2000 Dakota starts but dies without throttle
 

I have a 2000 Dakota quad cab, 5.9L V8. The other day I was driving and it died while at a stop light. I was able to start it again, but it would just die immediately unless I had the throttle on giving it gas (basically wont idle at all). It had about a 1/4 tank of gas, so it's not out. About the 3rd or 4th time I did this, the check engine light came on temporarily as well as "check gauges", but then went off. I ended up having to get a tow home and I can't get it to a parts store to get it scanned and check if there is a code or not.

Based on the symptoms, I'm thinking it could be a vacuum leak, fuel filter, fuel pump or MAP sensor. My question is, are there any tests I can do to help narrow it down? Or is there something else I'm not thinking of?

Thanks in advance!

Might be fuel pressure, bad IAC, or failing PCM..... If you give it a little gas, will it start?

Yep - it starts as long as my foot is on the gas

Ok, couple possibilities then.

First one is easy: Dirty throttle body. Take it off, clean it, put it back on. All done. :D The IAC well likes to get choked with crap, and therefore, it stops working properly.
Second one isn't so easy..... Might be a failing PCM, or IAC. Getting the codes read would help here...... But, if you have a volt meter, you can check the connector for the IAC. There is four wires in there, with the ignition on, two of them should show 12 volts.

Nice...I'll start with the low hanging fruit and go from there...Thanks for the direction! Will post back with results; might be a day or 2 before I have time to muck with it.

Cheers!

Well, at least it isn't quite so cold out as it has been.....

Bear in mind, if you start talking about how it is sunny and mild where you are, I'll ban you. :D (kidding, I hate winter.......)

Psh... I wish. Pacific Northwest here!

You are relatively safe from the weather nazi then. :D

Weak battery

The power and stereo come on though... and since it does start, wouldn't the alternator keep it running even if the battery is bad? Unless of course it's the alternator...