This morning I went and started my car in the cold (like 5 degrees out) and it was hard to turn over, but then when it finally did the idle was all over the place, jumping up and down. The car was also shaking very badly, I had never felt it do anything like this before.

I tried to turn it off and restart the car, it did the same thing. After a few mins the check engine light came on and was flashing for a couple mins. Then it went off, and the car returned to normal. I would call the dealer, but its a sunday so that wont do me much good. The car is a 07 v6 manual. Any idea what it could be for the time being?

Thanks for any thoughts everyone

 

Ok, sorry to update my own post so soon, but I had a friend check to see which code it threw, it turned out to be a mis-firing 3rd cylinder. The friend said it was probably because of the cold. I was told not to worry about it and if it did it again to take it in.

Do you guys agree or should I call tomorrow?

 

did you ever get it started and
warmed up to normal operating
temperature and if so, how did
it run at that point

 

yeah, I let it run when it was so rough. It took a few mins but it did seem to settle itself out. It might have been once it had warmed up

 

mine has been doing this lately as well it follows with a huge cloud of smoke

 

was the cylinder misfiring, or not firing at all? how many miles have you put on the car, cause its possible your spark plugs have gotten fouled and need replacing. also your battery may be running low on power and may not be getting enough power through your spark plug wires. if it keeps doing this i would check those 3 things.
1. Battery
2. Spark Plug Wires
3. Spark Plugs

 

Dont get this the wrong way. But it sounds like your car needs an Italian tune up. Lucky for you, you dont need a mechanic or any tools. Unlucky for you though you need good weather to do it safely.

Basic procedure.

Start car and let idle until rpm drop below 1000, then drive until the car is fully warmed up.
Go to the nearest flattest spot you can get.
Then use 1'st and second gear only. Launch slowly and work the engine through the entire range of the rpm power shifting into second gear. Do this twice and the combustion chambers and plugs will be completely clean. Your cats will clean up too.

The downside is that you need to do it safely and with ought breaking the law.