What causes hard starting?

the temperature sensor for the computer not the gauge is telling the computer erroneously that the engine is warm and the computer leans the fuel so much so that you get the cutouts and hestitation. then after a while the engine really is warm and that fuel mixture works fine.

The information below was complied by me, it explains what causes the check engine light to come on and the process of finding the cause.

When the Check Engine light is turned on the computer control unit (called the PCM) has sensed a fault in the electronic controls of the engine and/or the emission system. When this happens you will seldom feel the car engine run any different. There are about 200 possible faults that turn the Check Engine light on, to know what has developed a problem you must have the system tested, this is called an OBD2 fault code test, Kragen and Autozone parts stores do this testing for free.

Check the fuel filter to see if the fuel filter is restricted,then have the fuel pressure checked to make sure it is enough.If there is a code in the computer then there will be a check engine light on,have the codes read,this will help diagnose the problem.

Since your "check engine" light is on you can get a free scan at Autozone or Oreillys. They can sell you a part and may have a diagram about where it fits. Just speculating it may be a coolant temperature sensor.

It sounds like you are not getting into the Cold Start mode.

Have you changed spark plugs lately? Generally the plugs should be changed at 80,000 to 100,000 mile intervals. More often in city driving. Bad plugs will cause hard starting in cold weather. Good Luck.

Check your transmission and clutch.

Did the 'Check Engine' Light come ON? Whenever the 'CHECK ENGINE' (Service Engine Soon) light comes on, the ECU (Engine Control Unit) sets a Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC). These codes identify the particular engine management system which caused the light to come on.
You'll need to use/find an OBDII (On-Board Diagnostic) Scanner to retrieve any code which have been stored in the ECU computer. Afterward, we might be able to help you DIAGNOSE the problem and perhaps eventually fix the problem.

POSS FUEL PRESSURE LEAKING INTO INTAKE VIA FUEL PRESSURE REGULATOR

What engine?

It could be a few things..The map sensor,Throttle position sensor,Fuel pump,Mass air flow sensor..

I’m happy to assist further over the phone at https://www.6ya.com/expert/joe_a3369546f8067589