Mitsubishi Repair: Cold start acceleration, mass air sensor, throttle position sensor

Question
Hi Anthony

I have a 92 2.0 gallant with Fuel injection and have a problem when starting from cold. When starting up and driving away the car lacks any acceleration and stutters but as soon as it warms up the car runs fine,. I'm guessing the problem is a sensor that does the equivilant of the choke on a carburettor but I don't know which one or where abouts it is.
Can you help?

Thanks
Steve  

Answer
Steve,
Your problem may be with your Intake Air Temperature (IAT) sensor; which is part of your mass air sensor.  Another area to look is near your throttle body.  Your throttle position sensor and idle air valve sensor are there.  Either one of those can cause the problem you're experiencing.  One more item to check, especially if your car has California emmissions, is the exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) valve.  If any component of the EGR is malfunctioning, your car will sputter on cold starts.  You may just need to have your intake components cleaned.
Good luck!