So my '09 S has had an issue recur around 4 times where I'll start it up on a cold morning (below 35 f), and it'll sound like it's kind of "grinding" or "choking" when it turns over. It's fine for the first minute, but when I try to actually give it gas, there's little to no power. After around 5-10 seconds, the power kicks in, and everything's fine. Any thoughts here? Intake manifold? HPFP? Cold start death rattle?

 

My 09 has the exact same symptoms but it has gone a step further and actually stalls out even if I give it gas. So far the second start has been fine and there are no problems once everything warms up. I've also had it start fine then stall as soon as I tried to pull out of the parking spot which was on a hill. Let me know if you find a resolution. I'm planning on taking it to the dealer next week to see what they say.

 

Looks like it was the carbon builup issue. Today though, I again had would almost sounding like a chain dragging for just a second while turning over. Anybody with thoughts on this? It was cold, and I was on a lsight incline.

 

The dealer found carbon build up on the valves, cleaned them, reset the computer and gave the car back saying everything was good. The next time I start the car (next day because they brought it to me warm) same problem only worse - It took 4 starts to actually get going and then ran rough with reduced power. Went straight back to the dealer and after two more days they realize its the HPFP. Supposedly all set now.