2003 Oldsmobile Alero Logo
Posted on Feb 26, 2011
Answered by a Fixya Expert

Trustworthy Expert Solutions

At Fixya.com, our trusted experts are meticulously vetted and possess extensive experience in their respective fields. Backed by a community of knowledgeable professionals, our platform ensures that the solutions provided are thoroughly researched and validated.

View Our Top Experts

I have a 2003 alero olds that starts and runs for awhile then engine stops i have changed 3 fuel pumps still same problem and i can try the next day it may run for awhile then stops again sometime i can tap on fuel tank and it may start right now it wont start at all

1 Answer

Anonymous

Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

  • Expert 334 Answers
  • Posted on Feb 27, 2011
Anonymous
Expert
Level 2:

An expert who has achieved level 2 by getting 100 points

All-Star:

An expert that got 10 achievements.

MVP:

An expert that got 5 achievements.

Vice President:

An expert whose answer got voted for 100 times.

Joined: Jan 24, 2010
Answers
334
Questions
2
Helped
352708
Points
875

It's that infamous "chip" in the key that becomes a nightmare to many. The security light may or may not start flashing. Sometimes it stays on steady. Gradually the car begins not cranking anymore or if it cranks it will start and die in a second. Randomly it will do this more and more often until it won't start anymore. VATS, PASSkey and Passlock immobilizer systems are killing cars all over North America, they have a short lifespan and are certainly more effective against owners than thieves. Here is how you save your car
QUICK FIX TRICKS
1st trick, Try a spare key that is newer or used less. The pins wear down with use and so do the keys causing the security to fail.
2nd trick, (if not starting) turn the key forward 2 clicks till right before it would normally start, leave like that for 10 minutes. ( no less ) After 10 minutes, turn key back then forward and your car might start. I did this in my regal for more than a year. If its shutting down while running, I'm sorry I have no quick fix...
CHEAP FIX: Bypass the chip in your key. This is temporary, but effective until the TDM (theft deterrent module) in the dash poops out. Then you're kinda screwed. I was told that these types of key security systems have a 6-10 year life span. Sucks for us. This link explains the "Key Issue" pretty well.
----- http://vats.likeabigdog.com/

If you're gonna tear your car apart anyway, just do this next fix and bypass it all together. Its more money, less work, and a PERMANENT fix. Up to you tho.

NEVER WORRY AGAIN FIX: Bypass the whole VATS/Passlock/passkey I or passkey II system entirely. Literally take it out, and throw it away. I just did this in my Regal. Took about an hour. It took longer to find the "Theft Deterrant Module" than it did to fix the problem. They sell a unit for 200 bucks to totally bypass this system FOREVER. life time-money back and all that. Finally did this in my car. Well worth the 200 if you've looked into getting this replaced... It can cost anywhere from 600-1000 bucks. If you do buy this, please purchase it thru this link.
----- http://newrockies.ca?ap_id=judd0081 ----- With this fix, you can take that whole Vats, passlock, passkey system out of your car all together. Good info on both sites.

It works for:
Any GM or Isuzu Vehicle with VATS or PASSKey or PASSLock security systems.
If your car has the chip in the key or in the lock cylinder, then you can save it with this Full Bypass.
It works for, but is not limited to:

Trucks
.
GMC/Chevy
1998-2006 S10/T10/Sonoma
/Blazer/Jimmy
1998-2007 Suburban/Avalanche
/Tahoe/Yukon
1998-2006 Sierra/Silverado
2002-2008 Trailblazer
2003-2006 SSR
1998-2006 C1500/C2500/C3500
1998-2006 K1500/K2500/K3500
2003-2007 Hummer H2
.
Isuzu
1998-2000 Hombre
2005-2006 I280/I350
2007-2008 I290/I370
.
Cars/Vans
.
Isuzu
2003-2007 Ascender
.
Pontiac
1994-2003 Grand Prix
1998-1999 Montana
2006 Torrent
1996-2005 Grand AM
1994-1998 Trans Sports
1988-1999 Bonneville
1988-2002 Firebird
1995-2005 Sunfire
1996-2002 Trans Am
.
Buick
2004-2007 Rainier
1994-1996 Century
1993-1996 Regal
1982-1999 LeSabre
1991-1996 Park Avenue / Ultra
1994-1996 Roadmaster
1991-1996 Roadmaster Estate Wagon
1982-1999 Riviera
1988-1991 Reatta
1996-1998 Skylark
1982-1990 Electra (all models)
.
Oldsmobile
1996-1998 Achieva
1999-2004 Alero
1994-2004 Aurora
1998-2004 Bravada
1991-1993 Delta 88
1994-1999 Eighty-Eight
1991-1996 Nighty-Eight
1998-2002 Intrigue
1990-1992 Toronado
1994-1997 Cutlass Supreme
1997-1999 Cutlass
1997-1999 LSS/Regency
1997-1999 Silhouette
1991-1996 Custom Cruiser
.
Chevrolet/GMC
1998-2005 Astro/Safari
1998-2008 Envoy
2005-2006 Equinox
1998-2007 Savana/Express
1995-2005 Monte Carlo
1997-1999 Venture
1995-2001 Lumina
1988-2002 Camaro
1995-2005 Cavalier
1982-1991 Corvette
1994-1996 Caprice/Caprice Wagon
1995-1996 Impala SS
2000-2005 Impala
1997-2005 Malibu Classic
1997-2003 Malibu
.
Cadillac
1986-1993 Allante
1982-1996 Fleetwood
1985-1996 Fleetwood Brougham
1992-1995 Seville
1992-1995 SLS/STS
1985-1995 Deville
1994-1995 Deville Concours
1988-1995 ElDorado
1994-1995 ElDorado Touring
1999-2007 Escalade
.
Saturn
2000 LS/LS1/LS2/LW1/LW2
2001-2002 L100/LW100
2001-2003 L200/LW200
2001-2005 L300/LW300
2004-2005 L-Series
2002-2008 VUE
1996-2002 SL/SL1/SL2
1996-2002 SC1/SC2
1996-2002 SW1/SW2

Add Your Answer

×

Uploading: 0%

my-video-file.mp4

Complete. Click "Add" to insert your video. Add

×

Loading...
Loading...

Related Questions:

0helpful
1answer

My car was running fine and out of nowhere it just shut off and it wont start back

The same thing happened to my 03 olds Alero, i pluged my scan tool in and found out that my fuel pump was bad, I changed the fuel pump, fuel filter, and also checked the fuel injectors and blew out the fuel lines, now it's running great.
0helpful
2answers

2003 oldsmolibe alero only starts with starting fluid then runs fine

well, the only cause is no fuel. it could be a blown fuse and or relay to fuel pump. or a restricted fuel filter. or a bad fuel pump. heres how to hear if pump is running. place hand on bottom of fuel tank, have a person turn key to on. you may have to do this a few times,if working, you will feel a vibration in tank. for a fuel pump only runs for a few seconds to pressurize the line to engine. but it runs all the time the car is running. check for a bad fuse or relay first ! good-day !
0helpful
1answer

2003 alero, won't start in the morning, unless i spray quick start into the intake, then it will start,, there is fuel pressure and good spark, when i get it running,, it will start up all day long,,,, but...

Next time it happens, turn the key to the "on" position. See if you can hear the fuel pump engaging, sending fuel up to the motor. If not, you have a fuel pump issue. It doesn't seem often this happens, but when a vehicle is started, the fuel pump feeds gas to the engine. After the engine is started, it's more of a pressure thing, letting the fuel just flow. It may not be getting that extra push, when the pump is cold.

I hope this helps, let me know if I can be of any more assistance! :)
0helpful
1answer

My 2003 Alero, won't start in the morning,, its like its not getting fuel when trying to start it,, it crank fine, but won't turn over,, when I spray some quick start in the intake , it will start,,, and...

Its faulty fuel pump and clogged fuel filter.In your vehicle the fuel pressure is low,due to this faulty fuel pump and clogged fuel filter,so its not starting.But it starts when you spray liquid in intake.The liquid directly goes to engine so vehicle starts.Replace the fuel pump and filter.This will help.Thanks.Helpmech.
0helpful
2answers

I have a 2003 Olds Alero. Last week the oil change light came on. That same day, it suddenly started running rough when idling. Things I've done to try to fix the problem: * Fuel pump was replaced...

Is the check engine light on? I'm sure changing the oil had nothing to do with how the vehicle is running now unless they didn't replace the oil drain plug or added enough oil.
3helpful
2answers

I REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP ON MY 2003 OLDSMOBILE ALERO BUT IT WILL STILL NOT START. wHAT ELSE CAN i TRY

Im not sure if you got your alero to start yet. But heres an Idea, The alero comes with a security feature that if you have 3 failed starts it activates. a good sign of this is while having the key turned does your security light flash on the dash. if so turn the key forward with out starting the car and leave it on for 10 minutes and then the security light on the dash should stop flashing. Now turn the key off and remove key stick key backin and turn over to start car. Did your car start ??
0helpful
1answer

Shutting down

Try replacing the air filter.
0helpful
1answer

Car will turn over but won't start. Usually if I wait awhile it will eventually start. Two days in a row now and it won't start. Any ideas?

You may have a failing fuel pump which is having problems making and keeping fuel pressure and supply available to the injector...perform fuel system diagnostic...key on engine off will run pump for 3 seconds each key cycle...pump should sound smooth and quiet...sometimes a pump in this conditions sounds loud and squeelish
1helpful
1answer

2003 OLDS ALERO WONT START

find the buzzing noise...likely its the fuel pump relay.
0helpful
1answer

Alero will crank awhile before it finally starts w/ more details

May have small fuel leak or fuel pump sending unit leak down. Or fuel pump psi low.

After 30 minutes try this turn key on. do not try to start wait 10 seconds turn key off then on again 10 seconds then try & start if it starts right away fuel system is losing PSI either back through the fuel pump or a leak in line. If you can find no leaks would suggest replace fuel pump & assembly.
Another possible but rare fuel injectors may be leaking fuel over time & dropping PSI needed for start up.
Not finding what you are looking for?

1,331 views

Ask a Question

Usually answered in minutes!

Top Oldsmobile Experts

ZJ Limited
ZJ Limited

Level 3 Expert

17989 Answers

Ronny Bennett Sr.
Ronny Bennett Sr.

Level 3 Expert

6988 Answers

Thomas Perkins
Thomas Perkins

Level 3 Expert

15088 Answers

Are you an Oldsmobile Expert? Answer questions, earn points and help others

Answer questions

Manuals & User Guides

Loading...