Do you think it is the fule pump or filter?

-I ran my car out of gas...ALMOST to the gas station. My bad, I know it was stupid to get that low, but it happened...



So i put 2 gallons in (walking with a can...) and when i went to start it up again (i put it in run, off 2-3 times before i tried starting it...) and it sounds like it is about to start, but doesn't...It was 98degrees yesterday, so yes, it was probably a SUPER horrible day to run it out of gas...do you presume I need a fule pump? Or a filter change? I called yesterday for estimates on what I thought was the problem and want to know what would be a good price for a fuel pump + labor or fuel pump + filter. I am not smart when it comes to mechanics, so I dont want to be taken for a dumb blonde (although the running out of gas is pretty stupid...)



What are your thoughs? Do you think dirt got in the lines? Easy fix? Or bad fix... it is a 2002 Saturn L200, low miles with a rebuilt engine. Other than rebuilding the engine, its been a perfect car.If you don't want the mechanics to think you're dumb, don't go into their shop and tell them what YOU think the problem is.

If you tell them you think it's the fuel pump, they WILL change the fuel pump even if that's not the problem.
i would change the fuel filter first. running out of gas dirt can get up into the filter and clog it up. if the pump is kicking on when you turn the key on then the pump is working. change the filter.
there's crude in the bottom of the tank, thats why they say, dont let your tank go too low, cause you'll get that crude into the fuel line and clog the fuel filter
If you ran it out of fuel you'll need to turn key on not start motor make sure your radio a/c and all is off. You should hear a noise for 3-5sec under your car . Might need someone else to get under to listen should sound like an electric motor humming or maybe buzzing if so your pump is fine for the moment you'll need to turn key off onoff on.....let the pump build pressure back up in the lines then try to start it may need alot of cranking just careful not to over heat the starter. If you still can't get it started get a stick sturdy stick and bang on the fuel tank not to hard while someone tries to start it if it starts this way you'll need a new pump roughly $400-$550 plus labor 5 hrs max
The newer cars computer system will need to be reset after running out of gas. The computer will continue to act funny until you do this, it is just the way the system is programmed. What you will need to do is unhook the red (positive) wire to the battery for fifteen minutes or so. This will drain the reserve power for the memory of the computer, and it will reboot in the re-learn mode when you hook it back up to restart it. This will clear the error in the unit that running out of fuel caused, and it should return to normal. I have had to do this to at least 20 vehicles that were run out of fuel, and it corrected the problem. If it still has problems after this procedure then it may require the fuel filter, it may have drawn debris into the system from the bottom of the tank. For reference keep in mind the fuel acts as a coolant for the pump so try not to let it get below a 1/4 tank, this will save you from having to replace the pump (very costly)