Rough running on start

Ok this is a bit of an intermittent issue, its happened a good few times now. When it does happen its VERY noticeable to say the least.

First start of the day - warm/dry wet/cold weather (makes no difference) car starts but runs like a bag of nails poppoing and spluttering but doesnt stall. - close though.
I usually rev through it and it eventually sorts itself out, and it's then fine for a number of weeks without any recurrence. I suspect a sensor somewhere but would like the opinion of anyone else more familiar with the Jimny than I am

Intermittent problems are the worst, much easier if it just stops.
As a first step how about going old school and take a look at the colour of the plugs? If they all look the same then it's likely a common problem, as you say sensor etc. If one is noticeably different to the rest it suggests a localised problem, this could be plug, coil, injector etc.
At the same time check all the connectors etc for dirt or damage.
Just a starter suggestions.
Mike

Thanks Scimike. I've not had much time the next job to do is sort the poor heater out (you probably read about Lambert's fix on his - I plan to do the same)

I have looked at a few connectors but not found anything obvious - all are in good shape - no corrosion or oil etc.

Its not due a service until May, so I'm hoping it will behave itself until then when the weather warms up a bit and I can get some more time on it myself using the light of the longer evenings

I guess I'm asking if there are any 'usual suspects' for this kind of fault.

Do you have any problems starting? ie it's spinning but won't start until you give it a little gas, then runs lumpy for a few mins & then sorts itself out?

Would be good to know, as I have the same issue. Got it booked in next week.

Dreadnaught did this a few years ago, running on 3 cylinders and popping and banging that then cleared. At the time I was using a set of aftermarket plug leads because I had been trying to find a flat spot at 2k rpm that was plug related. Anyway, so I switched to new genuine leads and bingo no more trying to run on 3. In fact I am feeling that it eventually did it while being driven not just starting and that was what triggered the fault finding. Never gave me a code though not even for a misfire. This is on an m13a vvt others may be different.

Thanks for the replies Skinnymik & Lambert, you both have summed it up quite nicely with your descriptions.
I have no code to read and this is also on a M13A VVT.

No problems starting Skinny - it starts alright (though it has a new battery in it, so all is well there)

Like you Lambert I do feel I'm losing a bit of power sometimes during a journey - notably on hills; It doesn't seem as smooth running as my neighbours car but she has a G type engine in hers so I can't make any comparison

I'll take a look at the plugs and investigate changing the replacing plugs and leads - theres been some talk of particular types of plugs but I'll have to look for it unless you guys know whats best?