2001 Pontiac Sunfire problem

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Olds_71_442

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I've got a 2001 Sunfire and back in mid December I was getting ready to go home from work when the car started and then made a clacking sound then chugged a little bit before it finally died.

I got it towed home and worked at it a little bit. I changed the coil packs, because the fire was hot to two cylinders and light for the other two. Still didn't work. I checked the fuel filter and it was plugged....but again, it didn't work. So today, I changed the fuel pump. The other one was weak, but still ran. I put in a used one that makes a lot more pressure than the previous one and yet the car still won't start.

When I put the battery back in today, it ran for about a second, then died and I got nothing after that. Sometimes it'll chug like it's going to start, but then it doesn't. I checked all the plugs and they have fire and supposedly I'm getting gas. I even tried pouring gas into the plug holes and still nothing.

I have no idea what else it could be? If you have fire and gas, the thing should start, right?

I should also add that the gas gauge goes wonky sometimes. It'll go from empty to full and then back down to normal. Plus, all the lights are on in the dash when I first attempt to start the car. But, I still hear the fuel pump running so I know it's not the Security Alarm.
 
Did you plug in a scanner tool and check for codes? Clacking sound could have been your timing chain going. Clogged cat another possiblity.
 
Yeah, the timing chain has been clacking for some time, but it wasn't that, that made the noise. It was different. Like an electronic clack.

I called a friend who works on these things all the time and he claims that the "check engine" light should be on and the tach should be moving slightly while I'm rolling it over and if not, it's something to do with the computer. I just tried it a few minutes ago and sure enough, every dash light is on, except the check engine light and the tach isn't moving.

I'll have to find someone with a computer reader to plug in and find out what's going on with the computer.

If you're wondering why I don't take it to a local garage to have it checked is because 1) I'd have to have it towed and I live in the boonies so a tow charge will be costly. and 2) the local garages charge about $75 dollars an hour and if I had to pay all that, I'd be paying $1500+ and the car isn't worth it.
 
442's are a lot easier to work on!
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Would a faulty crank sensor keep the engine from running? I had a couple people mention it. I had thought it at first, but a friend of mine told me it was more than likely the fuel pump.
 
how about checking the codes?
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I think i am having the same exact problem with my car.

I also changed plugs, wires, coils, knock sensor, crank sensor. no improvement

Did you get any codes for the o2 sensors popping up? I got 2 and was beginning to suspect a plugged cat.
 
I haven't yet. I still don't know anyone who owns a code reader.......other than a dealership and I won't take it to a dealership.
 
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