Stalling in extreme cold weather?

SHELBY1999

MEMBER
2002 DODGE RAM
V8
4WD
AUTOMATIC
79,000 MILES

My dodge ram stalls as soon as I take me feet off the gas, and that's when it starts. There is a strong smell of raw gasoline in the cab area and by the grill. Now I've been starting it every 6hrs and let it idle for 20 minutes. The temp is -50 celcius. Last night it died while I was driving it, it warmed up for about 35 min. I had to step on the gas to get the engine to turn over, and then with very fast feet, pressed on the brake stuck in drive and slammed on the gas to get to work. Now the engine light is on. It was -55 out. I took it in to the dealer a few days before that and all they did was clean the throttle body. It has an oil pan heater, battery blanket, block heather, I put a sleeping bag over the hood and a trouble light under the hood, when not running. Why will it not start and constantly stall whenevr I take my feet off the gas?

1 Reply

JACOBANDNICKOLAS

MECHANIC
108,192 POSTS

Hi,

The idea that you smell fuel when this happens leads me to believe it could be related to a faulty fuel pressure regulator.

Here is what I suggest. First, check the fuel pressure to make sure it is within the manufacturer's specifications. You will need a fuel pressure gauge to do this, but oftentimes, a parts store will lend one to you.

Here is a link that explains how to test:

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-check-fuel-system-pressure-and-regulator

If you look below, I attached the directions specific to your vehicle. These directions include the manufacturer's specifications. If you find the pressure is high, suspect the regulator has failed. The fuel filter/Pressure regulator is located on the top of the fuel pump module.

Let me know if this helps or if you have other questions.

Take care,

Joe

See pics below.

Images (Click to make bigger)