98 Ram cranks but won't start

[joker_of_01]

HELP I have a 98 ram withthe 5.9. Starting about a month ago after the truck warmed up alittle it had would stall after starting. It would turn over and start but after the intial rev up from starting when if falls back down to idle it would just fall all the way out and stall. If i put my foot on the gas and not let it fall down so far it wouldn't have a problem. This has only happend about 4 times. And it seems it was when the outside temp was colder than normal, not sure if that has anything to do with it though. Well tonight I started the truck to let it warm up before we went home it started no problem. I went back out a little later and it was dead. I tried to start it and all it will do is crank. Tonight was way colder than it has ever been lately. I have read people say it could be the battery or cable, but since it is cranking over that should rule that out shouldn't it, is it most likely the fuel pump? Thanks Jared

[crazys182003]

even though it cranks over I would not fully rule out your battery. You could have a mainly dead battery but have a few good cells left in it that do allow you to crank over. Do you still have the factory battery installed? If so it is definately time to change that they should be repalced about every 4-6 years depending on the type you get. What I would do to check your fuel pump is to crank it over and pull a spark plug out. If it is wet then it is getting fuel just not sparking. When was the last time you changed your plugs? If you can check your fuel pressure it should be up around 50 PSI. That would rule out your fuel pump if its good.

[WHATDIDYOUBREAKNOW]

Check You Battery Voltage While Cranking

[joker_of_01]

OK, This morning I went out to see if i could get it started. I knew I was needing a new battery because is hasn't been testing good lately so I went and bought a new one. I can hear the fuel pump kicking in when I turn the key and with the new battery I can smell that it is really putting out some fuel. so pump is the problem, I just had tune up with new wires about a month ago. I decided to see if I was getting any spark. Went to the passenger side and since it was now day light I insantly saw my problem. the coil wire popped out of the clip on the valve covers and it fell on the block, It melted through and was shorting out. yanked it off the block (it welded itself to it) and put it back in the clip, And truck starts and runs. Now I need to buy a new wire. Still not sure if that had anything to do with the stalling though. Thanks, Jared

[Adv Auto Works]

I am sure you probably have already fixed this issue but it sounds like the Idle Air Control valve (IAC) is bad. It builds up with carbon over tome and it sticks causig your engine to start and stall (worse when cold). Replace it (@ $80) and clean the throttle body.