My wife it reporting a 'rough idle' when she starts her car. I typed up everything that could be of use in hopes that someone else has had this symptom and maybe found a fix?
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2008 Scion xB

~60,000 miles

SYMPTOM - last ~3 years / bit of a rough idle when starting the car and during the first few stops (stop signs/red lights). It gets better as you drive it,
But, Monday evening wife told me it acted like it was going to stall when she started it and had to give it gas real quick to keep it from stalling.


USUAL FIX: A fill up with highgrade every ~3months and a bottle of all on one fuel injector-system-gas cleaner (usually what ever is on sale at Target).

Driving conditions: Central Florida/City driving (20 miles round trip every day)

NOTE: Air conditioning is always on setting 2 (she does not turn it off when starting/turning off car).

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TIME LINE:

Thursday - sit
Friday - 2pm / 12 miles round trip
Saturday - 1pm trip / 7pm return trip
Sunday - 7pm / trip to get gas - filled tank 87 octane @ 7-11

Monday 8am - work / 6pm leave work -- JUMPY/acted like it was going to stall
Monday - 8pm started in garage ok (test start/turned it off right after)

Tuesday - 10 am / started (trip to Discount auto for Seafoam (someone said to try this in another thread))
10:30 am / started

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As mentioned, verify the check engine light hasn't been illuminated. I'd suspect spark plug fouling, fuel evaporation system problem, ECU control of cold idle rpm/injectors/spark/cam timing, fuel pressure/filter, air leak after the MAF, damaged or disconnected vacuum hose, injector fouling, coolant temperature sensor, or a MAF problem.

Sounds like injector fouling should be eliminated, but definitely double check for a CEL. Most problems should be flagged by it.

 

Sometimes the smallest things can be a problem. If there is not a check engine light on to start with. Check the battery condition and terminal connections. The cables may look attached and fine, but actually are loose. If that is the case, clean and tighten them back up. Then clean the throttle body. What your experiencing can be related to this problem. If not, start trouble shooting or seek the help of a professional. If you keep playing the guessing game, oh its this, maybe its that or i have not checked this out. You will be chasing your tail and only get frustrated. Check the basics and seek the advice of a professional. Even though forums are helpful and provide a shared experience. We are not psychically looking at the car with you, its like driving with out headlights at night. I wish you the best of luck, Joe.

 

id say something to do with air fuel

 

Check spark plugs, make sure they have the right gap and are not erroded.
Also make sure they are reasonably tight in the holes. They are hard to get to, special tools required if you don't have them