Could use some advice with a recent problem. Have an '96 Ram, 318 and for about 2 weeks now when the engine is cold it's hard to start/idle drifts from 300 rpm to 1500rpm, wants to stall, and when I take off (accelerate) I hear popping out of the carb. When she's warmed up she drives like a champ - all these problems go away. Only does this when cold. Any inputs??

 

it sounds like somethings up with your
iac (idle air control valve) or the air intake sensor, you can unscrew them from the throttlebody and clean them with carb cleaner and a toothbrush to get the carbon buildup out, also may be time for plugs and wires .mines sort of doing that when cols, not so much backfiring but low idle andoccasional stall when going from park to drive. also spray some carb cleaner/injector cleaner into the intake while running to help clean up the ports some.

 

thanks I will check the first two things you recommended. The wires and plugs are 2 years old and should be still ok. Thanks for your help!

 

Your EGR may be sticking. Faulty EGR can give backfiring.