98 pontiac Sunfire shuts self off

You may want to do a fuel pressure test to start. The pump could be defective. The fuel pressure should hold steadily and not decline with the pump off. If the fuel pressure falls, you either have a fuel leak, stuck injector, faulty fuel pressure regulator, or a bad fuel pump check valve. If the pressure holds at the correct spec, note the pressure as the engine runs and then dies. If the guage shows correct pressure, you can then move on ruling out the fuel system.

Have to test the fuel pump circuit to answer that

Check fuel pressure loose stuff in tank can block sock in tank

When was last healthy tune up? Plugs, wires, all fluids & filters??? Especially fuel filter? I'd start there and run a good fuel system cleaner through it.

You could have a bad pump motor in your fuel pump. You will hear the "hum" of the pump motor but it won't continuously feed enough pressue to the system.
When you prime it the engine will draw enough to run for a bit then quit. They usually dry out if not kept full and sunfire fuel pumps are noted for this type of failure.
Try a used one for about 75 bucks. My kids Sunfire did exactly the same thing.

Replace the fuel filter as soon as you can. This is the early signs of a dirty fuel filter and when it get's to the end of it's life, you'll not be able to restart the car. The fuel filter should be replaced every 15,000 miles or once a year to ensure the fuel system is running 100% and will add life to your fuel pump. Good luck and keep me posted.

first of all lights on dashbord should come on no matter security or pass key deterant is in .better check "ignition switch".

This is Caused by the Fuel Pump. If you remove the Fuel Pump relay and it will try to Crank, You have a Bad Fuel Pump. I do Believe that the Fuel Pump is located inside the Fuel Tank on the Sunfire. Not an easy Repair But, Necessary

I assume that you do not have a "check engine" light?

The next thing I would do is check the pressure from the fuel pump. You can have this done at your preferred garage, or by purchasing a fuel pressure gauge from any parts store.

Vent the fuel tank vapors by loosening the fuel cap. Remove the electric fuel pump fuse and start the engine. Allow the engine to run until it runs out of fuel and stalls. After spinning the engine over for a period of 3 to 5 seconds, turn off the ignition switch and install the electric fuel pump fuse. Next, install a fuel pressure gauge in the fuel rail supply line, and secure the fuel tank cap. With the ignition key in the on position, verify that no leaks are present and start the engine. Visually verify the PSI reading on the gauge. The pressure for your vehicle should be 41-47 PSI (Pounds per Square Inch). Hope this helps and good luck!

no, when you turn key on you should hear pump run for 2-3 seconds, if not check fuses, then if fuses are good have someone tapped fuel tank with rubber hammer as key is turned on, if fuel pump runs after tapping tank, replace fuel pump