Sometimes Won't Start

[OLDALERO]

My 2001 alero seems to not want to start some times. Left it alone for a while and then will start at first try. Happened again and same thing. Happened third time and checked fire, all OK but no fuel pressure. Tried the key on the "ON" position only, for 3 times in a row and then she started like a CHARM.Is it possible that fuel pump is going on the fritz and I only primed it a bit everytime I turned the key to "ON" before starting it? It is starting good since then but wife very afraid it will happen again and end up stuck.Any ideas are greatly appreciated

[BNaylor]

It would help to post which engine you have? 2.4L or 3400 V6?

Fuel pump is a common problem on the Alero. How old is the fuel filter? Did you check fuel pressure with a gauge to see if readings are in spec?

[OLDALERO]

Sorry about that, the engine is a 3400 v-6,and I didn't check the fuel pressure with a gauge but tried it at the fuel rail valve and nothing there. I just changed the fuel filter this A.M. but it was starting good again before that and still is now. I was wondering if the fuel pump can go bad slowly or is it usually all at once? BTW, I hear the fuel pump coming on when I turn the ignition on but it was also doing this when it wouldn't start. Also looked like dirt in the fuel filter, so I'm hoping this will help solve the problem.

[BNaylor]

Hopefully the filter filter solves your issue. If not then at the rear fuel injection rail at that Schrader valve you can connect one as shown in the pic below.

BTW - What type connector did you have on the fuel filter? Did you have the one with the plastic tabs or the one with the weird green release tab.

[OLDALERO]

Thanks again for all the help. My fuel filter connector was the weird green release tab type. BTW, what should the pressure be at the fuel rail pictured above. Also, has anyone ever installed the fuel pump repair kit? I noticed they sell them on E-bay quite a bit cheaper than the complete fuel pump module and was wondering if I should order one if my problem arises again??

[BNaylor]

Yeah on our 2002 we have the same connector. Did you have any problems getting it off the fuel filter? Pressure will vary but nothing under 40 psi and it will be higher at around 60 psi with the vacuum line disconnected at the fuel pressure regulator (FPR) at idle. I get around 55 psi with the vaccum line on at the FPR and around 58-60 psi disconnected.

I would stay away from the repair kits where you just replace only the electrical fuel pump and not the whole fuel pump pod. Too much work and stuff to go wrong with the job. But some people go with the kits and have success.