periodically. I have seen a Ruby Red on occasion around my work a couple of times, I'm assuming now that it is you!

I actually purchased mine from Performance Ford in Bountiful. I did all the "leg work" and found the White PP I wanted @ Kendall Ford in Meridian, Idaho. I consequently talked them (Perf. Ford - Bountiful) into dealer trading for my car. I drove a Focus up on a Friday night, and drove my car back home on Saturday.

 

[toduncom]

Yes, I commute M-F and we may pass from time to time. I usually drive on Legacy. There is another Ruby Red SHO I see in the International Center, I think it is a 2013 with the PP rims. Mine has the "other" 20" rims. I was concerned about the F1's on the PP especially with our winter weather. It sounds like your car is set up exactly how you wanted it, great find! Are you going to park your SHO for the winter or is it only a part time car for you? or Are you planning on changing tires for winter? Another factor for me was how quickly the F1's wear compared to the Michelins on my car.

 

[UtesFanRy]

Yes, I commute M-F and we may pass from time to time. I usually drive on Legacy. There is another Ruby Red SHO I see in the International Center, I think it is a 2013 with the PP rims. Mine has the "other" 20" rims. I was concerned about the F1's on the PP especially with our winter weather. It sounds like your car is set up exactly how you wanted it, great find! Are you going to park your SHO for the winter or is it only a part time car for you? or Are you planning on changing tires for winter? Another factor for me was how quickly the F1's wear compared to the Michelins on my car.

Yeah I figured it was too much $'s out of my own wallet to not get exactly the car I wanted - The Ford dealership in Bountiful was pretty good about it. I think they were more relieved that I had done all the work for them and basically told them what they would have to do to sell me a car!!

The Ruby Red one I've seen a couple of times around my work has the PP rims, so not yours sounds like..

My SHO is a DD, so unfortunately there won't be much parking it for the winter. I just purchased a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for it that I will have installed in the next couple of weeks depending on weather. Then the F1's will go back on next spring! Either on the stock PP wheels, or a new set of rims if I can swing it! I used to have a Mazdaspeed6 that I ran Blizzaks on, and they are simply amazing. I don't anticipate there ever being a day I can't make it where I need to go with the SHO and winter tires. I have always been a firm believer in Summer and Winter tires for my vehicles, so I wanted the F1's when I bought it.

 

[jtreber]

My SHO is a DD, so unfortunately there won't be much parking it for the winter. I just purchased a set of Bridgestone Blizzaks for it that I will have installed in the next couple of weeks depending on weather. Then the F1's will go back on next spring! Either on the stock PP wheels, or a new set of rims if I can swing it! I used to have a Mazdaspeed6 that I ran Blizzaks on, and they are simply amazing. I don't anticipate there ever being a day I can't make it where I need to go with the SHO and winter tires. I have always been a firm believer in Summer and Winter tires for my vehicles, so I wanted the F1's when I bought it.

I also just purchased a set of Blizzaks 245 45 20 for my '15. I'm still in sticker shock.

 

[SHOdded]

$300/tire, ouch!

 

[Stealthfrc]

i get the same thing with my 13, its actually at the dealer now getting a few bugs worked out .... of course while its there they couldn't replicate the problem or find anything wrong but its quite annoying.

 

[UtesFanRy]

$300/tire, ouch!

No kidding!