Hello...im new here :)

I am having a pisser of an issue with my 2002 alero.

Last week, I came home for lunch and my Alero wouldn't start when I went to go back to work. I had to have it towed to the garage. When they got it there, the battery was dead from me trying to start it. They couldn't look at it right away, so the next morning they charged the battery and it started right up. Their explaination, the battery wasn't strong enough. Replaced my battery, I had them replace my fuel filter just in case... and I was on my way. Until tonite.

I went to get gas after work, and guess what, same issue. My car wouldn't start again. Long story short...after about 3 hours of trying to start it, I got it towed...i got to the garage...got the car off the wrecker...and the FREAKING THING STARTED!!!!!

Please tell me someone has had this happen before?!?! The garage cant tell whats happening because whenever I take it there..it works fine!!

Its still at the garage now..and they are going to try again tomorrow...but it will work fine, i promise. Any suggestions??

Thanks

intermittant issues are very difficult to isolate and diagnose, especially if the shop is charging hourly (the member flatrater wrote an exceptional piece on the billing of customers, you should search for it), but three things to help you with your issue (if your mechanic sends it on its way):
the next time it occurs on you, three items for an internal combustion engine: air, fuel, spark.
this will definitely help you (and others, if you repost) figure it out.
odds are it isn't air, although if intakes are not tightened or MAF sensor inputing incorrect readings, it could run rough, but it should still start.
fuel and spark: you've changed batt. and filter, so in electrical it basically goes: batt., to ignition switch to starter & module, to plugs.
when it does run, it runs fine, so plugs are out too.
does the condition only occur after it has recently run? heat issues are usually electrical. does it crank? and if fuel related filter is out, so pump or regulator, as there again ALL injectors don't clog at the same time.
if you have an AutoZone near, I think they rent or sell F.I. noids, to check power to injectors. and even if not, you could have them read your codes for free (I know you didn't mention an engine light, however, I have seen where a code can be stored, and not trip the light).

good luck,
hope this helps,
chris

I'll bet $1000 bucks that you're issue is related to the passlock system acting up, which is usually related to a bad ignition switch. There has been story after story about Alero's not starting, but as soon as they're towed to the Stealership, they start. The ignition switches in these cause intermittent problems because dirt, dust, ect gets in and messes with it.

A few people have tried spraying electronics cleaner on a VERY thin rag, then placing the rag around the key and sticking it in the ignition a few times...this is supposed to clean it out, but I'm not sure if it actually cures the problem.

Also, if you go the route of replacing the ignition switch, it'll cost about $250-$350 depending on where you go....definately shop around.

Jeremy

Yes, I am experiencingthe same...my 2001 Alero is at the shop right now...towed 4 times...this mechanic unable to find the problem, and telling me to tow it to the Olds dealer.

Below are some postings found elsewhere in the forum, between myself and others...dating June 22, or so.

If I get it solved, I'll post....problem is, when it starts, how will I know the problem is solved? It went from NC to NJ and back, over 6 days, and two weeks of local driving, following that trip, with no problems. Now, it has happened again. Reckons I'll never be able to trust it again, unless they find something definite.

"I currently have the same exact problem. I parked for breakfast, Sunday morning. Returned to car, and it would not start.

Problem has been developing, as often it would not immediately start. I would have to stop "cranking" on it, and turn off the ignition, then try it again. It always started, until Sunday morning.

After close to eight hours of attempted maintenance, here is what I know (or, am not sure of):

1. I have installed a brand new battery.
2. I have 55 psi fuel pressure.
3. Plugs (new ones) are firing.
4. Fuel tank is full.
5. The instrument one hooks up to the computer, finds no error code (a mechanic told me the code will not show up unless the engine is running--I guess you see that dilema, without my stating it).
6. Plan to change the fuel filter tonight. Why? I wonder if there could be good fuel pressure, but lack fuel flow (volume)?? But, with any fuel flow, it looks like it would at least fire, once in awhile.
7. About seven mechanics are so far stumped.
8. Last resort, if no success tonight, is to have it towed to a "professional" with diagnostic test equipment.

Any suggestions, help, attempts at helping, deeply appreciated.

I didn't bet against you, and am glad, cause I would have lost!!
I went straight to the mechanic, tried the cleaning tecnique--still wouldn't start.
Then.......I read the owner's manual...p.2-20...turned the ignition on, and the security light began flashing......I waiting ten minutes, it went off and my Alero started right up.
Of course, what keep causing it to happen, is the question now? But, at least, maybe no more tow bills.
Now I have a new problem...the "TracOff" light won't turn off...and my transmission is shifting hard...I mean, Hard. Suppose the two truck driver damaged the xmission in towing, or is it something else?
Thanks for this forum...and for all the good help!!

Hmmmm...now that's a wierd one. My mom had a 99 Blazer that had a transmission issue, and the CEL would come on and then the trans would shift hard. It was due to a sticking valve body.

I have no idea however, what's going on with your car.

Jeremy

That is so strange I have had a very similar problem and my 2001 Alero is in the shop right now. I had problems starting the car, but it always occurred after I had been running it for a while and then tried to re-start it. I had the battery replaced and I was told by two different shops that the alternator was running fine and so was my starter. I was shopping yesterday and I went back out to turn on my car and it wouldn't start. It turned over and I had power but it just wouldn't start. It was having problems starting before but it would always finally start and this time it just wouldn't. Any suggestions??

That is so strange I have had a very similar problem and my 2001 Alero is in the shop right now. I had problems starting the car, but it always occurred after I had been running it for a while and then tried to re-start it. I had the battery replaced and I was told by two different shops that the alternator was running fine and so was my starter. I was shopping yesterday and I went back out to turn on my car and it wouldn't start. It turned over and I had power but it just wouldn't start. It was having problems starting before but it would always finally start and this time it just wouldn't. Any suggestions??

Not sure which of my posts you read......but.......

I experienced this last evening, and it worked for me. After weeks of my 2001 Alero running, then not running, etc. etc., I read in the owner's manual, on page 2-20.

It says to turn on the ignition switch. If the red "security" light is blinking (on the dash panel), leave the switch in the "on" position for 10 (ten) minutes. The light will stop blinking, then turn off. When it goes off, turn off the ignition switch and--only after turning it off--start the car. Hope it works for you.

Now, why the "security" light is coming on, I can't say. That may be another issue to address.

That is so strange I have had a very similar problem and my 2001 Alero is in the shop right now. I had problems starting the car, but it always occurred after I had been running it for a while and then tried to re-start it. I had the battery replaced and I was told by two different shops that the alternator was running fine and so was my starter. I was shopping yesterday and I went back out to turn on my car and it wouldn't start. It turned over and I had power but it just wouldn't start. It was having problems starting before but it would always finally start and this time it just wouldn't. Any suggestions??

Ok...I'm back.

What SEEMED to be the issue was this....the chip on the ignition cylinder was bad. They got it started at the garage and there were multiple codes pointing to Passlock and the ignition cylinder. They replaced the ignition cylinder for me. HOPEFULLY it doesn't happen again.

The whole thing ended up costing me around $300 (Ignition cylinder $170, $100 labor, $5.00 new key, $25 conditioning the ignition cylinder)

Hope this helps others out.