2001 Pontiac Sunfire ran out of gas now won't start. Tried changing the fuel filter, and cycling the key several times, can hear the fuel pump running. Also could get to start with spraying fuel into air intake.

with the key on engine off listen to fuel pump,if you can not hear the pump winning ,the pump is bad

if you can hear it,it might be working but create enough pressure
you can rent a fuel pressure gauge from auto store and check the fuel pressure

Try checking the oil, the low oil sensor will disable the ignition

have the fuel pressure and volume tested with a gage.this sounds and acts like a fuel pump problem.check the fuel filter as well and replace anyways.when it won`t start but cranks can you hear the fuel pump running.listen at the fuel filler neck with the gas cap off.if you can`t listen under the car at the fuel tank you should hear it running/if not hit the gas tank and if the car starts then the pump needs replacing.you should check to make sure you are getting spark at the spark plugs to eliminate an ignition problem but i think its fuel.

Cycle the key several times to the run position and then back to the off position to try to bleed the air out it. Let it sit for about 30 seconds between cycles. How much fuel did you put in the tank. I would say that you need to put at least 2 gallons in it. You may need to change your fuel filter. When you ran it our of fuel you clould have picked up crud off the bottom of the tank and plugged the filter. You mave have damaged the fuel pump. Remove your gas cap and have a helper turn the key to the run position not start position. You should hear your pump buzzing. If you don't hear it I would suspect that something is wrong.

Try turning key to on (not start) 3 or 4 times first, ( to prime it more) then try start and see if it runs a little longer. If it's been sitting there is a chance gunk in tank has plugged up filter as well. Make sure you add some fresh gas, as well as some "Heet" to remove any moisture that may have collected as well in tank. If it continues to not start and run, you may need to have a fuel pressure test done to see if pressure is where it should be. Pump getting noisy is also a sign that it may be weak. If pressure is low, change filter first and try it. If no improvement, you'll need a new pump. You'll want a new filter on there if pump needs replacing anyway, so try changing it first, it just might do the trick.

Possible that there is an AIR LOCK and so you will need to bleed off the air within for the fuel to flow into the pump. So remove the fuel line and allow fuel to flow or blow into the fuel tank.( must **** out the fuel )
once the fuel comes over the pump will hold on.
Next time make sure that the tank does not run dry.

When you turn the switch to ON do you hear a sound for a couple of seconds ? you should hear a sound which is made by the fuel pump as soon as you turn the key. If you do not hear anything, you may need to replace the fuel pump. If you do hear the sound of the fuel pump, check your fuel filter .

First thing is to replace the fuel filter. Now use starter fluid sprayed into the intake to get it started.

check and see if the fuel pump is coming on when you turn on the key