My 2004 FX35 often requires multiple starts to get it to idle. On the initial start, it usually kills instead of settling down to an idle. Doesn't seem to matter if it's hot or cold. I don't usually mess with the gas pedal when starting, I just turn the key. Until the last couple of months it would just start up and idle without touching the gas pedal. Is there an idle control valve that may need cleaning? The engine has never had any service other than oil & filter. Could plugs be an issue? Once it's started, it runs and idles fine. I suppose I should look at the air filter.

Thanks

Have you checked the MAF? Including the connection?

to NICO!

I'm guessing that since it's a drive-by-wire system, there's no idle control valve - because the ECU can just hold the throttle body open however much it wants using the signal to the throttle body. Could be wrong on that though. You might browse through the factory service manual... available at www.nicoclub.com/FSM/

I'm still looking for a solution to this problem. Yesterday on a cold start, it fired up and killed, which isn't unusual, but wouldn't restart. After multiple attempts, I got it going, but there was a lot of smoke, I think it was flooded. It's only got 67,000 miles, but I'm going to replace the spark plugs. Don't really know what else to do. Any suggestions will be appreciated.