95 Dodge ram 5.2 help needed

[Sedanman]

My Van just died on the way home from work and I have no clue where to start. I will start with the 1st incident that started it. It just started getting cold here and recently if I took my van to the store (it drove and started fine) Then come out of the store and start the van it wouldn't idel and would have to keep my foot on the gas to drive it until I drove it for a few blocks,it would be fine. Then today,I was stopping by the body shop to get my painted parts it started to backfire through the throttle plate and a very rough idle and didn't seem to be running on all cylinders. I pulled it in,stayed for an hour or so and went to leave it it back fired more and wouldn't barely move. I did get lucky and the rest of the way to a parking lot was down hill where it died. It is now dark out so I'm looking for some advice so I can see if I can get it going tomorrow. Thanks in advance

 

[Sedanman]

Cat Converter? A sensor? Computer? Most shops around me get $95 an hour and I would like to keep it a low buget fix to put the $ into my Valiant. How can you tell if your converter is plugged and how does it act if it is?

 

[Tbone416]

It's most likely the IAC motor I replaced tons of them over the years with dodge the IAC is on the tbody just two bolts this should save you about 200 bucks at the dealer!

 

[Sedanman]

Idle Air Control valve? I know there are 3 or 4 different sensors on the throttle plate. Would this also cause my current condition or is that just the tip of the ice burg?

 

[SSVDP]

Most auto parts stores can check for diagnostic codes forfree - otherwise it can be a number of items. I think the IAS is a good suggestion.

 

[duster360]

Usually if it backfires through the carb/throttle body there is a timing issue. I would check it with a timing light and see if the chain has slipped and caused it to jump time.

 

[duster360]

If it wont start you may have to check it mechanically. Pull the valve cover, get #1 piston up and see if the valves are opening when they are supposed too.

 

[Tbone416]

Idle Air Control valve? I know there are 3 or 4 different sensors on the throttle plate. Would this also cause my current condition or is that just the tip of the ice burg?

yes it could be something else but but most of time that's it take it out and clean it see if helps

 

[dusterdan]

this diagram shows where the iac is located on your particular motor. It takes two small allen wrenches to get it off. When you take it off, it will probably be black and covered with crap so just spray it will brake cleaner. DO NOT DO NOT attempt to push the plunger in/out by hand as that will ruin it and render it trash. Just spray several times with cleaner, let thoroughly dry. (might want to clean your whole TB while your at it, i'll bet it looks pretty bad too). Good luck!

 

[NC Engine Builder]

yes it could be something else but but most of time that's it take it out and clean it see if helps

Idle air control will cause stalling, but not likely to cause the other issues....more than one issue here probally. Backfire is lean/or out of time as was mentioned....

 

[Sedanman]

It was a fuel pump issue. I have had many cars and never had 1 pop through the engine when starving for fuel which threw me off. Thanks for the advice