Wont start since cold snap

I have a 2004 Olds Alero that I have had no problems with so far (go thru brake pads) but recently we had a cold spell. The car started fine for the first few days...but now the engine turns but does not fire.

Anybody else had this problem? Bad fuel pump?

I have a 2004 Olds Alero that I have had no problems with so far (go thru brake pads) but recently we had a cold spell. The car started fine for the first few days...but now the engine turns but does not fire.

Anybody else had this problem? Bad fuel pump?



You got a 2004 and it's already having prob's? I hope to god you have a warranty... If so tell them to come pick the P.O.S. up and fix it...

I have a 2004 Olds Alero that I have had no problems with so far (go thru brake pads) but recently we had a cold spell. The car started fine for the first few days...but now the engine turns but does not fire.

Anybody else had this problem? Bad fuel pump?



You got a 2004 and it's already having prob's? I hope to god you have a warranty... If so tell them to come pick the P.O.S. up and fix it...







__________________________________________________ ________





But seriously, can you hear the pump? my fuel pump went out and if you're in a quiet area just turn the key as far as it will go with turning the starter... And listen to real good to hear the pump pressurize the line... If you hear nothing CHECK THE FUSES!!!!!!!! I also had that problem... Filled the car up and it wouldn't start.. Had it towed 20 miles for 60 bucks and come to find out it was a 10 cent fuse.......

Is your Security light flashing? If so, you might have to reset your passlock. There are a gazillion threads that can help if that is the case.

Ray

I have a 2000 Alero. Had a really cold night. Next day tried to start car. Turns over but won't start. Can hear fuel pump working, changed fuel filter in case it was clogged. Still won't start. Saw where someone here posted to check the fuse. Don't have a manual. Is it in the side panel where the reset buttons are? How would a fuse keep a car from starting?? (Sorry guys, I'm a dumb woman trying to save $$!) :)

If you had a really cold spell, it's possible that you're battery is just toast.

- Jeremy

I have a 2000 Alero. Had a really cold night. Next day tried to start car. Turns over but won't start. Can hear fuel pump working, changed fuel filter in case it was clogged. Still won't start. Saw where someone here posted to check the fuse. Don't have a manual. Is it in the side panel where the reset buttons are? How would a fuse keep a car from starting?? (Sorry guys, I'm a dumb woman trying to save $$!) :)



It is possible that "a" fuse can keep the car from starting.. There's a fuse box on the passenger side, drivers side and under the hood.. Check all the fuses....

If the engine does turn over but just won't start, it is possible that you have already fixed the problem but there is air in you fuel rail or lines. Does the car start and run at all, i.e., 20 seconds? I would turn on the ignition without starting the car, and bleed the fuel rail with the schrader valve located right on the fuel rail. Be careful, there may be a lot of pressure there and you want to protect your eyes and have a rag under the valve to catch any gas that sprays out. Also, try starting the car 10 to 15 times. This will help get the air out. Mine did that after I replaced the fuel filter and I thought it wasn't fixed. I bled the fuel rail and started it about 10 times and finally it started. I have not had a problem since.

Ok. Went home last night and tried to reset car. Waited the 10 mins, 10 seconds, 10 mins, 10 seconds. Noticed the lights looking a little dim so tried to turn over. Very little charge in battery. But after jumping battery still would not start. The battery has never given me a problem before and is only about 1 yr old.

The red security light, battery symbol, and SES light stayed on steady while ignotion was turned to ON position during the 10 min waits.

What does this mean? Haven't checked the fuses yet. That's next. Should I try replacing the battery?

Thanks guys for all the help!

Those lights are supposed to be on while the ignition is in the "ON" position and while the engine is cranking.

- Jeremy

How cold did it get, did you plug in the car? It was stupid cold last week where I live, -36C with out the windchill and -56C with it. My car started but it was a bit slow. I would have to say check the battery, for us in winnipeg in winter thats that most comon porblem with car starting.

Honestly, I don't think many people in the lower 48 use engine block heaters unless they have diesels. Am I wrong on this one?

- Jeremy

Honestly, I don't think many people in the lower 48 use engine block heaters unless they have diesels. Am I wrong on this one?

- Jeremy



Yes, my brothers wife had a Nissan truck that had one.. I laughed when I opened the hood and seen the electrical plug and was like WTF is this? She lived in Billings, Montana...

How cold did it get, did you plug in the car? It was stupid cold last week where I live, -36C with out the windchill and -56C with it. My car started but it was a bit slow. I would have to say check the battery, for us in winnipeg in winter thats that most comon porblem with car starting.



Jesus I'm glad I live in Texas.. That's waaaaaaaaaaaaaay to cold for any human or car for that matter...

Its not that bad, only gets that cold for a few days a year. Went to Vegas a few year back and just about died with with 100F+ heat. Now thats way to hot for any human or car for that matter...