2000 V6 Alero won't start - Any ideas?

[lola88]

Hi, I have a 2000 V6 Alero.
I drove the car home from work Friday night and then Saturday morning it would not start.
The engine cranks but will not turn over.
I have noticed the car seemed to run a little rougher over the last couple of weeks and that I would sometimes have to attempt to start it a few times before it turned over.
I was going to wait until June to bring the car in because I have to get an inspection but I guess I can't wait now.

Anyway, does anyone have any ideas about what could be causing this problem?
I don't think it's the battery because I replaced that less than one year ago and it turns over very strong and everything functions when the key is in the 'on' position'.
Also I checked the Passlock system, the security light does not come on when the key is in the 'on' position. Only the 'check engine light' comes on. I have both of the original keys so I tried both keys and neither work.

So I am stumped.
As far as I know I am up to date on all repairs, tune ups and everything... it has been less than three months since my last oil change and I don't put many miles on the car.
I had the intake manifold replaced last September because it was leaking coolant into the engine... that was a quick thousand dollars of repair ($900 of which was labor ) but I don't think that had anything to do with this... it ran fine for a while after that. BTW, if your 'low coolant' light ever comes on and your coolant level is good, have the intake manifold checked before it leaks into your engine completely.


Thanks in advance!

[corning_d3]

The first thing I would check for would be fuel pressure and a good, hot spark..

[93TransAm]

My guess would be that it's your fuel pump mine went on me, exact same way, thing jut wouldn;t turn over cause its not getting any gas. Your probly lookin at $300-800 (but thats canadian).

[pjshaker]

Originally Posted by 93TransAm

My guess would be that it's your fuel pump mine went on me, exact same way, thing jut wouldn;t turn over cause its not getting any gas. Your probly lookin at $300-800 (but thats canadian).

i had a fuel pump problem before and if its that you will know...the car will still start...and turn over...but it will just run like crap.....and over time it will get worse....but if you were driving it the other day and you didnt notice any BIG problems in the performance then it might not be the fuel pump....and in american if you do the job yourself it will be like around 100 bucks for the pump at like auto zone or murrays..

now what i want to see is if the engine itself atleast clicks.....if it does and its just not turning over then you might either need a starter or an alternator....

if the battery is newer and the alternator goes then your battery is basicly dead....maybe check your belts to see what kind of wear pattern they have....if they are starting to flatten out and the groves are getting worn then you might be looking at the alternator.....

just a couple ideas....its always hard to tell when you are not looking at the car

[corning_d3]

i had a fuel pump problem before and if its that you will know...the car will still start...and turn over...but it will just run like crap.....and over time it will get worse.

False. I've seen many fuel pumps die just by shutting off the vehicle, and going out later to find it won't start..

[pjshaker]

Originally Posted by corning_d3

False. I've seen many fuel pumps die just by shutting off the vehicle, and going out later to find it won't start..

oh i dont doubt it...my reply was just from my experiences with them.....ive talked to people who had the same problem i had and it was the fuel pump....started light and got worse over time.....it all could depend on the fuel filter too...if thats bad and the fuel pump is bad then it could just stop one day

[PotIsYourFriend]

Originally Posted by 93TransAm

My guess would be that it's your fuel pump mine went on me, exact same way, thing jut wouldn;t turn over cause its not getting any gas. Your probly lookin at $300-800 (but thats canadian).

Had mine replaced for 800 US... Never snapped to replace the fuel filter but I do now...