car fired for 15 sec then died.then won't start unless it sits.

ANOTHER VERY GOOD POSSIBILITY : 1996 Toyota Celica 2.2 L 2164 CC L4 5SFE DOHC Crankshaft Sensor $ 88.99 /ea Part Number: ECH CSS9041 Product Line: NAPA/Echlin Ignition .... As stated, testing is a must!!... DVOM/Scan tool required!

Sounds like fuel filter is blocked. check for spark and fuel pressure when it dies. should be fuel pressure relief valve on fuel rail and pull a spark plug, hooked up to wire, hold it with a pair of insulated plies on the boot with electrode close to metal and see if it sparks when engine is turned over

This symptom can be caused by any number of components. The best way to verify is to install proper test equipment on the vehicle to determine the source. If I were to take an educated guess, I would suspect an ignition module and/or coil failure. In the early failure stages of an ignition module and/or coil, increased temperatures under the hood (as a vehicle normally warms up)will cause them to fail. Many times if the coil fails, it can damage the module and that is why I state that it could be one or both. I highly doubt it is a fuel filter issue. Typically, the first symptoms (hesitation upon acceleration, "chugging" etc.)associated with a restricted fuel filter are at higher speeds, fuel volume and velocity. Basically at freeway speeds. Either way, before replacing any parts (guessing) I would recommend a qualified repair shop to diagnose the issue. Hopefully that helps.