2000 Alero intermittent issue

[RandyB0615]

I have a 2000 Alero w/the 2.4L. I have a problem every now and then with the car not starting. It has spark and I can hear the fuel pump fire up when I turn the key, but it won't start. The car turns over and nearly starts, but then doesn't. 2 weeks ago I had the car towed because I tried to get it to go for 2 days with no luck (leaving key on for 15 minutes, etc.). The car came off the flatbed and fired right up at the garage, so no joy there.

My question is, could this be the fuel filter, and how hard is it to change that filter? My feeling is the movement on the flatbed (tilt, jostling, etc.) might have temporarily dislodged something clogging the filter, thus it fired right up at the garage. If not the filter, any other thoughts?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

[SailorFitz]

Has the car ever stalled on you?

I changed the fuel filter ($70 by dealer) ....that didnt fix my problem.
Then I changed the "in tank sock strainer" ($180 by dealer) ....and that DID fix my problem.

[RandyB0615]

The car did stall one time, but now it won't start. It will run fine the night before, then not go at all. I have the new fuel filter in hand and am going to try that, the "gold" filter from Napa was less than $14 so I figured that was a good place to start. If it doesn't do anything for me I'll give that strainer a try! Thanks!

[kwow]

Does your security light come on? when mine didnt start, I too had it towed and they started it with no problem. but then i realized that every now and then that darn security comes on, you have to keep the key in the ignition in the "on" position for 10-15 minutes and then the light goes out. then take the key out it might start right up. it sucks when you have to be 15 minutes late for everything, though.

[RandyB0615]

No security light problem. I changed the fuel filter and it was in very bad shape, blowing thru it was nearly impossible. Everything is running well for now, so I'm hoping that did the trick.