2001 Sunfire fuel problem....Will not start

[lsk2810]

I have a 2001 Sunfire, 2.2 engine, auto trans. While driving, the car stalled and would not restart. After about 10 minutes it started and I drove about 1 mile and it stalled again, after about 25 minutes it started and I drove it about 10 miles home. The next day it would not start at all.
I checked and it is getting strong fire to the sparkplugs. Apparently it is not getting any fuel ( It will start for a few seconds with a small amount of starting fluid). So I thought it was probably the fuel pump or filter, I replaced the filter, removed the fuel tank and checked the pump which is running. I don't know what to look for now can anyone help?
I plan to take the fuel line off the filter tomorrow and insure that the pump is actually pumping, is it posible for the pump to run but not pump any fuel?
This is my sons car and he often complains that it uses too much gas to be such a small car, not sure if that is related to my problem but I thought I would mention it.

[GTP Dad]

Check the fuel pressure regulator as well. If it is not providing proper pressure to the injectors they will not provide the proper amount of fuel to the cylinders. Even if the fuel pump is working if the FPR is not holding pressure it will not run.

[lsk2810]

Thanks GTP Dad, If I find that the fuel pump is working correctly I think it will be time to take the car to someone who knows what they are doing and have it repaired. I have zero experience with anything fuel injected.

[GTP Dad]

The fuel pressure regulator is easy to check. Simply rent a fuel pressure guage from Autozone or another parts place and screw it on the shrader fitting on the fuel rail. Turn the car over and if the pressure builds and holds at around 45 to 50 psi the regulator and fuel pump are good. Much easier than changing the fuel pump. If there is no pressure or low pressure then either the fuel pump or the regulator are bad. Change the regulator first, cheaper and easier, and then proceed to the fuel pump.

One other thing you may want to check is the fuel pump relay located under the hood in the power control center. If it is going bad it can cause similar issues. About a $15 fix!

Good Luck!

[lsk2810]

I took the fuel line off at the filter and checked for fuel, the pump is running but no fuel is coming out so I guess I will replace the pump. Seems to me that has to be the problem, I hope I'm not makeing a $250 mistake. GTP dad?

[lsk2810]

Replaced the pump and the car started. I'm glad its finally fixed, Thanks again for your help GPT Dad.

[lsk2810]

Well now it seems I have another problem, my son just called and told me the car quit again. He said the traction control light ( I think thats what he called it) came on then the oil light then the car quit. He only had a short distance left to get to where he was going and he said the car started back up and ran fine ( the lights were not on after he restarted the car). What in the world could be wrong now?

[GTP Dad]

Change the crank position sensor! Usually starts to act like this when it is going bad. Also ask your son if the security light came on while he was driving. If it did that can cause a similar problem!