Ok I Give Up!

[procrstinator]

I came to this forum about 6 months ago with my 99 3.4 70,000 mile alero not starting.well its been a nightmare and still no start.It was running like new the night i parked it in my driveway.the next morning i turned the key and it turned over but wouldnt start .ok here i go...Ive changed the fuel filter,the fuel pump modual,the fuel regulator,the injectors,the MAF sensor,The MAP sensor,Ive checked the temp sensor,i have spark on all plugs .i can spray starting fluid in the intake and it will run.I finally decided to bite the bullet and had it towed to the dealer.I get a call from then saying i need a new engine!!!!!.WTF.they said there is a noise when it was barely running .i new that it does make noise when it isnt getting enough fuel but runs great when spraying starter fluid.I Dont get it?-Also ive noticed a security light comes on that i didnt have before.That strange since i dont have any security,no chip in my key.Help.

[BNaylor]

When that SECURITY light comes on it will not start. Fuel pump enable is disabled. Your Alero has the Passlock anti-theft deterrent system. Passlock does not use a chip in the key like Passkey I/II.

Try the key relearn. With ignition to on, not start leve the key in the ignition switch for at least 10 minutes until the light goes out. Ignition to off and then try starting.

[procrstinator]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

When that SECURITY light comes on it will not start. Fuel pump enable is disabled. Your Alero has the Passlock anti-theft deterrent system. Passlock does not use a chip in the key like Passkey I/II.

Try the key relearn. With ignition to on, not start leve the key in the ignition switch for at least 10 minutes until the light goes out. Ignition to off and then try starting.

ok ill try

[I'mBroken]

As a side note, I had an alternator go on mine and after I replaced it and the battery, I left it in the on position for 14, (The clock reset to 1:00 so it was easy to tell the time.), minutes and the light didn't go out, but when I then turned it off and back up again it did start. So the light may not go out, but waiting did seem to reset the system.

I thought I would add this just in case you waited for the light to go off and it never did.

[procrstinator]

well thanks for the help.i have gotten a new battery and had the alternator checked .The security ligh stays on.Could it be my ignition switch maybe?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by procrstinator

well thanks for the help.i have gotten a new battery and had the alternator checked .The security ligh stays on.Could it be my ignition switch maybe?

The ignition switch key cylinder has the transponder module which in turns sends the proper code to the body control module (BCM). The BCM provides the fuel pump enable signal to the powertrain control module (PCM). So it is possibility. Someone posted a bypass procedure for Passlock for your type problem but I am not sure it will work.

[procrstinator]

Originally Posted by bnaylor

The ignition switch key cylinder has the transponder module which in turns sends the proper code to the body control module (BCM). The BCM provides the fuel pump enable signal to the powertrain control module (PCM). So it is possibility. Someone posted a bypass procedure for Passlock for your type problem but I am not sure it will work.

the thing is i can hear the pump when i turn the key ,along with fuel pressure i put a gauge on.the injectors are not injecting .still a passlock problem?

[BNaylor]

Originally Posted by procrstinator

the thing is i can hear the pump when i turn the key ,along with fuel pressure i put a gauge on.the injectors are not injecting .still a passlock problem?

I doubt it since you are getting fuel pressure. Also, does the engine crank? Sounds like the Security light is just staying on but not really affecting anything.

How did they determine your engine was bad?

[procrstinator]

They said they had it going for a few seconds and it was makeing alot of noise.I have heard the noise they are talking about ,but thats because it isnt getting enough fuel .It runs fine without any noise when i spray starting fluid.The injectors have 12v to them they just are not getting the ground signal from the PCM.Bottomline is the engine doesnt go bad sitting in my driveway over night.Again thanks for your time

[BNaylor]

The problem doesn't make sense but I recall you replaced just about everything or at least checked. If the fuel pressure is good at the rail then the fuel injectors are getting fuel to a point, however, maybe the fuel injector pulse from the PCM is bad. The problem is it is impossible to check with a noid light due to no place to hookup the test device.

Have you done anything to the PCM module?

[procrstinator]

Well actually i tried a PCM out of another 99 alero and had the same results.When i put the key in and turn it it kinds sticks a little bit thats why im thinking its something in the ignition switch .i dunno ,as you can imagine its quite frustrating

[Mickey#1]

Veeery interesting case! We need to review a few things.

So the dealer gets it running for a few seconds, hears a noise & then tells you the engine is shot. Did they tell you what they heard or what they think is wrong with the engine?

It runs while spraying starting fluid so we can rule out ignition problems. How long would it run with the starting fluid?

You said you checked fuel pressure at the rail. I'm assuming you checked this while someone was attemping to start it - correct me if I'm wrong. What was the pressure?

Have you tried checking the throttle position sensor?

[procrstinator]

The dealer said "Theres something going on in the engine"-"you need a new one,its makeing some noise"....$4300 parts an labor..Like i said ive heard the noise it makes and it does sound bad,But only when its starveing for fuel.I had 41lbs before i changed the fuel pump now i have 42lbs just turning the key to on -not cranking.The Haynes manual shows that i am within specs.of 41lbs -47lbs..So it only runs while the starting fluid is being sprayed,and it runs good to ,no noise..and no i havent checked the TPS..The code reader never came up with that ,matter of fact it said pass -no problems! Go figure ..lol.Well keep the suggestions comeing please. Thank you

[Mickey#1]

Originally Posted by procrstinator

The injectors have 12v to them they just are not getting the ground signal from the PCM.

If you press the gas to the floor while cranking the PCM cuts the fuel supply. If the throttle position sensor is shorted out it could be sending the 'clear flood mode' to the PCM. Your manual should have a testing procedure. How did you determine the PCM is not grounding the fuel injectors?

[procrstinator]

im figureing theres no ground signal to the injectors from the PCM or there would be fuel spraying in the cylinders to run.