When I start the car, I have to keep my foot on the gas to keep the rpms up. If I don't feed gas, the engine dies. After I've idled the car for 10-20 minutes with my foot on the gas, I take my foot off and the engine idles around 700 rpm. Only happens when it's cold, like below 5 degrees; at higher temps it runs fine. Any ideas? Only think I could think of was oil weight, but I used mobil 1 synthetic 0w40...

The exhaust is thick too, white smoke. Could that be related? Oil level is on the lowerside but still good, though. I changed my oil in May 08. It's been less than 3000 miles.

'97 2.8 v12 quattro

 

it has something to do with your icv here is a link on how to cleen it . http://audi.kris-hansen.com/icv.htm. i have cleaned mine a few times but it is dead now. it sits unpluged and is a tough to start up but after it starts car runs perfect. starts like you said but takes 30-40 sec kinda like an old carbed car.

 

I just finished taking the ICV off and putting it back on. In the short history of dealing with my car, I have to say that was THE MOST MISERABLE experience. Worst part is, it was clean as a whistle. Thanks for the suggestion though, I was happy to try anything that might work!

The problem is that the engine doesn't idle when it's below 5 degrees. When it's above 5, it idles fine.

Anyone have any ideas, temperature related solutions? Has anyone had any problems using Mobil 0W40 in the winter? I found some orange/brown sludge looking substance on the underside of the oil cap. Anyone know what that is? I'll post pictures soon.