Car starts, idles to almost nothing, then shuts off

[radionovember]

Last question and I think I'll have this thing is good shape. I'm not sure where to begin to troubleshoot this problem. I have an 82 Spider 2000 FI and when I crank it, about 30% of the time, it will crank and then idle immediately down to about 2 on the rpm gauge before dying. I can keep cranking and it will keep doing that unless I rev to about 10 and hold it for about 10 seconds or so. Then it will generally stay up and be fine for the drive. Any ideas what might cause that? It's not necessarily consistent but its regular enough for me to feel like it should be fixed. Thanks for the help...

[macawlover70]

Try replacing the cold start valve. You can check it by removing it and it should spray for a few seconds when you turn the ignition key.

[2ndwind]

I know I am obsessed with the AFM but I suggest you check that the AFM door swings without catching.

[radionovember]

Thanks guys... Ill check the cold start valve this week and if that seems to be fine, I'm going for the AFM. Here's to hoping I can get this thing back to running like new.

[majicwrench]

It is almost certainly NOT the cold start valve. If CSV fails, car will be miserable hard to start at all. If car starts fine, just won't idle, it is NOT the CSV.
There is an idle air valve on the FI cars that needs to be open when cold. Is easy to check, just look inside cold and hole should not be blocked.
There are some wonderful troubleshooting info on the web somewhere for these. Check, test before replacing expesive parts.