Failure To Start Issue - Not Passlock Problem (?)

[pagris]

Hello Members: I am having a failure to start issue with my 2002 Alero 2.2 liter. Frequently it will crank over but show no sign of starting. If I stop and then retry, it will usually fire right up. If I shut it down after it is running and try again, sometimes it will just crank away without starting and other times it will fire right up again.

At first I thought this was the infamous Passlock/Lock Cylinder problem, but now I am beginning to wonder. The system does not lock me out if it fails to start immediately (i.e., I don't have to wait 10 minutes for the anti-theft system to reset) and there is no Security light indicating any Passlock issue.

Is it possible to have a lock cylinder problem that would disable the function of the PCM without throwing the light and causing the anti-theft function to kick in?

Any thoughts would be apprecitated - TIA

[jlecornu]

I have a similar issue. When Spring came on my Alero would not start. Sometimes it was fine... other times it would take 10 tries or would not work at all.

Mechanic replaced the fuel filter twice, then the fuel pump (total $860). Each time it worked ok for about 2-3 days but the problem would resurface.

Now I am wondering if its a vapor lock problem. The startup problems seem to mostly occur when its hot or when the car has been sitting in the sun for a long time. It starts up fine at night. Very strange...

[Iflylow]

Check the fuel pressure at the rail. I think it's supposed to be about 55 psi. If it isn't, you have a fuel pump or fuel pressure regulator problem. The wiring to the pump is a fairly common problem area, so check that first. Corroded connectors, and shorts are the biggest problems. If that doesn't work, change the fuel pressure regulator. They are cheap and easy to change.