Howdy all,

2003 Sunfire with 2.2 ecotec engine/ auto. 106k with regular 3K oil changes, so it should be in decent condition internally.

I'm a noob to these, so any idea's would be very helpful.

Sunfire was running fine until temp dropped to 6 degrees, then wouldn't start.

Battery had charge, engine turned over, occasionally firing.

I removed the hose from the air cleaner and there was sludge and ice in there. I tried using starting fluid, and surprisingly it made no difference.

After abusing the starter for a while I finally got it to start, but it would only run at idle, and it wasn't happy about it.

Had it towed to my house, and stuck it in the heated garage.

Battery fully charged, vehicle warm (from garage), it still won't start normally. By pedaling the heck out of it (to the floor, foot off throttle) I can get it to start, but it only runs at idle.

It's not making vacuum (brake pedal is hard like when it's not running) when it IS running.

It will sit and idle, but you cannot give it any throttle or it will die.

Has me puzzled...

Thanks in advance....
Gerry