This might be a funny thing, but do you have fuel in the car? Maybe it leaked out or something. The sputtering and running for a second are symptoms of fuel running out.

On another note, there is something else you can check. You have a check engine code already anyway. Unplus the maf sensor and start it up again, if the car actually stays on and idles, then your maf is toast. With the maf disconnected, the car will run off the pre-programmed limp-mode maps. Try it.

 

update: Pulled the pump, and to my surprise, it was completely dry. The car is still running somewhat rough (at idle). The fuel sending unit IS bad. Is the sending unit part of the assembly, or?

thanks for the advice guys.

 

The unit might not even be messed up, just stuck. But since you have it out, might not even be worth it to consider any repair. We that is if the entire thing is not super expensive. Check with the sponsors of this site, they offer good prices and usually will accomodate you fast.