My car is messed up

[Allen42]

Alright...I have a oldsmobile aurora 97. When I start it it wont stay running unless i have my foot on the gas. I was told that it might be a fuel pump or fuel filter....do ya'll have any suggestions on what I need to replace or fix?

[mart1104]

Try replacing the Idle Control Valve, I think that it’s a little servo controlled valve that bypasses the butterfly valve to maintain idle speed. Any ways my 1995 Eagle Talon TSI had this problem and I replaced the valve and it worked.

[ghutchin]

I would not recommend replacing things at random. If you think it is a fuel issue then hook up a fuel pressure gauge and check it. Get the car scanned for codes. Is your Service Engine Soon ligiht on? If you don't know what you are doing then take it to some one and have them diagnose it for $80-$100. It will save you a lot of headaches. There are hundreds of things that could cause the symptoms you are talking about. To name few:

Low compression
Spark plugs, wires, coils
faultly crank sensors
faulty map sensor
faulty mass air flow sensor
fuel pump
fuel injectors
fuel pressure regulator
faulty ECM.

and the list goes on.