Starts doesn't Run
 

Hey i have an idea of my problem but i could use a second, third or fourth opinion..... I have a 2003 sxt ex-cab 3.9 v6. Has 29k on it. I'm up in Nashua, NH. I havent started it in about a week. I have no need i'm living at school. So i start it and it sort of struggles to turn over. This is the first time this has ever had a difficulty starting. So i let it run and drive it for about 10 minutes. The next day i start it agian with more difficulty. It sort of goes lik "CHA CHA CHA CHAAAA... then it starts" Before it used to just start without the added 3 CHA'S.

Tonight it CHA's and doesn't start. I get pissed and try it again, and all i smell is gasoline. Then i wait b/c it seems to be flooded. So i push down the clutch again after about 5 minutes of waiting and it CHA's again but sounds almost like it starts. So i gave it gas and made it start. Once it started it shut off. So i did it again and held the gas at 2500rpm. As soon as i let go of the gasit would die. It only stayson while i'm pushing the accelerator down.I turned on the headlights and repeated the same thing again. When it dies the lights flickered and when it dies the lights were on but dimmed.

Seems as though it could be the altinator not supply any of the trucks conponents with energy. Or i was thinking the fuel pump. It was sitting for a good 5 or 6 days. It got down to the mid 40's high 30's here at night. So the fuel pump could be clogged and not supplying the engine with any gas unless i stomp it down and make it run. Anybody ever have a problem like this or might know what it is?

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

You need a new battery.

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

that and your due for a tune up, granted ur not at the 36,000 mile suggested tune up, thats 4 eyars on those plugs and wires cap and rotor, my truck gets a tune up almost yearly or 18 months

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

I'd get your alternator checked. may need a new battery aswell.

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

the weird part is i don't think its the battery. It starts then once its on it shuts off. The only way i can make it stay on is if i hold the gas down. The altenator seems like the obvious problem. I hope its the only problem. I should probly get the battery checked out anyways. I'm due for an oil change in about 100 miles. how does an altenator die after 29 thousand miles? i hope i dont get stuck with one problem after the next. The trucks been perfect up until tonight

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

Ok I have had simaler problems with my 3.9L. When every the battery dies and it has to be jumped it will not run under 3000rpm's. All three times ended up getting the truck towed( i have an automatic so it is hard to keep it up at 3000) the injectors get cleaned and it runs great. Have your battery and alternator checked but these could be causing the problem. Also my parents got a 2004 honda civic new which was my first car it came with a bad altenator I never had any strating problems(no volatge gauge :(, but electrical equipment would sometimes have problems.

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

Try searching around on this topic and you will understand why I am telling you it is the battery. If you are convinced it is the altenator, get a $10 volt meter and see if it is working properly.

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

your battery is shot. its not like the old days when the alternator would keep the system running if you were to dissconect the battery. if the battery is not powerfull enough to keep the pcm charged it will keep dying.by giving it gas you are forcing the battery to keep the pcm charged. swap out the battery and see what happens. and if you dont use the truck but once a week, pull the battery and leave it on a trickle charger

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

exactly...

RE: Starts doesn't Run
 

should be a requiremen t of a DIY automobile owner...