Numerical simulations were performed for the effect of injection and ignition timings on combustion and the generation of formaldehyde and unburned methanol emissions in the cylinder of a stratified charge direct injection spark ignition (DISI) methanol engine during cold start using AVL-fire, coupling the methanol chemical and kinetic reaction mechanisms. A non-uniform spray-line distribution nozzle was used to form stratified charge methanol-air mixtures during cold start. The simulation shows that injection and ignition timings have a significant effect on the concentration distribution of the methanol air mixture, and hence the affect combustion and generation of formaldehyde and unburned methanol emissions. Optimized injection and ignition timings form an ideal stratified charge distribution. Formaldehyde and unburned methanol emissions decrease with retarding of the injection timing, but increase with retarding of the ignition timing. Formaldehyde and unburned methanol emissions at injection timing 41 degrees crank angle before top dead center (CABTDC) were 48% and 82% higher than for 57 degrees CABTDC, and those at ignition timing 8 CABTDC were 125% and 900% higher than for 20 degrees CABTDC, respectively. Optimal injection and ignition timings provide the best compromise between the maximum cylinder pressure, maximum heat release rate, maximum cylinder temperature, and formaldehyde and unburned methanol emissions. Injection timing 45 degrees CABTDC and ignition timing 14 degrees CABTDC obtained the best compromise on cold start performance. (C) 2017 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.