1999 Pontiac Montana ran out of gas. Now it will not start. It was suggested I try replacing the fuel filter, which was due to be done anyway. Although this did not fix my problem, I noticed that the fuel line between the tank and the filter was dry, even though the tank was now filled with gasoline. Does this mean that my problem is the fuel Pump? If not, what else could it be? What's the easiest way to replace the fuel pump... Could I do this repair easily myself, or should I have it towed to a repair shop? Any help with this is appreciated! Happy New Year

the most common causes are vent solenoid and fuel cap
P0440 PONTIAC code possible causes

• Missing or loose fuel cap
• Incorrect fuel filler cap used
• Fuel filler cap remains open or fails to close
• Foreign matter caught in fuel filler cap
• EVAP canister or fuel tank leaks
• EVAP system hose leaking
• Fuel tank leaking
• Faulty vent solenoid
• Faulty EVAP purge switch

https://www.justanswer.com/pontiac/9xoy3-2000-pontiac-montana-3-4l-check-engine-light-p0440.html

https://www.yourmechanic.com/article/p0449-obd-ii-trouble-code-evaporative-emission-control-system-vent-valve-solenoid-circuit-malfunction-by-spencer-clayton

Did you remove all air from the tubing from the gas tank to the fuel pump? Read more on the net about air bubbles in the fuel line.

There are many symptoms which could cause this problem... electrical, fuel, ignition, etc... determine your error codes and start from there. If the Van has been sitting for some time I would add an octane booster and gas dryer, disconnect the fuel filter and allow ~ 1 gallon of gas to drain into a 2 gallon gas can, replace the fuel filter and see what happens. If that didn't work I would work through the ODB II codes to find the probable cause.

you may have picked up trash in your fuel filter or the pickup screen in the gas tank.i would change the fuel filter first.you will need to remove the gas tank to clean the screen.

You ruined the fuel pump
It needs fuel to lube & cool it

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

Try hitting the bottom of the gas tank in the middle. If it starts then replace the fuel pump. Unfortunetly after the pumps have a few years on them and they run dry they tend to die.

2 major problems can occur when you run out of gas. The first is that alls those horrible bits of gunk that have been floating around in the fuel tank since it was new, get dragged into the tank outlet! The second is that the pump runs "dry", which its not designed to do.
Before changing the fuel pump, apply air pressure along the line back to the tank to see if you can dislodge the gunk which may be causing a blockage. Then try and get a supply of fuel to the various parts...in order.....exit from tank......fuel filter......pump entry......pump exit but BE VERY CAREFUL on pump exit as the pressure can be enough to inject through the skin......
This should allow you to identify where the actual problem is.
Not certain where your fuel pump is, if can get car up high enough (safely!) and can see all bolts/pipes/clamps etc then push on.....if not, off to the shop time.

fuel pump could be going bad, i would try filter first(would replace anyway if needs new pump)

you should have someone with a code tester trouble code it it will save you a lot time and grieff and more than likely alot of money