As the subject...

My engine is running rough and has no guts, (splutters) when its cold, about 3 minutes after starting the car.


Just want some ideas before it gets serviced

1) Poor idle quality in cold temperatures.
2) Engine stalling under load (Eg Power steering operation, Air Conditioning, etc), under closed throttle (Idle) conditions.
3) Rough Gear changes on Automatics when changing from second, to first gear, (Engine speed surging).
4) Engine RPM surging at idle, for no reason. (I.E. Engine increasing RPM to greater than 1000rpm, for no apparent reason).

lifted straight from the tech doco.

clean it yourself very easy to do.

Sounds like that might be it.