Hello all , I have a 2001 olds alero and I had several issues with it, finally got it fixed loaned it out and boom it's all back again.
Someone I loaned my car too hit a firehydrant and didn't do alot of damage to it, though enough to make it overheat. I looked as much as I can see and didn't see the radiator cracked. I've also been having issues with it running normal. Seems like their isn't enough combustion to make it go anymore. My step daughter says sometimes it drops down to 10 mph and it hardly goes more than that.
I hope I'm making sence.

thanks,
Jackie

What mileage and engine do you have? Any SES/CEL light?

I posted this in another thread but here you are if it helps.

If it was the MAF sensor you probably would have a DTC set. Same with the EGR valve. Buy a can of spray MAF cleaner and clean the screen. Remove the EGR valve and spray it with EGR cleaner. Don't use EGR spray on your MAF.

Your description of the lack of acceleration and performance is a classic issue with the 3.4L engines. GM issued a TSB for the catalytic converter for models with the 3.4l engine but DID NOT include the Alero. The issue is a clogged cat conv. which drastically affects acceleration and performance. The warranty was extended to 10 years and 100,000 miles for the cat conv. Unfortunately it does not include the Alero.

The good news (sort of) is that you can get a 49 state (not California of course, Cali compliant is $202.00) cat conv. from Murry's Auto, Advance Auto, etc. for $79.00 and it's easy to install if you can get under the car. Dealers typically want $600 to replace the cat conv. Cut out of cat conv close to the welds, insert new cat conv and assemble with new sleeves and pipe clamps.

You can test your cat conv to be sure it is not clogged by removing the hot (upstream O2 sensor) and inserting a pressure guage. Run the engine at 2,000 rpm. The pressure should not be more than 2 psi. Do the same for the cold (after cat conv) O2 sendor and the pressure should be the same or less 2 psi. If the upstream pressure is higher than the downstream pressure and above 2 psi you have a clogged cat conv.

Since you mentioned you had an accident you may have damaged the cat conv or crushed an exhaust pipe.

I've had a similar experience with my 2001 Alero. One day it just happened, limited power at first, but eventually it slowed to a crawl. Turns out it was a clogged catalytic converter. Fortunately I was informed of a Federal warranty that applies to vehicles emissions systems that states (I'll paraphrase), that if a properly maintained vehicle has a problem with components of the emissions system (ie. Catalytic Converter), and said problem cannot be traced to the result of a poorly maintained vehicle (ie. no tune ups, oil changes, etc.) the repair and replacement of said component(s) is covered for 8 years or 80,000 miles whichever comes first.

The info you are looking for is contained in this link:
http://www.epa.gov/oms/consumer/warr95fs.txt

BE AWARE some repair centers will not tell you of this warranty!! The first shop we went to gave us an estimate on the R&R of the Cat. and when I asked about the Fed. Warranty, he said he had been in business for 35 years and never had heard of such a thing. This guy owned and operated a national chain repair shop here in San Diego, not a back alley joint.

Then we took it to our local dealer ( I know, I know) but turns out they "knew" about the warranty, and R&R'd the Cat. for $0 out of pocket!

You're on the bubble with the mileage (if my math is correct), hopefully you're under 80K and you may be able to take advantage the warranty. If not you'll know about it for the future, or pass the info on to friends.

All EPA emissions components on vehicles have at least an 8 year 80,000 mile warranty. Not just the cat conv.

My (darlene.shenfield@telvent.abengoa.com) 2001 Alero wouldn't start. Mechanic told me to turn the key to the point where all dashboard lights turn on and you hear the ding, ding, ding. Then, you continue turning it over and it starts everytime. Wonder if this is on recall. Just found out my signal lights not working is on recall. Anyone?