Hi, let me just start by saying that i am new here and relativly un-informed when it comes to cars. I drive a 2008 SS Cobalt and this morning i pulled into work and SLIGHLTY hit a curb going no more then a few mph head on (id say 5 MAX). My car then slowly began to idle lower and lower until it died. Now i can start it but it revs up then dies. I let the gas run to just about Empt and this morning before all this happened put a few bucks in on my way to work and had about 1/8th of a tank. I KNOW this was stupid to let it run so low. I am not sure if my hitting the curb had anything to do with it as i have done some research and it seems that my fuel filter may be the culprit or (hopefully not) my fuel pump. I have 28k miles on it and live on a dirt road (which i have heard can cause the fuel filter to need changing alot sooner then normal). Any insight or help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Josh

Just went out to my car to see if i could atleast hear my fuel pump (which i did). But now my oil light comes on and also my check engine light. The car will now start but the rpms at idle jump ALL OVER the place. anyone?

 

did you check under the car to see if you ripped anything off the bottom of the engine or radiator?

 

Yes i did, the curb was higher then my bumper so it hit into it instead of scraping under it.

 

If you're getting a CEL you should get that read first. That'll tell you more about what's wrong than us making wild guesses.

But if anything in your fuel system I'd say your fuel filter is clogged. Running your car out of gas means all the crap at the bottom just got pulled into your lines.

 

First, change out the fuel filter and fill up the tank. Hopefully that will get you going. However keep in mind that fuel in the tank is what helps keep the pump cool. When you run it empty, you run the risk of extra wear on the pump, and possibly burning it out. If you hear it buzz when you turn the key, that's a good thing, but that doesn't mean it's pumping as much as it's supposed to. If changing the filter doesn't work, you may want to take it in for service.

Also, dirt road has nothing to do with your fuel filter. Air filter maybe, but not your fuel. That said, check your air filter while you're at it.

 

thanks guys, im fairly sure i cracked the intercooler when i hit the curb. CEL on wild idle and no boost when i can get it to idle normally and drive for a few seconds. Not too happy about it but ill be more careful parking for now on