what is wrong with my olds alero?

Question

ok, ive been asking about my car for a while now, it is a 2003 alero V6 3.4 L. ive been having trouble starting it when it is warm, will crank but takes a while to get started. i had the crankshaft sensor changed, fuel pressure checked, filters, spark plugs & wires. there is no check engine light on so no codes. then today, 1st time its done this, i was driving down a busy road and all the light started flashing, the doors unlocked, and it just died. i was able to get it started and it died again a minute later. got it started again and was able to make it to my moms house without a problem. any idea what would cause the car to act up like this?

Answer 1

It sound like an electrical problem.

The most likely guess (In the order I would check) without a proper diagnosis are:
1. Bad Igniter module.
2. Bad Coil
3. Bad/Faulty Alternator

Problems 1,2 can work fine when the engine is cool and fail once the engine compartment warms up. Electrical components can do that some times. They work better cool.

Answer 2

Next time is doesnt start...Try moving the ignition switch to differt positiions slowly...It is not the ECM, because the Ecm doesnt control body functions such as door locks and ect...

It sounds to me that it might be the electrical part of the ignition switch...It is relatively cheap, and a little difficult to change...But, I have had to change many of them in the Alero's and Grand Am's...

After it is changed, you will have to do a Re-Learn procedure for the security system...But, keep in mind, it isnt the Ignition Module, ECM, Crank sensor,Ect....It is merely a power up issue...Probably even Bump or Shock sensitive...That is why it is somewhat intermittent and difficult to find...

Answer 3

It sounds like an intermitent fuel pump problem, I would check your negative battery cable and make sure that the body ground is good, the fuel pump needs a ground to work. it can have all of the posative voltage it needs but if it has no ground it won't work. when your lits started flashing, it was just
becouse the engine was stalling. You hade your fuel pump checked, but you need to have it checked when you know it is going to act up, like when it is warm, also have it checked for volume. pressure no volume will make it hard to start and run lean and stall. I would start there

Answer 4

Does your cars have a lot of miles on it?

I had an '02 Alero and never experienced any mechanical problems with it whastoever - I just hated it...I had mixed emotions the day I killed it in a 12-vehicle pileup on the expressway. But like I said, I never had any mechanical problems with it -only had to put on new breaks and tires outside the oil change schedule. Have you by any chance taken it to one of those places where it can be hooked up to a diagnostic machine?

Answer 5

It has too wealthy mixture - in all possibility between the sensors - probably MAP or MAF - are faulty. while engine is chilly, it desires extra gas to start and run till it warms up. If a defective component makes mixture too wealthy, it feels fantastic while chilly yet while warm, it floods. It desires to be scanned with a first rate scanner that supplies real-time sensor values. that's not some thing autozone is qualified to do.

Answer 6

Yes,its your ecm,better known as your computer.Its breaking down once it gets warmed up.Doesnt happen alot,but all signs you have given point to this.You can pick one up a a junk lot for around $75 or new around $175.Simple to change even a novice can do.

Answer 7

Sounds like an electrical short, probably in the wiring harness. I would have a mechanic check it out.

Answer 8

try to replace the computer