It seems to cut in and out while I am driving and after this happens, when I come to a stop it stalls. It will then start up and be fine for a couple miles and start this again. I feel like it will not get gas and then accelerate when it is cutting in and out. I took it to a shop and they could not fix it. I am trying to replace the fuel filter, but I can't even find it. It might sound like a dumb question, but could somebody please tell me where it might be located at. Any suggestions are appreciated! Thanks a lot!

Greg,
If it runs ok sometimes, it probably is not the filter. If the filter was clogged, it would cause a problem all of the time. If you want to change it anyway, it should be under the car along the frame somewhere. I am not certain of the exact location on your car, but you should be able to follow the fuel lines and find it. You will probably find that the problem turns out to be either the fuel pump, or the fuel pump relay, but you should do some troubleshooting to isolate it.
Hope this helps,

If it is fuel filter related the fuel filter is a canister just forward of the rear wheel, usually on the Drivers side.

If you turn the key off for 10seconds and then on you should get fuel pump operation for about 2 seconds. Repeating this process twice or three times should get the pressure back up to get it started right after it dies on you. If it starts and dies again or won't start then it may be the filter or the pump.

First, use the ignition off 10 seconds then on for 5 and listen for the pump operation. You may have to get someone to do the key work and get under the car with a listening stick to your ear.

I would first, while the engine is cold, listen to the pitch of the pump 3 or 4 key cycles when you do the key trick so you can compare the pitch of the pump then to the pitch when the engine stops. A lower pitch means the pump is in need of changing. Wait till the engine cools and will start and you will hear it back to the original pitch.

If the pitch is the same it is probably the filter.

You will need 2 adjustable wrenches and a bucket but first you have to pull the fuel pump fuse and run it till it dies.

a good mechanic should show you how to do this next test unless you want to take him for a beer or 3 for a half hour drive to cause it to fail.

If it still stalls and is a lack of fuel then it is a the fuel pump. After it dies and after the engine has had time to cool down, check the fuel pump pressure on the engine fuel rail with a pressure gage. Expect the fuel to squirt out if you have the full 40 pounds, so wrap it in cloth and have someone there to put you out if you forget to let the engine cool down.

If the engine fuel pump was running properly, you would see around 40 psi. If the engine shut down due to lack of fuel pressure (after you changed the filter) you would see near zero psi. This is a no brainer test.


Read the 91 buick Skylark from Nicole. It is a similar problem but she did not say that it sort of keeps on running as it trys to quit. Hers was grounding related I believe.

If you took it to a shop then they shurly checked the fuel pump..PLEASE spread the word...
I changed one fuel pump after another on my 89 buick regal.then my landloard who happens to b a mechanic told me to tell them to check or change the plug that the fuel pump plugs into. well they said nothing was wrong w/ it so i had a friend wire it directly.it was filthy and wasnt making good connection to the fuel pump.and guess what!!6 years, 2 shops and 5 fuel pumps later it was fianally over..so even if you dont have this problem please remember it so you can pass the word to another stressed, person w/ the same baffeling fuel pump problem.

Well,its not 2003 but ill leave the reply incase someone else could use it,,

Good luck