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How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck

Posted By: Tadams

How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 02:21 PM

Truck started stalling if rpms drop less than 1000 rpms. How can I tell if it is the filter, pump, or injectors that are the problem. I didn't realize the filter and pump are in the tank.
Thanks
Posted By: therocks

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 03:40 PM

Are there any codes?Only way to check pump is a pressure test.How old is the battery?They will cause problems if it is weak or going bad.Rocky
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 04:27 PM

No codes, it just started to stall yesterday when I would let off the gas in traffic. It drives fine till the rpms drop below 1000 and then it will stall. If I keep my foot on the gas it stays running. I work 30 miles from home and have a fear of it stalling and not starting back.
Posted By: ChallengerGary

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 05:02 PM

Sounds like it might be a catalytic converter issue to me.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 05:08 PM

Haven't thought of that. Is there a way to check?
Posted By: ChallengerGary

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 05:16 PM

Not sure but I think an exhaust shop can use a sniffer. I had one break internally on me and a similar thing happened to me. Then, it started to get worse. After a long drive, the engine started to "clog up" and before I knew it I could not go more than 25 mph. I thought it was starving for fuel so I replaced the fuel pump and still had the same problem. Had someone mention that it could be the catalytic to me. Took it to an exhaust shop and at first they said that wasn't the problem. I persisted and low and behold, that was the problem.
Posted By: Challenger 1

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 05:16 PM

I put my gloved hand over the tail pipe and have someone rev it up. You can tell usually. Do it with another car or truck to get a idea of how much flow should be there. This method has not been proven or is in the factory service manuel.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 05:33 PM

Thanks, My son has the same model truck so when he gets home I will try that.
Posted By: 392charger

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 06:46 PM

My 2002 360/auto Ram has done that exact thing on three different occasions and each and every time it was the battery cable. That paper thin strap that goes around the battery post cracked/rotted from corrosion resulting a bad connection so I would check all the cables/connections first since it's free to do. The first time it happened it left me stranded in the dark at work but a vise grip clamped tightly around that thin strap got me the 50 miles home.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 06:59 PM

I have new battery cables, but thanks for the advise
Posted By: IMGTX

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 07:18 PM

Stalling under 1000 rpms doesn't sound like fuel pressure or Cat to me.

Under 1000 rpms is when you need the least fuel or exhaust flow.

Sounds to me like a vacuum leak, problems with the idle air control valve, or possibly a bad O2 or MAP sensor.

1. Check for codes. I have people say there were no codes because the check engine light was burned out.
2. Look for obvious vacuum leaks. If it is a Magnum engine ram check for oil in the intake by looking through the open throttle blades. A common vacuum leak is when the intake pan gasket fails but it usually includes a little smoking.

3. Then start checking for Fuel Pressure, CAT back pressure, etc.

My

Hope it helps.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 07:52 PM

thanks, The engine light hasn't come on, and I went to a parts store and they can't check an 94 model truck. The truck hasn't shown any less power or drivability. It stalls when I am coming up to a light in town or coming off the highway to a stop light. I just started the truck and it idles fine. I let it run for a few minutes reved it up to around 2500 rpms and it idled back to normal just fine. The battery and cable ends are new as are the plugs.
Maybe just bad gas? The truck doesn't smoke and has 125,000 miles.
Posted By: Andrewh

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 08:04 PM

does it restart instantly? or do you have to crank a bit to get it to catch?

it does still sound like a tb or iac issue. if so it should reset after you try to restart and start fine.
I would see about cleaning it or replacing the iac motor.

the reason I say this, is under load the air requirments are different than you just blipping or reving. when you travel at highway or at speed, the iac is supposed to open somewhat based on total air load so if you suddenly have to slam on the brakes or whatever it won't kill the engine with the tb shut.

it sounds like it isn't opening enough.
so either it is too dirty(which technically would affect starting idle) or it isn't opening enough due to motor issues or whatever.

I have never looked at the numbers to compare so could be off, but that is what it sounds like to me.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 08:15 PM

It starts instantly. This is the first time it has ever acted like this. When it stalls, it starts back up like all is normal.
Posted By: Andrewh

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 08:29 PM

Quote:

It starts instantly. This is the first time it has ever acted like this. When it stalls, it starts back up like all is normal.




bad iac would probably be the answer then.
take it out and look at it. see if it moves properly.
it would reset to a different level at idle vs coming down from high speed.
Posted By: IMGTX

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 08:33 PM

If you turn the key to run but do not start the truck the check engine light (oil, temp, batt, abs, etc too) should come on. If it does then the light is good. If not then replace the bulb.

On a 94 you should turn the ignition key forward to run (not start) and back 3 times, then leave it in the run position and the check engine light will flash the codes.

I theorize it is a vacuum leak. When you are off idle the ECU compensates for the extra air with extra fuel and you will not notice a difference.

When you return to idle the ECU has opens the idle air control valve to set the idle speed and suddenly you are now getting too much air and it dies.

This is my theory and speculation but I would check for a vacuum leak first.

A 94 magnum with 125K probably has a bad pan gasket IMHO. Unless it has already been repaired.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 09:03 PM

Thanks for the ideas. I will check on those in the morning and let you know what I find.
Posted By: mikemee1331

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 10:20 PM

if it's not doing it anymore you probably had a slight clog in an injector. i'm not poo-pooing the suggestions above but run a quality bottle of injector cleaner through the tank at the next fill-up.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/12/12 10:54 PM

I have only started it today, not driven it anywhere, but I am going to do some checks in the morning. I really do thank you and all of the others for the ideas. The barracuda is so much more simple to work on. If it doesn't start look in the carb for gas. If you have gas then check for fire. Why did things have to get complicated?
Posted By: sreinheimer

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 01:43 AM

Easy way to check if the intake pan gasket is leaking is to take the dipstick out and check for vacuum on the tube. It does sound like a vacuum leak problem to me. Also have had low trans fluid cause stalling on the trucks
Posted By: Grizzly

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 02:06 AM

Quote:

Quote:

It starts instantly. This is the first time it has ever acted like this. When it stalls, it starts back up like all is normal.




bad iac would probably be the answer then.
take it out and look at it. see if it moves properly.
it would reset to a different level at idle vs coming down from high speed.






You can try cleaning it with brake clean.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 02:10 AM

OK, I just did check the code and it seems to show a 12.
The light blinks 1 time then pause then blink 2 times pause then blink 5 times then 5 times. According to what I found on the internet that means a battery disconnect. I replaced the battery and cable ends about 3 months ago. I will check all of the connections in the morning.
Does that sound correct?
Posted By: IMGTX

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 02:24 AM

12 will always be there. No good reason for it, it just is.
55 is end of codes so you have no codes.

One other thing that I haven't run into on a Mopar but I have on many GM's. If the lockup convertor isn't releasing it will kill it at stop lights. If you slowly come to a stop does it seem like the engine is draggin it down like a manual in gear and braking to a stop?

I doubt that is it and I am still hedging my bet on a vacuum leak or intake pan leak (also a vacuum leak).

Keep us informed.
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 02:34 AM

I drove an 18 wheeler for 20 years so I know what you mean, but it is nothing like that. It drives like all is normal but stalled 3 times yesterday. I went to the store this evening and it stalled when I backed out of the driveway but then didn't do it again going to the store or back home again. Thats about 10 miles round trip.
Maybe something will show up in the morning.
Posted By: pushbutton

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 03:47 AM

IAC valve fixed my Dak with the same problem.
Posted By: mikemee1331

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 09:52 PM

Quote:

I drove an 18 wheeler for 20 years so I know what you mean, but it is nothing like that. It drives like all is normal but stalled 3 times yesterday. I went to the store this evening and it stalled when I backed out of the driveway but then didn't do it again going to the store or back home again. Thats about 10 miles round trip.
Maybe something will show up in the morning.


i don't mean this to sound funny or uncaring but the bright side is that's showing some consistency. now it's trackable!
Posted By: Tadams

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/13/12 11:23 PM

Hey Guys, I had to do some side work today so I filled my tank this AM and the truck has run like a champ all day. It has not stalled the first time. Can we mark this up as bad gas? I did buy the last from somewhere I don't normally go to. What do you thinK?
Posted By: therocks

Re: How to check fuel pump or filter on Ram truck - 04/14/12 12:18 PM

94 should have an external fuel filter IIRC.You might have to have it scanned.We had one at work that stalled almost like yours.It turned out to be the O2 sensor.It wouldnt set a code.The scanner driving showed it was super slow.Rocky
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