This car is junk
stephmac33
11-22-2005, 11:38 AM
I have had my Alero for about 2 yrs now. A little over a year ago all sorts of little annoying things started with it:
Once the windshield wipers have been used they will either not turn off at all, stop in the middle of the windshield, or come on again unexpectedly and stop in the middle of the windshield. They do not go across the windshield normally, they start and stop all the way across. This isn't a constant thing, just occassional. The delay does not work at all.
Occassionally, the window controls, mirror controls and turn signals don't work.
The dome light switch must be rattled to turn on the light.
The security feature malfunctions, causing the car not to start & must be reset. Annoying when you are trying to get to work, or in the car with a 3 year old.
Some settings on the AC/heat do not work. You can hear the air blowing when on high, but it doesn't come out of the vents. Vents are not clogged.
Rear defrost no longer works, burning smell when turned on. Have found complaints of fires caused by this - scary when you have kids back there.
Traction control button doesn't do anything. Pushing this button normally would cause a dash light to come on, but no longer does. Is my traction control not working or just this button? We'll see when we have all sorts of snow.
Vinyl on dash is rippling where it meets the windshield, driver's side. Also, coming apart on one of the doors where it meets the window.
Strange rubbing sound when driving. Worse at high speeds and when wheel is turned even slightly to the left. Sound disappears when wheel is turned, even slightly, to the right.
That's all I can think of right now.
All these things began after my extended warranty expired. Isn't that nice? I can't afford to take it in for all of this. I have found so many complaint of these same problems on the ODI website. Why are they not recalls? This car is such a potential death trap, but must be driven every day out of necessity - often with small children in it. I just keep waiting for the airbag to deploy while I am doing 80 down the highway. I guess I am hoping that, since most are electrical, they will be related and fixable with some cheap replacement part.
Once the windshield wipers have been used they will either not turn off at all, stop in the middle of the windshield, or come on again unexpectedly and stop in the middle of the windshield. They do not go across the windshield normally, they start and stop all the way across. This isn't a constant thing, just occassional. The delay does not work at all.
Occassionally, the window controls, mirror controls and turn signals don't work.
The dome light switch must be rattled to turn on the light.
The security feature malfunctions, causing the car not to start & must be reset. Annoying when you are trying to get to work, or in the car with a 3 year old.
Some settings on the AC/heat do not work. You can hear the air blowing when on high, but it doesn't come out of the vents. Vents are not clogged.
Rear defrost no longer works, burning smell when turned on. Have found complaints of fires caused by this - scary when you have kids back there.
Traction control button doesn't do anything. Pushing this button normally would cause a dash light to come on, but no longer does. Is my traction control not working or just this button? We'll see when we have all sorts of snow.
Vinyl on dash is rippling where it meets the windshield, driver's side. Also, coming apart on one of the doors where it meets the window.
Strange rubbing sound when driving. Worse at high speeds and when wheel is turned even slightly to the left. Sound disappears when wheel is turned, even slightly, to the right.
That's all I can think of right now.
All these things began after my extended warranty expired. Isn't that nice? I can't afford to take it in for all of this. I have found so many complaint of these same problems on the ODI website. Why are they not recalls? This car is such a potential death trap, but must be driven every day out of necessity - often with small children in it. I just keep waiting for the airbag to deploy while I am doing 80 down the highway. I guess I am hoping that, since most are electrical, they will be related and fixable with some cheap replacement part.
brsexton
11-23-2005, 06:42 AM
I have had my Alero for about 2 yrs now. A little over a year ago all sorts of little annoying things started with it:
Once the windshield wipers have been used they will either not turn off at all, stop in the middle of the windshield, or come on again unexpectedly and stop in the middle of the windshield. They do not go across the windshield normally, they start and stop all the way across. This isn't a constant thing, just occassional. The delay does not work at all.
Occassionally, the window controls, mirror controls and turn signals don't work.
The dome light switch must be rattled to turn on the light.
The security feature malfunctions, causing the car not to start & must be reset. Annoying when you are trying to get to work, or in the car with a 3 year old.
Some settings on the AC/heat do not work. You can hear the air blowing when on high, but it doesn't come out of the vents. Vents are not clogged.
Rear defrost no longer works, burning smell when turned on. Have found complaints of fires caused by this - scary when you have kids back there.
Traction control button doesn't do anything. Pushing this button normally would cause a dash light to come on, but no longer does. Is my traction control not working or just this button? We'll see when we have all sorts of snow.
Vinyl on dash is rippling where it meets the windshield, driver's side. Also, coming apart on one of the doors where it meets the window.
Strange rubbing sound when driving. Worse at high speeds and when wheel is turned even slightly to the left. Sound disappears when wheel is turned, even slightly, to the right.
That's all I can think of right now.
All these things began after my extended warranty expired. Isn't that nice? I can't afford to take it in for all of this. I have found so many complaint of these same problems on the ODI website. Why are they not recalls? This car is such a potential death trap, but must be driven every day out of necessity - often with small children in it. I just keep waiting for the airbag to deploy while I am doing 80 down the highway. I guess I am hoping that, since most are electrical, they will be related and fixable with some cheap replacement part.
Sounds like you do have some problems. What year and how many miles is on your Alero? I think you have some serious electric problems. Has this car even been in a wreck or in a flood by you or any previous owner that you know of? All of the issues except for the wheel noise lead to a major short. The security light is a well know problem for GM. Most of the time they replace the ignition switch and charge a huge amount. Some people have been lucky and replaced their key with a new one and that solved the problem. The wheel noise you are talking about sounds like the famous wheel bearing issue that these cars tend to have also. The wheel hub/bearing (its one part) will need to be replaced to solve that noise. But the electrical system really should be checked by a pro. Its not safe for you or your kids. It may be cheaper in the long run to dump the car, and get something else. Or hope it catches on fire one night in the driveway and you can collect insurance money..LOL.. Good luck and keep us posted.
Once the windshield wipers have been used they will either not turn off at all, stop in the middle of the windshield, or come on again unexpectedly and stop in the middle of the windshield. They do not go across the windshield normally, they start and stop all the way across. This isn't a constant thing, just occassional. The delay does not work at all.
Occassionally, the window controls, mirror controls and turn signals don't work.
The dome light switch must be rattled to turn on the light.
The security feature malfunctions, causing the car not to start & must be reset. Annoying when you are trying to get to work, or in the car with a 3 year old.
Some settings on the AC/heat do not work. You can hear the air blowing when on high, but it doesn't come out of the vents. Vents are not clogged.
Rear defrost no longer works, burning smell when turned on. Have found complaints of fires caused by this - scary when you have kids back there.
Traction control button doesn't do anything. Pushing this button normally would cause a dash light to come on, but no longer does. Is my traction control not working or just this button? We'll see when we have all sorts of snow.
Vinyl on dash is rippling where it meets the windshield, driver's side. Also, coming apart on one of the doors where it meets the window.
Strange rubbing sound when driving. Worse at high speeds and when wheel is turned even slightly to the left. Sound disappears when wheel is turned, even slightly, to the right.
That's all I can think of right now.
All these things began after my extended warranty expired. Isn't that nice? I can't afford to take it in for all of this. I have found so many complaint of these same problems on the ODI website. Why are they not recalls? This car is such a potential death trap, but must be driven every day out of necessity - often with small children in it. I just keep waiting for the airbag to deploy while I am doing 80 down the highway. I guess I am hoping that, since most are electrical, they will be related and fixable with some cheap replacement part.
Sounds like you do have some problems. What year and how many miles is on your Alero? I think you have some serious electric problems. Has this car even been in a wreck or in a flood by you or any previous owner that you know of? All of the issues except for the wheel noise lead to a major short. The security light is a well know problem for GM. Most of the time they replace the ignition switch and charge a huge amount. Some people have been lucky and replaced their key with a new one and that solved the problem. The wheel noise you are talking about sounds like the famous wheel bearing issue that these cars tend to have also. The wheel hub/bearing (its one part) will need to be replaced to solve that noise. But the electrical system really should be checked by a pro. Its not safe for you or your kids. It may be cheaper in the long run to dump the car, and get something else. Or hope it catches on fire one night in the driveway and you can collect insurance money..LOL.. Good luck and keep us posted.
brsexton
11-23-2005, 06:49 AM
One more question. Does your Alero have a sunroof?
BNaylor
11-23-2005, 11:01 AM
Rear defrost no longer works, burning smell when turned on. Have found complaints of fires caused by this - scary when you have kids back there.
You should consider this one a priority issue. Have you pinpointed the smell. If it is around the rear passenger side C pillar, there is a RF module that ties into the rear window radio antenna and rear defroster grid. When it goes bad it shorts out and can cause other electrical problems too not to mention a potential fire hazard.
You should consider this one a priority issue. Have you pinpointed the smell. If it is around the rear passenger side C pillar, there is a RF module that ties into the rear window radio antenna and rear defroster grid. When it goes bad it shorts out and can cause other electrical problems too not to mention a potential fire hazard.
stephmac33
11-24-2005, 09:45 AM
My Alero is a 2002 with about 78,000 miles on it. To my knowledge it has not been flooded or anything, but I have never checked into it's history. It does not have a sun roof. I'll be crossing my fingers that it catches fire in the driveway... that would be perfect LOL!
As for the RF module, would a problem with this cause poor radio reception? My reception is fine. I haven't pinpointed the source of the burning smell. I turned on the defrost and it didn't shut off on its own, plus the smell. From then on I have left it alone, since it didn't clear the window anyway. Is the RF module something that could be replaced at home (my husband was a mechanic in the military, so he knows a bit about cars)?
I also read on this forum that someone was able to aleviate the security issue with a thin cloth & electrical cleaner. I was planning on trying this out. I have noticed that this issue occurs less frequently (maybe even not at all, I don't remember) when we use my husband's key, which is numbered 1 on the back.
I completely agree that it would be wise to trade this thing in, but for now that's just not an option.
Thank you both for all the info! Now I at least know where to start as far as getting this thing straightened out. I really appreciate it!
As for the RF module, would a problem with this cause poor radio reception? My reception is fine. I haven't pinpointed the source of the burning smell. I turned on the defrost and it didn't shut off on its own, plus the smell. From then on I have left it alone, since it didn't clear the window anyway. Is the RF module something that could be replaced at home (my husband was a mechanic in the military, so he knows a bit about cars)?
I also read on this forum that someone was able to aleviate the security issue with a thin cloth & electrical cleaner. I was planning on trying this out. I have noticed that this issue occurs less frequently (maybe even not at all, I don't remember) when we use my husband's key, which is numbered 1 on the back.
I completely agree that it would be wise to trade this thing in, but for now that's just not an option.
Thank you both for all the info! Now I at least know where to start as far as getting this thing straightened out. I really appreciate it!
BNaylor
11-24-2005, 12:00 PM
My Alero is a 2002 with about 78,000 miles on it. To my knowledge it has not been flooded or anything, but I have never checked into it's history. It does not have a sun roof. I'll be crossing my fingers that it catches fire in the driveway... that would be perfect LOL!
As for the RF module, would a problem with this cause poor radio reception? My reception is fine. I haven't pinpointed the source of the burning smell. I turned on the defrost and it didn't shut off on its own, plus the smell. From then on I have left it alone, since it didn't clear the window anyway. Is the RF module something that could be replaced at home (my husband was a mechanic in the military, so he knows a bit about cars)?
I also read on this forum that someone was able to aleviate the security issue with a thin cloth & electrical cleaner. I was planning on trying this out. I have noticed that this issue occurs less frequently (maybe even not at all, I don't remember) when we use my husband's key, which is numbered 1 on the back.
I completely agree that it would be wise to trade this thing in, but for now that's just not an option.
Thank you both for all the info! Now I at least know where to start as far as getting this thing straightened out. I really appreciate it!
On the RF module there are two complaints. When defogger is turned on radio static sound or rear grid just not working. Some people have complained about a smell. The plastic trim panel on the passenger side C Pillar has to be removed for inspection where the two wires come in from the grids. The rear defogger also has a defogger relay in the engine compartment fuse box. Mini-relay #9.
Sorry to hear you are having so many electrical problems. Haven't had any on our 2002 yet. Knock on wood!
As for the RF module, would a problem with this cause poor radio reception? My reception is fine. I haven't pinpointed the source of the burning smell. I turned on the defrost and it didn't shut off on its own, plus the smell. From then on I have left it alone, since it didn't clear the window anyway. Is the RF module something that could be replaced at home (my husband was a mechanic in the military, so he knows a bit about cars)?
I also read on this forum that someone was able to aleviate the security issue with a thin cloth & electrical cleaner. I was planning on trying this out. I have noticed that this issue occurs less frequently (maybe even not at all, I don't remember) when we use my husband's key, which is numbered 1 on the back.
I completely agree that it would be wise to trade this thing in, but for now that's just not an option.
Thank you both for all the info! Now I at least know where to start as far as getting this thing straightened out. I really appreciate it!
On the RF module there are two complaints. When defogger is turned on radio static sound or rear grid just not working. Some people have complained about a smell. The plastic trim panel on the passenger side C Pillar has to be removed for inspection where the two wires come in from the grids. The rear defogger also has a defogger relay in the engine compartment fuse box. Mini-relay #9.
Sorry to hear you are having so many electrical problems. Haven't had any on our 2002 yet. Knock on wood!
stephmac33
12-05-2005, 09:38 AM
Well, my husband finally pulled off the C pillar to find that the RF module, or just the connector to it, IS bad. Thanks so much for your advice on my issues with this car. We would have never looked behind the C pillar otherwise!
Unfortunately, my Alero has started a new annoying habit. My Trac Off, Anti-Lock and Service Vehicle Soon lights now all come on at the same time whenever they feel like it. I was worried about losing my anti-locks and traction control, so I tested out the brakes to find the anti-locks still work. I'll just assume the trac also works (will keep me calm while driving in the MI snow) Husband believes this to be caused by a faulty sensor on the wheel, but no idea where. Anyone know how to solve this one?
Unfortunately, my Alero has started a new annoying habit. My Trac Off, Anti-Lock and Service Vehicle Soon lights now all come on at the same time whenever they feel like it. I was worried about losing my anti-locks and traction control, so I tested out the brakes to find the anti-locks still work. I'll just assume the trac also works (will keep me calm while driving in the MI snow) Husband believes this to be caused by a faulty sensor on the wheel, but no idea where. Anyone know how to solve this one?
BNaylor
12-05-2005, 09:55 AM
Well, my husband finally pulled off the C pillar to find that the RF module, or just the connector to it, IS bad. Thanks so much for your advice on my issues with this car. We would have never looked behind the C pillar otherwise!
Unfortunately, my Alero has started a new annoying habit. My Trac Off, Anti-Lock and Service Vehicle Soon lights now all come on at the same time whenever they feel like it. I was worried about losing my anti-locks and traction control, so I tested out the brakes to find the anti-locks still work. I'll just assume the trac also works (will keep me calm while driving in the MI snow) Husband believes this to be caused by a faulty sensor on the wheel, but no idea where. Anyone know how to solve this one?
You're welcome. Glad we could help.
When the ABS light comes on that means there is a problem but it does not inhibit the braking system for safety reasons so the brakes will work.
I agree it sounds like one of the wheel sensors which ABS and traction control use. Problem is finding out which one...total of 4. Normally you need a scanner capable of detecting GM CHASSIS error codes to determine which specific one. Not all generic scanners can detect ABS failure codes. The dealer's Tech II scanner will detect these codes but there will be a diagnostic charge.
The wheel sensor is an integral part of the hub and bearing so the whole hub has to be replaced. In the meantime about all that can be done is check the electrical connector to see if it is clean and tight on each each hub. Just follow the sole wiring harness that runs along each control arm at the wheel. With a multimeter in ohms position each sensor can be checked for resistance. This comes in handy when you do not have a scanner. I can post the values if you like.
Unfortunately, my Alero has started a new annoying habit. My Trac Off, Anti-Lock and Service Vehicle Soon lights now all come on at the same time whenever they feel like it. I was worried about losing my anti-locks and traction control, so I tested out the brakes to find the anti-locks still work. I'll just assume the trac also works (will keep me calm while driving in the MI snow) Husband believes this to be caused by a faulty sensor on the wheel, but no idea where. Anyone know how to solve this one?
You're welcome. Glad we could help.
When the ABS light comes on that means there is a problem but it does not inhibit the braking system for safety reasons so the brakes will work.
I agree it sounds like one of the wheel sensors which ABS and traction control use. Problem is finding out which one...total of 4. Normally you need a scanner capable of detecting GM CHASSIS error codes to determine which specific one. Not all generic scanners can detect ABS failure codes. The dealer's Tech II scanner will detect these codes but there will be a diagnostic charge.
The wheel sensor is an integral part of the hub and bearing so the whole hub has to be replaced. In the meantime about all that can be done is check the electrical connector to see if it is clean and tight on each each hub. Just follow the sole wiring harness that runs along each control arm at the wheel. With a multimeter in ohms position each sensor can be checked for resistance. This comes in handy when you do not have a scanner. I can post the values if you like.
PotIsYourFriend
12-06-2005, 03:48 AM
I have this same problem but I had both replaced at Pep Boys not even a year ago but have since ran into a curb going 45mph (dumb b.itch tried to switch lanes and was going to hit me so I got out of her way but still hit me needless to say she didn't have INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!) but back to story.. Now everytime I put it into gear I get the same lights as she does... Can my car still get inspected? Here in Houston they are stricked.......
But as for the title of the thread, yes I couldn't agree more........
But as for the title of the thread, yes I couldn't agree more........
BNaylor
12-06-2005, 09:09 AM
I have this same problem but I had both replaced at Pep Boys not even a year ago but have since ran into a curb going 45mph (dumb b.itch tried to switch lanes and was going to hit me so I got out of her way but still hit me needless to say she didn't have INSURANCE!!!!!!!!!!) but back to story.. Now everytime I put it into gear I get the same lights as she does... Can my car still get inspected? Here in Houston they are stricked.......
But as for the title of the thread, yes I couldn't agree more........
Thats a good question. I'm in El Paso and they check to see if the SES light is on. Of on, the tester will either fail you or tell you to bring it back after it is fixed. I don't know if they look at other fault lights like ABS. They test the brakes by doing the stop test to see if it stops in the marks (stopping distance). Even with ABS on the brakes should work OK. I am quite sure checking the SES light is a Texas state law requirement but you might check with an inspection station first. Good luck!
But as for the title of the thread, yes I couldn't agree more........
Thats a good question. I'm in El Paso and they check to see if the SES light is on. Of on, the tester will either fail you or tell you to bring it back after it is fixed. I don't know if they look at other fault lights like ABS. They test the brakes by doing the stop test to see if it stops in the marks (stopping distance). Even with ABS on the brakes should work OK. I am quite sure checking the SES light is a Texas state law requirement but you might check with an inspection station first. Good luck!
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