89 Colt Starting And Stay Running Issue? Options

[huntindog51]

i have a 89 dodge colt with a 1..5L and it is having problems staying running after it is first started......When it sits overnight and you then go out to start it it will start right up but will only idle at like 500rpm and if you try and give it gas it will stall out...and if you just let it idle like that a few minutes it will then kick in and go up to about 1000 rpms and be fine...wondering if anyone had any ideas.....? i just replaced the distributer cap and rotor and no such luck....it also has a check engine like that comes on and off..might have something to do with it...it sometimes also makes a difference if its parked on a hill..could it be a failing fuel pump? and how would i go about checking that?

thanks for you help..
quentin