Top 10 2003 Oldsmobile Alero Questions & Answers

Anti-Lock and Trac Off lights are lit on my 1999 Alero, as well. They usually come on after about 5 minutes of driving, but are not always on when I start the car.

I found this on another site... it seems like a credible post so I thought I'd share... I'm going to check it out next weekend.

"Just an FYI. The rear defroster issue is due to a bad Antenna Buffer Module / Antenna Module. The power to the rear defogger goes through a module that separates the antenna amplifier signal from the 12 volt power to the defogger. The defogger elements also act as the antenna. The module is behind the rear pillar right behind the rear passenger door. The inside plastic has to be gently pulled off, the seat needs to be folded down to get the lower part of the trim off. One screw at the bottom, unplug the wires... (two connect to the window grid, mark which one is which)... and the module is free.
The module may require re-soldering of the pins joining the main power connectors to the internal circuit board. If you feel you can do this (or have a friend do it for you), go for it... else get another module from the dealer to replace it."

This is the most credible of the several posts that I've seen talking about this module. I know its there... I saw it yesterday when I was working on the car.

Hi, a P0442 is Evaporative Emission Control System Leak Detected (small leak). Start with the simplest thing first, make sure the gas cap is on tight. If it is, replace it with a new GM part (not a cheap aftermarket one). If that doesn't fix it, there are more steps listed here:
http://www.obd-codes.com/p0442

The radio should still shut off after 20 minutes even if the door is not opened. If it stays on longer than this there is still a problem..

There are 2 fuel lines connecting to the fuel injector rail. The larger line is the pressure line and the smaller line is the return line. The smaller line attaches to the fuel pressure regulator. You will notice that the regulator also has a vacuum line attached to it. If you are planning on changing it your self, let me know. There is a specific way to change it for safety reasons.
Let me know.
Regards,

I would like to know if you can bypass the security passlock on a 2003 Alero and could you use a Toggle switch and how do you install it

• This care does not have a dipstick but can easily be checked at home.
  

1. 1. Warm the car up to running temperature.
   
2. 2. Park it on a level surface.
   
3. 3. Leave the car running and set the emergency /parking brake. Also set bricks in front and behind the wheels.
   
4. 4. Look on the passenger side of the transmission (underneath the car)
   
5. 5. You will see a 10mm bolt a little bit inward from the right axle on the transmission itself.
   
6. 6. Have a drain pan ready and pull that bolt.
   
7. 7. If fluid comes out it is full.
   
8. 8. If no fluid comes out then add ATF III in the fill port on top of the transmission until the fluid just barely seeps out of that hole you removed the bolt from.
   
9. 9. This port is on top of the transmission (under the hood) and is usually red or black in color.
   
10. 10. The transmission is now full and ready to go.
    

• Hope this helps.
  

Do an ECU scan using an ODBII code reader, and check the vacuum system for leaks.

I assume you replaced both air intake sensor, the mass airflow (MAF) and air intake temperature (AIT) sensor. They both can cause this kind of problem.
Sometimes a defective O2 sensor or a vacuum leak can cause cold start problems.

Vacuum can be tested using a tool like this:Vacuum and Fuel Pump Tester Kit

If you still do not find the problem go to a garage and get a waveform diagram for the injectors at cold.

If you do not find anything, all the above is fine, and there is no code then it is not excluded that you can have a faulty PCM or ECU module.

The security system in your car is called passlock. Its an anti theft type system that works off your key, ignition, and computer. The whole point is, that with out the signal that is sent out from your key, the computer won't turn on your starter or injectors. I recently ran into this same thing in my car. I found alot of useful info on this site. http://vatspasslockpasskeysecurityhelp.yolasite.com/

There are 3 fuse boxes on an '03 Alero. The block with the horn fuse is under the hood. If you're at the front of the grill looking under the hood, the fuse box is on the drivers side closer to the windshield. It is rectangular (about 6" by 8") and has a fuse symbol with a little lightning bolt on it. The star knob is the only thing that holds the cover on.
The horn fuse on mine is #21, a larger gray 4 prong fuse. Good Luck with that one.