I am having an issue where I can not start my 99 Drango without giving it gas. Once started I have to keep my foot on the gas for about a minute or so than will idle fine. if I turn it off and try to restart right afterwards I have to again give it gas. If I take my foot off the gas right after it starts it will die. Any ideals on what the issue could be and where to start. I have not noticed a check engine light on as of yet.

 

Check the battery

 

I did have to charge the battery completely before it would start but once it is started shouldn't it run without having to hold the gas for a minute or so? It should run off the alternator at that point right?

 

Oh yeah try the battery and check all the connections going to and from. Does it stay on at all afterwards?

 

Check the connection going to the alternator as well for corrosion. Clean it with electrical parts cleaner if it does have corrosion.

 

I have put new terminals on it for the battery, and checked to ensure they are all tight. It will stay on if i hold the gas down keeping it at about 2RPM's for a minute or so than it idles fine.

 

I will check the connection going to the alternator in the morning. Can that keep it from idling?

 

If its badly corroded it may. Try that first and also check all engine grounds.

 

low idle stumble is nearly always battery related. And to find out you changed the battery and connections... the culprit is adding up. Check, recheck, triple check. A new battery doesn't mean its a good battery. My less than 1 year old Optima is on the charger as we type right now. Have yours tested under load.

IndyD

 

That too, always a good idea to get all the small, preliminary things out of the way because most of the time thats all it is.