Pontiac Repair: 2001 Pontiac Sunfire, pontiac sunfire, jumper cables

Question
QUESTION: I have a 2001 Pontiac Sunfire 2.2 that my daughter ran out of gas. I put in gas changed fuel filter and can hear the fuel pump running. Will start with starting fluid and or by spraying fuel into air intake.Also cycled the key on and off a bunch of times to get fuel pumping through system. Is there something else that could keep the car from starting?

ANSWER: Hi there:

will this kick over and then stall out? or is it just a not start at all on it's own with out using any kind of spray. when you try to start this is the security lamp on and flashing on the dash? if so there is an issue with the theft system in the car and usually it's with the ignition lock cylinder housing. If you don't have an issue with the security lamp flashing then you need to check the fuel pressure. trhat engine needs about 45 PSI to run properly. just because you hear the pump running doesn't mean it's producing enough pressure and or volume. good luck :)


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: The car is hour away so if there is a flashing problem what can I try to fix it and if not where is the best place to check fuel pressure. Also read about air lock in fuel line but didn't tell me best way to bleed line and were to bleed it. It seemed like it tried to start when I first tried starting it, but after that didn't seem like it wanted to. Thanks for your time and the information. John

Answer
If it had an air pocket in it from running out of gas then you already expelled it trying to get it started. the line will bleed it's self out. if this does have a secuirty issue with the lamp flashing then do this try to start the car and if the lamp is flashing leave the key in the run position for 10 minutes with all the accessories off and after 10 minutes the lamp should stop flashing and stay on stead or go out altogether it depends on the year as to what the lamp does. thenturn the key off. wait 1 minute and then try to start it again. If the battery is weak leave a set of jumper cables on it while you wait for the lamp to stop flashing. if that is not the issue then like I said you need to check the fuel pressure on this engine it sucks there is not a tap you need a pressure tester that will go in line at the fuel filter. good luck :)