20 Most Recent 2000 Oldsmobile Alero - Page 8 Questions & Answers

Indeed, I'd be for recovering the original MAF sensor and cleaning it. One VERY important part of cleaning is to NOT use Acetone or anything similar that would cut through the "varnish" coating from it's calibration days. Use Isoproyl (ordinary rubbing alcohol for cleaning). Clean with a Q-tip and if any fuzzy cotton fragments get hung up inside, simply blow them out OR remove with tweezers. Re-install and you'll probably be better off than with a replacement. To expound further on the varnish matter. . . they're (MAF sensor) calibrated during manufacture WITH the varnish in place. Removing that coating often renders them useless thereafter. Most common symptom of MAF sensor problem is sluggish acceleration to eventually VERY sluggish acceleration. Hope this helps some. . . and thank you for trusting Fixya'

What's the question? Gas or coolant,have to diagnose the issue

Bad ignition switch.

The bar on the rear end could be the rear axle or sway bar.
It should be replaced and aligned again (4 wheel alignment).

The replacement is probably a few hundred dollars plus $69 4 wheel alignment at Sears.

This is if you find a cheap garage to do it at.

Check the oil level and check it for water. Remove the oil filler cap to see if it has some brown gunk that looks like melted milkshake. Are you sure it has fuel in it? Do you have the ability to perform a spark test? Will the engine turn over or does it just click and not even try to turn? If it turns over, get some starter fluid and spray it in the intake. If it starts or tires to start on this, then you are looking at a fuel issue.

Which lights? The illumination lights, or the indicator lights? Or both? If the lamps that light up the dash at night are on, it could be a simple as a bad headlamp switch, or a short to ground in the circuit. If the indicator lamps are all on (engine warning, ABS, turn signal, oil pressure, etc.) then it may be something in the ECM (Engine Control Module) or the BCM (Body Control Module) if your car has one. If there is no code then it is most likely a problem that the computer cannot detect, which suggests a short to ground in some branch of the circuit that is common to all of the lamps. Are there any loose wires hanging under the dash? There may be a ground terminal or screw post which has come loose somewhere, and the power is actually feeding backward through the lamp circuit to get to a ground. This will take a lot more investigation.

check for dirty /loose battery terminals and earth points.

With Fords in Australia you disconnect the battery for 2 minutes, then when you connect the battery and turn the radio on it will ask for the code, press you channel pre-set buttons, 1>6 across the front of the stereo using your code, then your radio should work, Merry Christmas

Disconnect your battery for 10 mins. maybe a cpu reset will make it idle better

The security, antitheft or lock picture/icon is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM (Theft Deterrent Module). These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car misinterprets this as an attempt at theft and goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. This is why the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. This link explains it pretty well.http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

The security system may be your problem. Look for a light on the dash that says SECURITY or ANTITHEFT when the vehicle won't start. This light is a visual indication that something in the car's antitheft system is failing. In most GM cars and trucks there is a hidden system that most people are unaware even exists. From the moment you put your key in the ignition, there begins a constant line of communication between your key's security chip or transponder, to the ignition's lock cylinder, and then to the car's TDM (Theft Deterrent Module). These 3 parts are in CONSTANT communication. If the key is in the ignition, then these parts are sending signals to each other. The security light illuminates when that signal gets broken, even just for a second. When the signal breaks, the car misinterprets this as an attempt at theft and goes into antitheft mode. The car thinks its being stolen or hotwired because it is not getting that signal from YOUR specific key. This is why the security light turns on and shuts down your vehicle. It will normally allow the vehicle to run for 1-5 secomds and then shut off the fuel injectors. This link explains it pretty well.http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

Replacement clips are available through specialty auto parts stores...there are many tricks or solvents that will loosen the glue on the broken clip...if you damage the glass, you can find a popular window replacement, inspect the clip too, at your nearby salvage yard or online...Hope this helps.