Just had ignition coils and plugs replaced after local mechanic told me to o to dealer for possible engine replacement (no compression in one cylinder). Now, when I start my car in the morning, if I rev the engine it sticks at 5k rpms, even if I have the pedal to the floor. Eventually, after 5 or 6 tries, it revs up all the way. Wondering what this is.

 

that's because the engine isn't at normal operating temp. Very bad to high rev a cold engine!!!

 

its called variable rev limiter depending on the engine temperature.

 

+1.

 

it's an idiot prevention strategy

 

lol one heck of a not so subtle subtle sarcasm

 

that's what it's called, no direct implication is intended because that would violate the TOU ...

 

 

OP, be careful.

You don't want to free rev like that when it's cold. You could send a cylinder through the head and a connecting rod through the block.

 

i think i worded this poorly - the idea is not that i am sitting there revving my engine for fun. i ask because this started happening after the following events: I picked up my car at airport and engine was smoking. one mechanic told me the plugs and coils were fine but there was no compression in one cylinder and i needed to take it to a dealer for a new engine. the dealer's service department then told me i did not need a new engine (still covered under warranty) and they charged me to replace the plugs & coils. didn't know if the two were related. this "stuck at 5K thing was never noticed before this service work.

 

probably because you never tried to rev it before letting it warm to operating temp?