1999 Alero: Starts, stalls unless pull RFA fuse??

[TurboQueef]

Hi,

I have searched and searched... found lots of posts similar to the problem I am experiencing. In my case:

** The "security" light does not stay on blinking...

** When input the key and turn to "on" position, the instrument lights come on as normal but the fuel gauge stays at "E". The fuel pump turns on and builds pressure. After a few seconds, the instrument lights go off, fuel pump stops.

** If we try to start the car, it will fire up and then quit after a few seconds.

** The keyless door locks, trunk release and panic button do nothing.

When troubleshooting this problem, I pulled the fuse in position "D" "TRUNK REL/RFA/RADIO AMP" After pulling this fuse, the car starts.. gauges work etc.

I have tried to re-program the remotes with no success.

Anyone else experience this problem?

Thanks,

Jeff B

[TurboQueef]

It is still running without the fuse... anyone else have similar or same problem?

Thanks

[xeroinfinity]

Welcome to AF!

If it has fuel and the gauge isnt right then your float level sending unit is shot. Typical for the 99-00 N bodies.

With the fuse, did you check for any corrosion in that fuse box ? Any water leaking in on this pass side fuse box ?

Any water leaking into the trunk area that could cause a short ?
Or have you installed any after market radio/amps ?

Also is your SES light lit constantly, or is thier any trouble codes ??

[TurboQueef]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Welcome to AF!

If it has fuel and the gauge isnt right then your float level sending unit is shot. Typical for the 99-00 N bodies.

With the fuse, did you check for any corrosion in that fuse box ? Any water leaking in on this pass side fuse box ?

Any water leaking into the trunk area that could cause a short ?
Or have you installed any after market radio/amps ?

Also is your SES light lit constantly, or is thier any trouble codes ??

Thanks for the reply..

When I pull the fuse, the fuel gauge work and the car will start.

No corrosion in the fuse boxes

The SES light is on constantly

Thank you!

[xeroinfinity]

Have you had it scanned for trouble codes ?

By any chance this Alero have a sun roof ?
If so the SES light, if nothing else has failed, could be a sign the BCM is toast from a drain leaking.

I would double check for any signs of corrsion in all 3 fuse boxs.

[TurboQueef]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Have you had it scanned for trouble codes ?

By any chance this Alero have a sun roof ?
If so the SES light, if nothing else has failed, could be a sign the BCM is toast from a drain leaking.

I would double check for any signs of corrosion in all 3 fuse boxs.

HUM... it does have a sunroof.. and no trouble codes.. I am aware of two fues boxes.. on in drivers side dash and the other in the engine compartment.

Also... where is the BCM located?

Thanks

Jeff

[xeroinfinity]

Thier are 3 fuse box's the other is on the pass side dash end.
The BCM is under the glove box.

What I've seen happen is the roof leaks down the front pillars and right onto the fuse boxs on the ends of the dash and toasting the BCM. Which will cause the SES light to be on.

One way to find out is pull the headliner down a bit(around the roof works best) and look at the drain hoses.
If they are painted at the top and they are cracked where they attach to the roof drains, then they'll need fixed, before replacing the BCM.

Hopefully this isnt your issue a new BCM is pricey and needs a relearn done by the stealership. A used one will work too but needs to have the same options, AC, radio, etc. should be able to get one for $40-50 plus the stealership relearn.

Good Luck

[TurboQueef]

Originally Posted by xeroinfinity

Thier are 3 fuse box's the other is on the pass side dash end.
The BCM is under the glove box.

What I've seen happen is the roof leaks down the front pillars and right onto the fuse boxs on the ends of the dash and toasting the BCM. Which will cause the SES light to be on.

One way to find out is pull the headliner down a bit(around the roof works best) and look at the drain hoses.
If they are painted at the top and they are cracked where they attach to the roof drains, then they'll need fixed, before replacing the BCM.

Hopefully this isnt your issue a new BCM is pricey and needs a relearn done by the stealership. A used one will work too but needs to have the same options, AC, radio, etc. should be able to get one for $40-50 plus the stealership relearn.

Good Luck

Thanks..

Just for fun, I re-installed the RSA fuse (drivers side position "D")... everything worked again... car started, keyless entry worked etc... let it sit overnight and went back to same problem... very strange.

All fuse blocks are in very good condition... exceptionally clean and zero corrosion.