How do you know if you need to change a fuel filter in a 2001 pontiac montana or if the injectors are bad? If i can heard my fuel pump running does it mean it's still good?

Check crank and cam sensor.

It could be a timing issue (misfire) but it absolutely could also be either air or fuel filter. If it's starving for fuel, it's the fuel filter. If it's starving for air (too rich), it would also stall out and that could be the air filter. Basically, you need 4 things to make an engine work: compression, air, fuel, and spark.

You could replace the fuel filter, because you sucked the sediment from your gas tank int the filter.

The fuel in the fuel tank also cools the pump during operation. The pump could have heated up internally, causing it to fail. I would recommend checking the fuel pressure with a gauge and be sure the fuel system is pressurized and not low. A fuel pump can still run and be heard, but at the same time, it also may not provide enough critical pressure to the fuel rail and injectors.

Hi Mrs. C
the starter is NOT the problem the starter only cranks the engine has nothing to do once its running
it could need a TUNE UP depending on the mileage
If this was my vehicle i would replace the fuel filter and check the fuel pressure before you spend money on replacing the fuel pump
and FLUSH the FUEL INJECTORS
hope this helps

I AM LOOKING AT CLOGGED FUEL FILTER.OR WEAK FUEL PUMP.SOUND LIKE LEAN MISFIRE..CHANGE PLUGS AND WIRES + CLEAN FUEL INJECTORS WILL INJECTOR CLEANER.POUR INJECTOR CLEANER IN WITH A FULL TANK OF GAS.

Most likely the fuel filter. But it could be the fuel pump if it is on its way out it may not be delivering enough fuel. Also could be clogged fuel injectors or bad idle air controller (IAC). Start with the fuel filter. If it gets better but still not quite rite then try running some fuel system cleaner through it. If the filter got clogged then some of the grit probably got through and in to the injectors.

Most major Autoparts stores will get the Diagnostic codes from car computer and give you info on why light is on and what the problem is.

It is always possible that you have a bad pump, it happens. If your sure the pump it not working it could be a number of things. Did you replace the filter (if it has a exterior one)? A clogged filter can trigger premature failure of a fuel pump. It could be a blown fuse or relay. What does the engine do when you turn it over? Does it fire at all?

You need to get the check engine light codes read. Until then you're just guessing when you replace parts. The engine light is on for a reason, it means there are stored trouble codes. Get those codes read and look them up here - http://www.obd-codes.com

Good luck!