Hello, everyone. I have a 2002 Oldsmobile Alero that has been giving me all sorts of trouble starting. I have seen many threads on this issue, but no definitive answers or troubleshooting techniques. I was hoping that everyone could jump in on this one and make one solid thread that can give some real answers. Please, if you have had issues with a similar model, please chime in. Only one request: When explaining your issues, please specify whether or not the car will crank and not start, or not even crank.

History:

I purchased this car about a year ago, and within a week it refused to start. In this instance, the engine would not crank and the security light would be on. $100 tow, $100 bill from the mechanic and I had to figure out myself to leave the key in for 10 minutes to reset the passlock.

Skip forward a few months. Passlock problem happened 2 or 3 more times then stopped. The new problem is that the car will crank sometimes for several minutes before it will start. If you turn the key to the on position, you can hear the fuel pump priming. When it primes, the car starts. When I don't hear it prime is when the car does not start. A while after this began, some of the lights came on (Trac on or something like that).

Dealer checked it out, said the pump had pressure, supposedly fixed the wiring to the crank sensor. This accomplished nothing. Replaced the fuel pump relay, no help. I'm out of ideas.

Theories:
1. Passlock system. I get different stories on this, but am I correct in saying that if it was the passlock system (or ignition switch) then the car would not even crank?
2. Fuel pump. I don't think this is it, it seems like the pump would not be delivering pressure if it was bad.
3. Computer. For some reason is the computer telling the pump not to turn on?
4. Demon possession. Anyone know a good priest?

Steve

Hi steve I remember your last post on 10-24-2006 on the no start issue.

If the paslock is acting up on has been tripped the car will crank until you run the battery dead. But it kills the fuel pump after 3-4secs, because the PCM tells it to kill the fuel its being stolen. :shakehead

So are you getting spark when it wont start ?
Do you have a bunch of stuff on your key chain ?

If so, the weight pulls the key causing it to trip the Passlock because it doent make proper contact inside the tumbler.

These ignition switches and lock cylinders are partialty plastic and are very easy to damage and prone to failure.