My 1999 Ram 1500 5.2L just won't stay running. To get her to start you have to hold down the gas and keep on the gas or she dies out. I've also noticed that the fuel pressure fluctuates. I'm almost positive its the fuel pump but want to get some more input. I've priced the pump and they're about $219. I was told I can't just change the fuel filter without buying the pump. I've also noticed when I start her up I have never heard the fuel pump actuate like I do on my LeBaron. I noticed this when I first got her. A lot of forums say you can hear it but I never have. Is that a sign the pump is weak and about to go? Thanks for any help.

 

i had this same problem- happened when my battery ended up being drained.. had to boost, and i needed to keep the book of god on the gas for a few minutes while i circled around and checked the problem.. . next day. problem was gone.
i bought all the stuff already, so i keep the filter and pump with me, in the box, for when the pump finally does crater..
i've put on close to 3100kms since that problem., and still no signs of failure.. other than a pump which whines every so often.

 

My battery is at 12.3 volts, hubby is insisting it is not the battery but alot of forums say theses Rams don't run right with even the slightest drain in the battery. What now?

 

i would say it sounds like the fuel pump. if you turn the ignition to the on position you should hear a slight whine. thats the fuel pump priming. if you say u dont hear that and its weak i would replace it.

 

well then what causes the whine to be so loud after?.. i mean i can hear it over my idling exhaust from the drivers door..

 

i can hear mine also, from outside or if the windows down. its just loud. i never thought of mine as being to loud tho.

 

Well, just replaced the pump and she still won't stay running. Any other suggestions?

 

I think we got it fixed, I read further into the posts and told him how to reset the PCM and she started right up. I still needed a new pump cause the filter was cruddy and the dealer wanted $140 for just the filter so I spent $199 at Pep Boys for the whole pump. Chances are the pump would have gone cause of the condition of the filter. Takes a man to fix it but a woman to find the answer! lol