1999 Alero Start Issue

[JohnVH3]

My 1999 Alero sometimes starts fine and sometimes does not start.
When it does not start, the starter does not make any sound.
I can get it to start by taking a one of the big fuses out (about 1 inch by 1 inch by 1 inch) and putting it back in. I am suspecting that it is more to do with wiggling the fuse box.

This morning it did not start. I left the key in and in the on position for 10 minutes and that did nothing. Then I put the key back in the on position and pressed on the fuses. I noticed that the headlights flickered. Then when they stayed on, I went in and started it. Later, I had the same problem, but it was in the sun, so the lights did not come on.

I am wondering if I need a new fuse relay box, or what might be the problem?

[JTrujillo86]

With the flickering of the lights after you messed with fuse relay, I would say it is related to that. There is definately some funkyness going on there...

Jeremy

[JohnVH3]

Had to a point where I could put the key in, turn it to the on position.
Then look at the head lights. If they were on, it would start.
If not, wiggle the fuse box, and when the lights turned on, it would start.

Had a remote start installed. I told the installer about the problem, and he diagnosed it further to something under the ignition fuse is causing the problem. It started two times after driving away.

This morning it would not start even after the lights would come on. After trying, they would be shut off. Bit the bullet and rented a car dolley. Towed it to an Oldsmobile dealer. There electrical guy is not in until Thursday, so I told them to hold off until he comes in, because I am tired of the problem and want it taken care of.

I figure if it's less than $500, I celebrate. If it's more than $1000, I get upset, but I am prepared for about $1000.

Anyone know how much it costs for the fuse relay component that is under the hood in a 99 Alero, and how many hours labor is involved in replacing it?

Also, what's involved in completely bypassing the fuses for starting it?
Once it is started, the ignition fuse can be removed, without a problem.

I am kind of thinking it is a loose or broken wire that is connected to the post under the fuse for the ignition. And wiggling the box used to make more strands reach, to allow the current to pass, but now more or all have broken, so not enough if any current makes it through to the starter.

My other thought is that between the fuse box and the starter, there is a contact to the body, completing the circuit, so nothing gets to the starter. But I think this is unlikely, because the installer of the remote start showed me the problem and how wiggling just the ignition fuse fixed it.

Any ideas?

[chrisHtwn]

Do u still have a Delco battery, because i sue to have problems like that and come to find out it was the battery. I would have to go under the hood and mess with the cables and look to see if the dome light came on then run and start the car. The Delco's are not good batteries, they leak inside the post. Other than that I would say have the alternator check if its not staying on once its started.

[JohnVH3]

A new battery was installed a month ago. We originally took it to a "good honest mechanic" that was a friend of a friend of a friend. Before bringing it there, we put a new battery in. It took a week or so for the problem to reproduce for him. When it did, he said he was very sure the ignition was the problem. He replaced it. Everything worked great for a week. Then it started happening again. And finally, yesterday, it would not start at all, which was when I towed it to a dealer.

The battery we put in came from Walmart. I don't know what manufacturer they use, but I remember hearing that there are only about 3 manufacturers of car batteries and the other companies just slap their label on them. So, I don't know if Walmart batteries are made by Delco or if both are made by the same manufacturer. But that's where my girlfriend bought it. The car is actually hers, but I'm taking care of getting it going for her.