Truck will not stay running

TRACINGSTEPS

MEMBER
1990 DODGE RAM
V8
2WD
AUTOMATIC

I have a 1990 dodge ram pickup truck that starts fine then it idles high then low repeatedly. After a few moments of it doing this the engine dies. I start the truck again and it does the same thing. After the third or fourth time starting it, it still idles high and low but doesnt shut off. When I put the gear in neutral or drive the truck shuts down again. Any ideas?

Monday, November 22nd, 2010 AT 7:15 PM

3 Replies

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Check and test the idle air control motor, also clean the EGR valve and test the throttle position sensor-

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Monday, November 22nd, 2010 AT 7:21 PM

TRACINGSTEPS

MEMBER
2 POSTS

Found out what the problem was, the battery was losing power. Had the battery tested and it was way below what it should be. Found out it was an old army battery, it has been on the truck longer than we have had it. 10 to 12 years. After we replaced battery it worked perfectly for about a week, now truck will crank but will not start.

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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 7:37 PM

RASMATAZ

MECHANIC
75,992 POSTS

Cranks but no start condition:

Get a helper disconnect a sparkplug wire or 2 and ground it to the engine at least 3/16 away from ground -have helper crank engine over-do you have a snapping blue spark? If so-you have a fuel related problem, Do you hear the fuel pump come On when you turn key on? If not check fuel pump fuse and fuel pump relay if so, check the fuel pressure to rule out the fuel filter/fuel pump/pressure regulator and listen to the injector/s are they pulsing or hook up a noid light. No snapping blue spark continue to troubleshoot the ignition system-power input to the coil/coil packs, coil's resistances, distributor pick-up coil, ignition control module, cam and crank sensors and computer Note: If it doesn't apply disregard it

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Monday, November 29th, 2010 AT 8:43 PM