Intermittently when I try to start the car, it won't start. If I wait 15 minutes and try again it will start. If I spray starter fluid in the carburetor it will run till the spray runs out. The car is a 2001 Saturn L series with a 2.2 litre engine

Cranks but will not run or no crank at all ?

Can you perform a spark test? I would like to know if it has spark when it stalls. Also, if you have a can of starter fluid, wait for it to stall and not want to restart, the quickly spray some starter fluid into the intake. If it runs on the starter fluid, you have a fuel issue. You might also want to make sure the engine coolant level is fine and you aren't overheating. If you coolant level is low you may not know it is overheating since the coolant sensor isn't in coolant. It won't read air.

starting fluid is a thing of the past. dont use it. this car doesnt have a carb, its a throttle body/ electronic fuel injection system. you most likely have a fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator issue. test the fuel pressure, should be anywheres from 35-50 psi

the most likely reason is a failed fuel pump, plugged fuel filter or defective fuel regulator-you need to have the fuel line pressure tested-you can get the use (free) of a guage set from most commercial auto parts stores.

Hi,
Your carb car is flooded. Please wait about 15 minutes then restart again.. Regards

Sounds like the fuel pump is going bad...they can be very intermittent before they go out completely...unfortunately..the pump is inside the fuel take and requires much time to replace..also fuel pumps are expensive for these models...another(cheaper) thing may be the fuel filter is clogged up a bit starving the engine of the proper amount of fuel. Have you had the fuel injectors checked, the fuel pressure regulator checked...are you getting the proper fuel delivery pressure...have someone check these things too...

Did you replace the fuel filiter there is a big problem with the fuel pumps on these vehicles how long ago did you replace it and you repair the wireing problem to the pump

Try opening the door with the key. If this doesn't work, wait 15 minutes and try again

Try pulling the air filter out and see if you can get it to run for 10-15 seconds by spraying starter fluid into the breather. If it runs smooth on the spray then you've got it narrowed down to the fuel system. The fact that waiting makes a difference makes me suspect that's where the problem is. Dirt and rust in your tank can cause these exact symptoms. I see a lot of fouled tanks. Fuel pressure forces the sediment into the filter element, clogging it and choking your engine. Let it sit and the crud settles back to the bottom of the filter, temporarily clearing the element. Change the filter (fuel) and see if it makes a difference. If it does you may still need to clean the tank to keep it from happening again.