1999 Sunfire stalling out

[OntheRoadAgain]

About two weeks ago I started noticing my Sunfire not having as much power as normal. This went on for a few days until I tried to take off from a stoplight and had no power at all. I managed to sputter to the shoulder before it stalled (oil and battery lights came on as it died.) The weird thing was that as I let off the gas, the car went better. When I pushed harder on the accelerator, it wouldn't go at all. I waited a few minutes then started up again and got home fine. I put some Sea Foam in the gas tank and drove it around a bit one other time and after a while it again felt like it was starting to lose power.
So at this point, I am a little afraid to drive it. I have to drive on a lot of back roads with no shoulder and don't want to get stranded.
Any ideas on what this could be? I am torn between putting more money into this car and just looking for another vehicle.

 

[melsg5]

do you have a check engine light on?
when is the last time you did basic maintenance, plugs, air filter, fuel filter, etc.?
did you do a fuel pressure test?

 

[OntheRoadAgain]

I had basic maintenance done within the last year, but they could not change the fuel filter as they said there was too much rust to get it off safely. Check engine light is not on. I have not done a fuel pressure test (I am not mechanically inclined at all!)

 

[melsg5]

if you are not mechanically inclined you wont be able to diagnose the problem. So the best thing to do is take it to a shop. You can not make a judgement on what to do with the car until you know exactly what the issue is.

______________________________

 

[92 Sunbird LE]

Spray PB Blaster on the fuel filter fittings for a few days then have someone change the filter.

If it's rusted on there it's probably been a long time since it's been changed.( It's more likely your problem why the car is acting up)

Continue to not change it could burn out your fuel pump. ( Should be changed every 10,000miles or every 3rd oil change.)

Doug in P.R.

 

[OntheRoadAgain]

Thanks! I appreciate the information. I had no idea that fuel filters were supposed to be changed that often!! I don't think it's been done since 2011....