Pontiac Repair: 2004 pontiac sunfire repair, pontiac sunfire, starter fluid

Question
my sunfire will not start. it just cranks but does not start. I removed the air filter vent and sprayed starter fluid while trying to start it and it only stays on while it is being sprayed. is this my fuel filter or fuel pump? also, what should my fuel PSI be on a fuel pressure guage?

Answer
Hi bernadette:

It can be a buch of things. #1 does the car have a security lamp on or flashing? if so the car's security system could be shutting the fuel off. If not then you would then go to look at fuel pressure. that engine should have in the 45 PSi range give or take a few pounds. if no pressure or low pressure I is more than likely a bad pump. you have to check the power and ground to the pumps connector it is in the body under the car unplug the pumps connector and check for power and ground at the body side of the connector the pumps power is grey in color and the pumps ground is black. It's the larger diameter black wire there are 2 in that connector. check across those terminals when the car is cranking it should have 12 volts. if not you have to trace it back from the connector to what you missing either power or ground.. If it has power and ground then the pump is bad. you can try this as well while the car is cranking pound on the bottom of the tank with a rubber mallet it may start and run then. The pumps gte a dead spot and the jolt of hitting the tank will give it a helping hand. if the oump is bad do your self a favor and replace the fuel filter it's more than likely partially plugged and contributed to the pump failing. Good luck :}