Stuttering/Unresponsive Throttle After Starting My Car

[NineElevenLover]

I've been noticing an issue with throttle response after starting my car (even when warm). It goes away after a bit of driving and seems to be the worst at low RPMs and low load. For example, shortly after starting my car, with the shifter in neutral, if I simply try to blip the throttle, the RPMs don't raise as they should. Instead, the engine stutters. This also prevents smooth acceleration when engaging the clutch and starting to roll off in 1st gear. After reving up to 3 grand in 1st and shifting into 2nd gear, there's also a stutter/pause before I get any power.

My car is strong and pulls like a mule after driving for a short period of time. If this was something like plugs, wires, or coils, I'd think the problem would be manifesting itself all the time, especially under heavy load.

Do you all have any ideas? Thanks.

[Dus10R]

Typing this from my Blackberry in a bumpy car so forgive any errors...

Have you tried removing the throttle body and cleaning all the gunk out? When they get gunked up its common to have some weird starting and stalling problems.

After you put it back on (its an easy job, right on top the motor) put your key in the ignition and turn it on but don't start it and let it sit for a minute thirty or so...if its quiet you'll here it reset and adjust itself..sounds like a high pitched whine with a few clicks. When the sound stops turn it off and then you can start it and let it run for 5 minuets or so until it warms up. Should be self calibrated at that point.

[ericinboca]

I like the idea of cleaning the throttle body as suggested. I'll throw out another possible cause - dying fuel pump. When they are giving up, they tend to work intermittently.

Just something to consider.