Should I use a code reader at an auto parts store ?

 

Was it not running before the fuel filter replacement or did it begin after you replaced it? Also, what year is the car? If the check engine light is not illuminated it's unlikely a code reader will help, but if it is - it should shed some light. Depending on year, if it's one of those filters with nipples on either end - they are directional and can contain a check valve, so if installed backwards it won't flow.

 

My car is a 1998 Hatchback CX. Yes it ran prior to the fuel filter replacement. It did quit running the day I drove it home , the day I bought it. I put some Sea Foam in the gas tank. It started and ran prior to this. I made it 10 miles home. It wont continuously run . It will only crank.

 

Can you pull plugs and see if they're wet at all? Also, when you turn the key to run, but not crank the starter, do you hear the fuel pump hum from under the back seat? If not - try tapping the gas tank lightly with a rubber mallet underneath and attempt cranking. If it starts - you need a fuel pump. If you hear no hum - start looking at the electrical pieces of the fuel system like the fuel pump fuse, relay, etc. If the plugs are wet when you pull them you might have a different issue and not fuel related, but that's down the line.

 

how much seafoam did you add with how much gas in the tank. only have a 10ish gallon tank and seafoam is up to like 20 lr 25 gallons. too much seafoam mixed with too little gas could cause you some trouble. also it was running but poorly when you bought it and died on the way home. assuming you got it running again drove it home changed the fuel filter and added seafoam somewhere in that period. if that story is fairly accurate above mentioned fuel filter direction should be checked. also like i mentioned too much seafoam in the gas could cause some issues. next up it is actually possible for the pump to be audibly working but not actually be working correctly. sadly literally just dealt with that on my 2000 ex as someone prior to me owning it put one in what seems to have Been a cheap no name pump.