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Hi,
I have joined the ranks of Alero owners who are reporting the "cranks but
won't start" problem. I have read though all the posts about this condition
being caused by a passcode key issue. My situation is slightly different
from everything I've read so far and I wonder if anybody has some
suggestions of what I might try to diagnose this problem
The car is an '02 Alero 3.4L GLS. In the morning when the car's been in the
garage all night it starts on the first attempt; it doesn't even crank for
more than a rev or two. Once it has been parked all day in the sun at work
it's a different story. It may take 10 or so attempts to start. I let it
crank for no more than 5 or 6 seconds each attempt. There are no blinking
security lights or any other trouble indicators. After the failed starting
attempts, if I smell the tailpipe there's no hint of raw gas odour. Once it
does start, it runs smooth, no problems and very responsive ( for an Alero
).
I recently changed the spark plugs and wires and had the fuel pump tested;
it's in spec. I've gone through several tanks of gas, so I don't think it's
condensation. At one point the inside cabin lights came on and wouldn't
turn off - even if I opened and closed the doors; I had to pull the fuse.
There were no trouble codes when I brought it in to GM service. They kept
the car for 3 days, but the problem did not occur; it was cool and rainy
the whole while.
Yesterday morning it started right up as usual. I put a space heater in the
car and let it heat up to what it might be after a day in the sun. It took
3 attempts to start.
So... I'm thinking this is a computer problem. I understand that there's a
"Body Control Module" and a "Powertrain Control Module" that are both
involved in starting the car. Any thoughts on how I might narrow it down
to what needs replacing?
xsicdn
