'98 Z24 Starting Problems

[hotstix]

Hello all, I am having intermittent starting problems with a 1998 Cavalier Z24. I started noticing this problem a few months ago in the middle of summer in Florida. When the car sat in the sun all day, it would crank when turning the key in the ignition but would not turnover without manually pressing the accelerator.

When the car did start, it had a tendency to die since the RPMs would not stay at idling level. This behavior would continue for a few minutes when driving and stopping at a light or intersection, where I would have to put the transmission in neutral and give it more gas to keep the car running.

This doesn't happen all the time, I would say once a week on average. Seems to me it could be a fuel delivery problem, possibly fuel pump?

Any ideas on the potential problem(s), how to repair, cost?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

[jakegday]

try replacing your fuel and air filters, whens the last time the car's had a good tune up?

[hotstix]

Something new happened today, the check engine light came on while driving which has never ocurred previously. The car still runs fine. I will get it coded tomorrow and post the diagnosis.

I wonder if this can be attributed to the starting problems?

To answer the previous reply, the air and fuel filters have not been replaced within the past 2 years and the car has not had a tuneup either.

Thanks.

[hotstix]

I had the Cavalier coded today and it came back "emissions". The tech at the oil change shop said it could be the Throttle Position Sensor (TPS sensor).

Autozone sells a TPS for $35, how likely is it that it's the problem? Is the TPS easy to change and where is it located?

Suggestions on what I should do next would be appreciated.

Thanks