Pontiac Sunfire GT / Help

[MYKIDSGT]

I know there is a couple of you out there that do have or used to have Sunfires. Here is my question :My sister has a 2000 Sunfire GT with almost 21K miles on it.What does the manual say is the recomended mileage before it needs to be changed ? How many miles should we get out of the original?Her car stalled on the freeway last Friday morning. We had it hooked up and diagnosed and was told that the ignition coil housing was burnt out. After that was replaced, that same Friday night the car stalled again. The Pontiac dealer over here said that she had run out of gas and that the fuel filter was plugged up.I know there was at least 2 gallons in her tank because we were not even close to lighting up the reserve gas light. I understand that the fuel filter is not under warranty, but they charged her $130.00 to replace it.Can you guys understand my frustration! Thanks.Marcos

[QUIKAG]

Your sister got ripped off bigtime on the fuel filter.

[NovaResource]

quote:Your sister got ripped off bigtime on the fuel filter.Not if the filter is located in the gas tank like it is in the Vibe. Replacement then requires removal of the gas tank and in-tank fuel pump to access the filter.

[MrRich]

I remember when the dealer changed the fuel filter on my Z24,which is same, it was $75 Can.

[MYKIDSGT]

If in fact it's in the tank then I guess it makes sense.Thanks for the input.,Marcos

[coratz]

it is not in the tank. in is on the frame rail beside the tank. it is a 20 min job to change it. a few clips and some musscle. the part is worth 15 bucks at pep boys. the dealer charge you the 80 bucks for the labour and about 50 for the part. so they did not rip your sister off. sad but, they must know fuel filters are easy moneythe fuel filter is factory recommed every 50000km. i have never ever seen a clogged fuel filter.that is where the dealer is scamming you

[cohocarl]

Wait till the water pump goes on that D.O.H.C..............

[shenandoah24]

I had a 98 cavalier which is basically the same as a Sunfire, and the fuel filter was not in the gas tank. It took ME 5 minutes to change, and the part cost $8 at Auto Zone. Unfortunately that was not the problem at the time, but it was very easy to change.

[Faultline]

I second the notion for not running to low on gas, its probably the #1 reason for clogging fuel filters.....I know 1st hand

[cohocarl]

quote:Why is that CohoCarl?Is that a problem, I believe the Vibe is a DOHC also.I meant the G.M. Quad4/DOHC motor only. The water pump on that motor is incredibly difficult to replace, and all seem to go around 60-70,000 miles. Labor bill alone will run $400+. I sold mine with it leaking. I have a brand new water pump in my garage that I didn't put on if anyone is interested.

[MYKIDSGT]

Aparently that is what happened, went too low on fuel and sucked up all the junk at the bottom of the gas tank.It has been replaced.Car is fine now.Thanks,

[coratz]

the pontiac sunfire dohc 2.4l motor has big time problems. the water pump is more like 900 bucks to get fixed. most independent mechanics wont even touch this job. the waterpump is pretty much a dealer only job. also the #3 rod bearing constantly fail on these motors, due to oil starvation in the high revs. it is an extremly expensive motor to maintain