So here is my problem.

The past few mornings when I have started my car up, the RPM's drop way down (about 200!) and the engine sounds like it is gasping for air. This only lasts a couple seconds and then goes to its normal idle.

My battery has been replaced within the last 2 years and the car drives great otherwise.

Does anyone have any ideas??? Thanks to all.

 

weird usually it starts out higher and then settles down to normal, where do you live? has it been getting cold the last few mornings?

 

I live in Central California. It has been cold and foggy in the mornings lately. Could that have something to do with it?

 

Like the Russian said if its cold the RPMs start out high and then after its warmed up they go down(my 2.8 starts at about 1200 then after a minute or two they go down to 800)
What year and engine you gotts???

 

Ok, so I got the car back from the shop today after they fixed the coolant leak. They said they did not have enough time to diagnose the starting problem. The problem is that when i turn it over after sitting awhile (usually in the morning) the engine stresses to start up. It takes a couple of seconds and then fires up at 1k then down to 700. The guy at the shop said it could possibly be the head gasket or the head itself but then it also could be nothing. There is no white smoke coming out the back and the engine temperature is normal and has never overheated the 4 years i have had her. What could possibly be causing this head-ache!!! Help!

 

Bad secondary air pump?

 

Thanks for the help. I am new to dealing with the A4, how would I go about diagnosing the problem if it is a secondary air pump? Thanks again!

 

The shop told me there is high levels of NOX in the cooling system. The plugs have not been replaced since I have owned the car. 4 years. And the vacuum hoses need to be replaced.