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Oldsmobile Alero Starting-Stalling Problems

438 messages,  Last post on Jun 17, 2013 at 8:17 AM

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What is this discussion about? Oldsmobile Alero, Engine

Messages Page 11 of 45

#93 of 438 2003 Old Alero by daquenzer

Feb 09, 2008 (2:29 pm)

Sound like you need to replace the fuel pump. I had the same problem. Every time I got the car towed it would start. Finally I had the mechanic come to my house when it didn't start. It was the fuel pump. Now works fine. Classic fuel pump issue.
Cost is about $750.

#94 of 438 Re: 2003 Olds Alero [drtrider] by daquenzer

Feb 09, 2008 (2:31 pm)

Replying to: drtrider (Feb 09, 2008 2:08 pm)
Sound like you need to replace the fuel pump. I had the same problem. Every time I got the car towed it would start. Finally I had the mechanic come to my house when it didn't start. It was the fuel pump. Now works fine. Classic fuel pump issue.
Cost is about $750.

#95 of 438 Re: 2003 Olds Alero [daquenzer] by drtrider

Feb 09, 2008 (2:38 pm)

Replying to: daquenzer (Feb 09, 2008 2:31 pm)
that was my first thought...however, i just found out this car was getting hot the past few days. not actually getting in the red on the gauge, but climbing well beyond the 1/2 way mark (usually never exceeds 1/2 way). My concern is that what if theres some sort of safety issue that will basically "turn off" the fuel pump so the car doesn't actually terminally over heat? I realize we have an issue with the fuel pump not pumping, is there anything else we should test or examine to confirmthat the fuel pumpisn't "turnedoff" and maybe somehow needs to be reset? if this is even an issue, wouldit automatically reset once the heating issue is resolved?

#96 of 438 Re: 2003 Olds Alero [drtrider] by daquenzer

Feb 09, 2008 (8:25 pm)

Replying to: drtrider (Feb 09, 2008 2:38 pm)
It sounds to me you also might have a thermostat problem, radiator problem(could be clogged), fan problem or a coolant problem. It could be as simple as your coolant is too diluted. I would talk with a GM mechanic on that one. That could be a real simple fix. I would doubt that the heat issue is affecting the fuel pump; especially since you had the fuel issue before the engine was running a bit warmer than normal.
 
My suggestion is that when you can't start the car next time you call the mechanic to come to your house to test the fuel pump. It's a very easy pressure test. Takes just a few minutes and it would be worth the extra expense. Beats being towed.

#97 of 438 Re: Alero having starting problems [whitey69] by pudid03

Feb 18, 2008 (12:38 pm)

Replying to: whitey69 (Jan 23, 2008 10:25 pm)
Whitey69 was right on the money with the SECURITY FLASHING LIGHT on. I just went to play football (Colorado National Guard against local firefighters) and when I went to the parking lot to start my car it acted like I was out of gas. I had it tow home 20 miles. I am responding for two reasons, first Whitey69 just saved me a ton of money and secondly to let everyone know that Whitey69's reference was located on page 2-20 in the 2001 Alero owners manual under "Passlock"
 
WHITEY69 ROCKS!!!!

#98 of 438 2000 Alero stoppinbg and starting problem by alero1

Feb 28, 2008 (4:19 am)

I have a 2000 Alero / 2.4. My wife started the car the other morning and drove 4 or so miles from work and the engine just shut down. No flashing lights. No check engine light. She tried to restart it. It acted like it was running on 1 or two cyls and then would die in a matter of seconds. When I got there it had been setting for about 30 minutes and I tried to start it twice. Same problem. The 3 rd time it started as if nothing had ever happened. Traveled another 2 or 3 miles and the same thing happened. This time I could never get it to start. Called a wrecker and had it towed to my house. Set it off of the wrecker and it started right up. I let it sit running at operating temperture for an hour and it never stopped. I took the ign mod off and had it checked. It checked out OK. Don't think it is the coil pack because it has been running perfest up to this point. Thinking maybe the problem is in the fuel reg, filter or fuel pump. Any thoughts or ideas on what to do would be greatly appreciated. This is my wifes car. She work nights at the hospital and she is now scared to drive it.

#99 of 438 Re: 2000 Alero stoppinbg and starting problem [alero1] by burdawg

Feb 28, 2008 (1:36 pm)

Replying to: alero1 (Feb 28, 2008 4:19 am)
The first thing I would suspect is the fuel pump with these symptoms.

#100 of 438 Re: 2000 Alero stoppinbg and starting problem [burdawg] by alero1

Feb 28, 2008 (4:24 pm)

Replying to: burdawg (Feb 28, 2008 1:36 pm)
burdawg.
Thanks for the response. I agree with you. A friend told me to spray a little starting fluid in the intake when it acted up again. If it starts and runs on the starting fluid then it is almost a sure thing that the pump is bad. I have also read that beating on the bottom of the tank is another way to tell if the pump is bad. That is assuming it starts and run after the beating. So when it stops again the beatings will begin. If that does not work then I will try a little of the starting fluid.

#101 of 438 Re: Alero having starting problems [whitey69] by brassy76

Mar 20, 2008 (11:19 pm)

Replying to: whitey69 (Jan 23, 2008 10:25 pm)
I was wondering if there was a way to disable this feature/pain or identify the real problem and solution. It is frustrating when I am unable to get into my car and not be able to go somewhere quickly. This happened to me at least three times this week alone. Please help!

#102 of 438 2000 Alero terrible gas mileage...HELP ME by nbelt

Mar 26, 2008 (11:41 am)

I have a 2000 Alero with a 3.4 V6 but i only get about 12 mpg!?! The security light comes on almost every day. Ive changed the plugs, wires, and fuel filter with OE replacement parts and tried some recommended fuel injector cleaner and still it gets crap gas mileage. Ive also had the mechanic scan it but got nothing. The dealer says without the engine light they probably wont find anything. Im ready to smash it. PLEASE HELP ME!!!!!!!

Messages Page 11 of 45

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