2001 Pontiac Grand Am (3.4ltr 101k) hard to start, surges at idle, and dies?

[kornfox207]

My grand am (out of the blue) wouldn't start. It would turn over but not fire. Finally got it started only when stepping on the gas pedal. When it started, the idle surged for 4 or 5 cycles then the tac dropped and the car died. What would cause hard starting, surging and dying? Fuel filter? Vacuum leak? I'm puzzled.

 

[Joe the Plumber]

try plugs and injector cleaner

 

[george]

ooh isn't that the original knight rider car?

Anyway, I would think it's a vacuum leak. But honestly, I'm not especially good with motors. I just reach in when it's broken and try to figure out what's wrong

 

[melsg5]

do a fuel pressure test, filter or pump might be problem if low pressure