Does anyone know how the Abarth handles warming up? Mine runs like an absolute dog (actually more like a kangaroo) when it is first started but once its warmed up it is fine. I'm guessing I have a problem with the "choke" but I'm not sure if this is handled by anything other than the throttle body anymore. Any ideas?

It's an '02 3dr Abarth Selespeed.

It does the same job as we used to do with a choke, the colder the engine is, the more fuel to air mixture is required but whereas we used to strangle (choke) the air going in AND put more fuel in, now it just simply puts in more fuel by leaving the fuel taps (injectors) open longer

So, a factor is the engine temp sensor but it seems by far the biggest culprits on Abarth for cold speed kangarooing is ignition problems so either new plugs or one or more of the over plug ignition coils failing

Isn't it some kind of dual system where more air is supplied to get a higher idle and (as said) more fuel to get a richer mixture?
In that case a clean throttlebody could be of some help too.

gr J

For cold start problems I would plum for the temp sensor to start with..it reads off the ECU and adjusts fuel settings..raises Idle rpms..changes the fuel/air mixture ..I have the same problem at the mo with my sons car that uses Mitsi technology on his car there are two sensors....one reads for the temp gauge and the other reads from the ECU to adjust fuel/air trims..isnt life fun..:bang:

http://www.fpuk.co.uk/technical/ttt1.htm

Do a search. Kangarooing when cold is a common problem with the Selespeed box and has been covered several times before...

Yep i have similar problems, find its best to let it warm up till the choke knocks off then it pulls away just fine... and you dont look like some numpty who doesn't know how to drive.