8.3
pretty badTypical Repair Cost:
$507.00
Average Mileage:
83,951 miles
Total Complaints:
55 complaints
Most common solutions:
- wait the 10 minutes (19 reports)
- not sure (18 reports)
- replace anti-theft module (9 reports)
- disable security system (2 reports)
- replaced the computer!!!!! (2 reports)
- Be buckled for 2 seconds before trying to start (1 reports)
electrical problem
Search for Problems, Recalls & Defects
Find a good Oldsmobile mechanic
A free service from MechanicAdvisor.comHelpful websites
- Passlock/VATS Bypass - This site sells a part that will bypass your defective passlock system. You are not alone because many many people have been kept out of thier OWN cars because of this defective system. This part helps bypass the whole system so you never have trouble again.
2011Dec 03
Alero LS 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 100,300 miles
I'VE HAD A FEW PROBLEMS NOT MUCH ...TILL TODAY!! FIRST OWNER WOULDN'T START FLASHING LIGHT..I LOOKED ON LINE BEFORE CALLING THE TOW TRUCK THANK GOODNESS! I'M BEYOND MAD!!!!!! IF THIS HAPPENS TO ME ON THE HWY WITH MY KIDS IN THE CAR...AND THEY KNEW THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM...OMG!!!! THEY NEED TO DO A RECALL NOW!!!!!!!! THIS IS JUST WRONG!! OH LETS NOT FORGET THE BLINKERS THAT WORK WHEN THEY FEEL LIKE IT..THEN SIMPLY STOP!! EITHER BUY MY CAR BACK, OR FACE GETTING SUED IF SOMETHING HAPPENS TO MY CHILDREN!!!!!!! KARMA!!
2011Nov 05
Alero LX 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 168,700 miles
OMG!!!!!this is a problem that should be of the most important highlight to be aware of,my life and others are at risk and should be remedied.my 2002 Alero has been shutting off while driving and won't start at any given time.It is the most frustrating moment getting in the vehicle and knowing that holding my breath and hoping that is starts is worth the pain,also the signal lights go awry,it is just bad knowing that i have to turn left or right is a struggle because my signal lights are not working.
I know why they took it off the market...leaving us hanging like this.
Audley C.,
Fredericton,NB,Canada
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2011Jul 04
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 150,000 miles
security lite comes on, car will not start, now battery is drained and car can not start, had the computer, anti theft replaced, anti theft disabled. still having problem.
2011Aug 26
Alero GS 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 198,000 miles
As a lot of these other people have complained about their Alero not starting and spending tons of hard earned money on the problem that never really gets it fixed. GM should make it right for all of us and do a recall.
Search CarComplaints.com for these popular complaint phrases...
2010Dec 22
Alero 6 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
Worked fine yesterday went to several stores, ect. stops and goes not problems then got into today and nothing turned on. I had my brother the mechanic come over check battery and starter. He checked for fire in spark plugs but still it doese not turn over from all points this car should be running for there is no logical reason not to be. But from reading on here about other's having the same problem there should be a recall or GM should fix this problem.
So if any one know how to disable sercuity system please let me know that is what my brother is recommending.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Apr 15
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
I have put over 800 bucks trying to fix this unfixable problem! We have had it in the shop about 6 times for the same thing and then after checking on the net, I see that this is a defect! The waiting 10 minutes does solve it but it is a real pain not knowing when or where it is going to happen. We bought the car used last year with only 64000 miles on it and for the first week it ran great but since then it has been nothing but a nightmare! We also have problems with our turn signals working only when they want to and a few traffic stops to boot!
2010Nov 15
Alero 2.4
- Automatic transmission
- 67,108 miles
I'm reading about this 10 minute fix, which I will try. It's in the garage right now, and I told them about it, but it seems the anti theft is draining my battery as well, so leaving it on for 10 minutes isn't even an option at this point.
What scares the s**t out of me is that this happened while I was driving. The car shut down. Thank god, it was residential city driving...what if it was highway? What if it happened when passing a car, or transport????
Lives could be at stake here. How can a problem of this magnitude, not be properly handled and administered by GM. It's unforgivable, and potentially fatal.
2010Sep 10
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
I have a 2002 Olds Alero. 4 cyl WORKS LIKE A CHARM!!! I am the queen of skepticism!! Trust me, if I can do it, you can too!!!!. I was stranded this morning about to go to work. Car would turn over, but not start. I noticed that when I had the key to the "On" position, the security light was blinking. I went on the internet, and found this blog. I didn't believe it until after the 10th testimonial, so I decided to try it out myself. Turn the key to the on position, wait EXACTLY 10min. You will see the security light will stop blinking. Turn the key off. Start the car. should work perfectly. Worked for me!!!
2003May 22
Alero 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 22,000 miles
when old's built this alero surely the they new about the security problem or was it built in mexico
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2010Jun 23
Alero GLS 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 91,342 miles
As per MANY previous writers complaints about car not starting, wait 10-20 minutes with key in on position which works mind you, but it is a hazard. Not just annoying( like GM call center who just want money), but dangerous. My question is, what else if anything can we do about this serious, hazardous, dangerous, costly, annoying problem? ? ? ? Do we just roll over and take it in the _ _ _ from GM??? Or is there an actually real life solution???? Concerned GM car owner..... ( for now )
2010Jun 21
Alero GLS 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 92,932 miles
My car suddenly would not start, the security light was flashing, and it wouldn't even turn over! My conscious said to leave the key in the ignition on "on", i did not start it.So I left it in their until my back lights came on. The security stopped flashing and my car started!! Yay thank goodness the voices in my head told me what to do!!! This is actually not a joke this really worked, I promise. The only thing is it would suck if this happened before school or work. Cause you will be probably 20 minutes late.
2010Mar 06
Alero 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 70,000 miles
This should be a recall problem! Our Olds Alero has been broke down for 2mnths. Security Light and LCD Screen on radio even says "locked"..for a while the "wait 10 minutes then the car will start crap worked fine" It was a pain the in ass, but it worked. Now that has totally croaked. We've spent money and replaced the entire "Ignition Swith area", Just installed a new "Body Control Module". We for the 1st time yesterday evening got it to "turn over" and attempt to start..Ooh almost forgot, bought a brand new battery 2 weeks ago, installed it already. We could NOT get the car to stay running yesterday. Now our "shade tree mechanic" is wondering about the fuel pump. I don't know what we'd do with out our best friend being our "free" mechanic, I'd hate to think what some people have spent on this bullshit problem...
We have now been told that someone who'd spent over 1500.00 finally tightened some wires to the "fuel pump" and their Alero is fine now..We've also been told to "disarm" the entire security system permanently and our Alero would be fine? If anyone has any, any input at all please post it here. With what we've purchased already, ignition switch,Body Control Box, and Battery, we're probably already out about $400.00 and car is still not running! Oldsmobile ought to have their asses kicked over this pain! Thanks guys!
2010Feb 03
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 84,000 miles
CONTACT WEBSITE WWW.NHTSA.GOV MAYBEE WE CAN GET A RECALL FOR THIS PROBLEM
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2007Jan 10
Alero 4.1L
- Automatic transmission
- 64,000 miles
i bought my Alero have a 5 yr loan have 2 more yrs to pay on it and i have had nothing but trouble with the security ever since i bought it it gets worse in the cold weather.the security light blinks have to wait 10 mins before the light goes out for the car to start,i am so fed up with this car problem a dealer wants 800 dollars to fix it i don't think we should have to pay for it i am not the only one with this problem on these Alero the company should take care of it.
2009Apr 14
Alero V6
- Automatic transmission
- 100,000 miles
I got in my vehicle one day to go to work, and my vehicle wouldn't start. I have one of those pass times on my car, so if I don't make my car payment it won't start.. I knew I had just made my payment, however I called anyway to be sure everything was okay. The dealer, of course, immediately said it was my alternator and to bring it in, so on and so forth.. I do not like to just fork out money for no reason, so I looked online at other possible reasons for this problem.. I found a site where other people had stated they had the same problem (they also had put a lot of money into the problem). Come to find out, the security system was draining the battery to the point where the vehicle won't start. I just pulled the cover off the dash (also looked up how to do this part), got under where the steering wheel and the spot for the key hole, snipped a wire, and my security system was disabled.. My vehicle started right up, and I have never had a problem starting my car since.
2009Feb 20
Alero ES 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 65,000 miles
Well ! It's a deep subject Right? Wrong ...
The car is actually my daughters. I bought it for her 2 years ago I paid $6000.00 Cash + traded another piece of crap for it.
Now we're talking about the 2002 Alero it's a real agravating situation, My Daughter stopped to get gas,,,You Guessed It THE DAM CAR DON'T START... She called me, I show up look things over, Cuz I'm Wicked Smart... Of coarse there's gas in it she just put it in. the engine just spins, not a dead battery or the engine woudn't spin stupid, jump it anyway ... Right, Call the dam tow truck,get it to the house . I can't start it,The tow truck driver can't start it, Sooo there it sits for 2 months cuz I just don't have $125.00 per hour for diagnostic work that leads to more Failure .
So in the mean time I'm asking every mechanic and parts guy I know if they have heard of such a thing, as I'm replacing the fuel filter checking fuses you know all the usual suspects. Then out of conversation with a parts guy he gives me his friends phone number and told me that he used to wrench for an Olds - Cadillac dealer, so I called him.
He asked me it the security light was on,which it was and I never noticed it you know how all the dash lights come on, it was the only one that stayed on. He already knows what's going on.Now mind you this guy don't know me from Adam but he tells me about leaving the key in the on position for 10 minutes and shutting it off for 10 seconds. Sure as Shitte the car starts. Unbelivable...Then it did it again and again and again... ENOUGH already, I called him back,we talked ,He told me about all the O.B.C.'s (on board computers) and how the 10 minute key thing allows them to read each other thats all they are doing, that is how your clearing out the codes and allowing the car to start.
Here's The Rub , sshhh don't tell anybody it's the PASSLOCK SENSOR it's on the end of the ignition switch into which you put your key... you have to disconnect the battery take out the dash board to get at the end of the ignition switch take off the clip remove the sensor reinstall the new sensor reassemble the dash and reconnect the battery and hope every thing works and the car starts . How do ya like them apples I say to myself.
So I thanked him most gratiously and I have yet to replace the PASSLOCK SENSOR...
2009Nov 26
Alero LX 3.5L
- Automatic transmission
- 80,000 miles
BODY CONTROL MODULES ARE SH*T. THEY CONTROL ALL ELECTRICAL FUNCTIONS IN VEHICLE.ANALOG AND DIGITAL SIGNALS. DIGITAL BEING A ON/OFF SWITCH AND ANALOG BEING ASWITCH THAT VARIES (PRESSURE).BE SURE BE FOR YOU SPEND ANY MONEY, TAKE BATTERY CABLES OFF BATTERY. TAPE THEM TOGETHER AND MAKE SURE THERE IS CONTINUITY.
2009Oct 01
Alero 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 86,992 miles
I picked my friend up from the airport one evening and when I stopped at a gas station I did what I always do which is to turn off my car. When I went to start it I could not and the security light was flashing. I then in an effort to try to solve the problem myself checked all fuses and also shorted my starter. The engine attempted to turn which was more then what the ignition was doing for me but as I was at a loss I called a couple garages for their input. I was told it was the battery but that didn't make sense to me as I had interior lights, headlights, etc. I went and purchased a new battery anyway just in case and still the car would not start. At this point I was frustrated enough to call a tow truck and have it towed. The garage put my key in the ignition for ten minutes and the car started. Then they informed me that I would have to change my ignition in the future but after reading all of this I'm concerned that like so many others I might end up wasting my hard earned money. Chev/olds whatever needs to find a solution to this problem and offer a recall on it.
2009Sep 02
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
I HAVE to be buckled in the seat belt for 2 seconds. Then I put the key in and turn it till it lights up. Then I WAIT 2 seconds, THEN turn it over. Works every time. MUST BUCKLE AND WAIT! If Security light comes on, I leave the car unlocked for about 5 minutes, with no one inside. Come back, it's off! Yahoo!!
2009Jun 11
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 91,209 miles
this problem started over a yr ago. Have several different dates this is happening. I do the 10 min fix and go on my way. Different garages have different estimates of course from $400-600. It seems to go in spurts, right now the security light is staying on but the car is starting so I'm waiting to see if someday the light is off while I'm driving and if the car starts after that. There has to be a plan.
2009Apr 20
Alero GX V6
- Automatic transmission
- 94,000 miles
Okay I have had my Alero since 2007, no problems at all. All of a sudden, the car won't start. I have had a new fuel pump, new relay switch, and a new ignition switch.....to find out that NONE OF THIS WORKED! NOW i am being told that MAYBE the fuse box that the relay switch goes into is bad. So far,I have spent over $1,000 taking the car to dealerships that cannot figure out what is wrong. Then to see all of these identical complaints makes me even more furious! I contacted GM who wants me to pay for ANOTHER diagnostic test before they MIGHT help me pay for more repairs. I have read about all of the recalls on the 02 Alero, and I think GM owes all of us another one. I am not satisfied with GM's "resolution" to my problem, and am considering seeking legal action. I am a law student and I know my rights. GM needs to own up to this malfunction.
2007Dec 21
Alero 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 125,000 miles
My car would just quit running in mid driving, or wouldn't start period. The security light would flash, and as long as that was on, it wouldn't start. As soon as the light went off, it would start. It got to where the light wouldn't go off. I took it in to the dealership and they reprogrammed it for me. That worked for a while, and then it started back, I took it back to the same dealership, and they had to replace the computer. It has done fine ever since, and have had no problems with the security system.
2007Jan 01
Alero V6
- Automatic transmission
- 73,000 miles
wow, had no idea so many had this problem....security light on most of the time, won't start and have to wait the 10 minutes whenever it feels like doing it....sometimes months go by, and sometimes does it several times a day!!!!! This is annoying, there should be a service recall on this, however, my dealer wants to charge me $200 just to "diagnose" the freaking problem!!!!! They sure know how to rip everyone off....guess they have to sucker people even more with the economy the way it is!!! I am trading it in!!!!! I also had to replace my fuel pump and the car still sounds like it runs like crap!!!
2009Apr 22
Alero 4 cyl
- Manual transmission
- 99,419 miles
our cars security light came on a few times while we were driving... nothing major. Then this morning the car wouldn't start, although it was turning over. i tried to diagnose it as the engine light would stay on when it was trying to start, however, there were no codes stored.. i noticed the security light was flashing...
so we looked online and it said that when the security light flashes, the car thinks you are trying to steal it... so there is a quick fix that worked for us!! turn the key "on" and wait 10 minutes... the security light will stop flashing, then you car will start!!!! sounds simple eh??? this is only a quick fix and you need to replace your ignition swich (the part that the key goes into)... otherwise you will end up waiting 10 minutes everytime you want to start your car...
this has worked for many people and it may work for you!!
try it!
2006Dec 21
(reported on)Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 88,560 miles
The car was broken into, so the garge replaced the drivers side window, door panel, drives seat and steering wheel. Thats when the problem started. We got the car back with the locks messed up , they won't unlock lock themselves.. ect.. Then it started , the secrity light came on.. but the car still ran. Then it needed a boost to start, it started no problem. A few HOURS later I went to start the car ... and it wouldn't start?!?!?!?!?!? Not even with a boost. so I called around and I was told if I leave the key ON just past ACC to "ON" for anywhere from 10-20 min., the computer will reset itself and should start No problem. But it didn't work...
Long story short I had to get it towed to the GM garage. They replaced the battery, it cost $300 they had also Flashed the E. P. C and the C. P. C so they told me I was good to GO..... SO I headed out. About a week later the problem was BACK. So I was in the middle of towing it to the garage with the key to "ON" for lights and about TEN MIN. down the road the security light went OFF!!... I got my buddy who was towing me to pull over.. I tried to start it and NO PROBLEM it started. So NOW I"m having it out with the Garage because the money I paid never fixed the problem ... and it's STILL not reliable.... GRRRRRRRRRRRRR this should be a recall ....
2009Mar 01
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 79,000 miles
I have been stranded many times now and have always been able to just let it sit for an hour and then it will get me home. This time it wouldn't start when I went out to start it for work. It has happened daily-several times a day for over a month now. I am fed up. I have had multiple garages tell me different things that need fixed. One was to replace the fuel tank, which I find stupid, as it runs fine-well ok-when going down the road. Poor thing is shot, but it needs to last me another year. Don't know squat about cars.
2008Sep 01
Alero GLS 3.4L V6
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
They had to replace the ignition module. The car would not turn over, but all of the electrical worked. If you turned the ignition to 'on' for 10 minutes, the security light would stop flashing and you could shut the key off then start it. While driving, the security light would stay on. Easy fix, just have them replace your ignition module. It SUCKS to try and do yourself because you have to set the lock for your key.
2008Nov 14
Alero V6
- Automatic transmission
- 37,000 miles
I being told by the dealership that my BCM (body control module) needs to be replaced and they are estimating it to cost $698. I cannot believe it. I paid out $750 two years ago to have the computer module replaced on the engine due to the Security light flashing and now it's happening again but this time they say it's the BCM? How can anyone afford to have $700 to pay out on a car every 2 years? Plus I get stranded in the meantime only to find out that other people are fixing this issue with turning the key on and waiting 10 minutes for the Security light to stop flashing. The dealership says that they have attempted this fix but it doesn't work. The BCM part costs only $100 thru Napa and the rest is labor? How is that even possible? And there is ONLY a 1 Year Warranty? I am going by the dealership tonight to test a few things that other people swear fixes the problem on this same car before I go ahead and spend ALL of my paycheck again on a car that obviously needs to be recalled. This is the first brand new car I have EVER owned and I loved it until all of the crap started happening...but this isn't worth it... GM needs to hear the people out there and RECALL the ALERO 2001 thru 2002 models to make it right for those of us who have paid for this car.
2006Jan 30
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 39,000 miles
My 2002 Olds Alero began to display the security light almost 2 years ago. Before I was able to bring it into the dealer to be diagnosed the engine locked. It would not start and I was forced to have it towed. The light went away and I was told to replace the battery. I tested a new battery and tested the old battery. They were both good batteries.... The problem went away temporarily. The same thing happened again; therefore I had it towed back to the dealer. They charged me to replace the battery and sent me on my way because they believed the problem was fixed. Not too long after, it happened again. This time the vehicle was out of warranty. Now they came to the conclusion that the starter and the ignition lock cylinder needed to be replaced. They said that it was considered normal wear and tear. Bullsheet!
Time passed and I thought the problem was fixed, aside from the new problem- a delayed start. Then out of no where with no light my engine locked and would not start. Once again, I had my vehicle towed. They said that the ignition lock cylinder was a faulted part and they would replace it under warranty. Since it left the dealer, it continues to have a delayed start. Sometimes it grinds or takes more than one try to get it started.
I brought it back to the dealership gave them a chance to fix it. I even offered to supplement my own transportation so they did not need to put me in a rental. The service writer told me that they heard the problem but they did not know how to fix it. Therefore, he suggested I drive it until it got worse. That is where I am at now... any ideas as to what is next???
Update from Jun 26, 2009: GM has agreed to reimberse me for all of my money spent on trying to resolve these issues since it was never properly fix prior to going out of warranty. Lets just hope its fixed this time.....
2008Aug 12
Alero LX 3.4L
- Automatic transmission
- 60,000 miles
This is not just a 2002 Alero problem! They all have it, check out 2000 Alero's.
Maybe we should all ban together to ruffle some feathers, we are all listed here aren't we.
Surely there's a lawyer among us or someone knows one.
A formal letter to GM with all of us signing should get some results! and then maybe not?
There's got to be a way to bypass this security system?
dfdever
2008Aug 08
Alero ES 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 120,000 miles
Same exact problem!!!!!! Security issue- Not the fuel pump!!!!!! I'm on my way to trade this crap in. Started right up when I tried the key turn solution. UNREAL!
2008Jul 01
Alero 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 49,710 miles
OK SERIOUSLY ....this is just ridiculous !!!!
I don't drive but my husband does .. this week are car had the same issue security lights going on and the car's Not going no where !! so what do you do call the tow truck of course , BUT NO WE didn't well not just yet ..
about three months ago the same thing happened on a Friday got up car didn't start !
tow it pay 366.00 to repair god knows what . pick it up Friday night , Drive all weekend long its great hahahha till Monday morning OH what do you know that dam peace of sh*t didn't start again . what does my husband do ??? yup tow its again to the the same dealership what do they say YUPPERS you have to change your ignition switch so 800.00 later and rent over due ... we are still in the hole !!! 200.00 ..
Now its july 1st things are great go out driving around come home OH JUST WONDERFUL !!!till the morning when we decide to get up again of course this time we are on holidays you know suppose to be doing stuff with our kids .. but no way car doesn't start again ,, I say honney call the GM they say oh its your security system telling you that some one tryed to break in your car !! were like ugh !! ok
so we call the dealership where we got the repairs done the last time they say the same thing and say will you have to bring the car here to get it reset !!! I'm like ya ok so i don't drive i know jack sh*t about cars . But what i do know ??? yea i know when some one is f*cking with my paycheck and its not going to happen again.... I decide to have a talk with my husband i say hey two places that we called said that some one is trying to break in our car so why not call the insurance company and tell them that .. so we did they were great called a tow truck and every thing ..even called enterprise and rented us a car i thought GOOD finally a break !!!! BUT yea what do you know the same people who said yea you just need to come reset the car tells the insurance company that oh now its the starter so yea we are stuck with all the cost of the rental and tow truck not even including the cost to fix it ..... so as the car sits at the dealership we wait and figure out what to due because of course we just move and rent is due we are suppose to go camping with the kids ....I say no leave it there for a few days and see what happens ,
so we did just that its now a week later and i decide to play stupid i call the dealership and start asking questions and getting detailed answers an dyou know the guy tells me oh yea you can come pick up your car its ready we didn't change the starter though but its starts again we just hit the starter with a hammer a few times and its started ..... I WAS LIKE WHAT ARE FIGGIN SERIOUS ... i called my husband and said you know what no way we are not putting any money into that thing again ...i said i looked up at this web site and they have some sort of small quick fix ..... this 10 minute thing ... i haven't tryed it yet cause the car is still at the shop ..BUT i'm not putting any more good dam money into this stupid thing .... my husband wants me to learn how to drive I'm like no way are all companies like this one ??? so does any one have any ideas on buying a better car USED for me ??? because there s no way my husband is picking out another LEMON ..
2006Jan 02
Alero GX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 90,000 miles
Took forever to diagnose problem. Repeated times taken in and then it would start later and no one seemed to feel there was a problem. just a crazy lady...
2008Jun 22
Alero GX 4 cyl
- Automatic transmission
- 130,000 miles
2nd time this has happened. It is ridiculous! No way to bypass, only dealer can work on it.
2008Apr 16
Alero 3.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 151,518 miles
My wife and i just bought a used 2002 alero.We must have sucker written on our heads.That stupid security keeps coming on.And sometimes the car wont start.Sooooo we have to wait for 10 minutes.With the key in the ON position and try again.I even called GM Canada and they told me to take it to the local GM dealer.I,m not going there, so they can soak me.Has anyone out there got the solution for this problem.I see on here that i am not the only 1 with this problem.
2008Feb 29
Alero 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 21,252 miles
i recently bought a 2002 Olds Alero, used. i noticed last week when i got into the car and started it the security light came on (and stayed on). i made a mental note of it. i got where i had to go. when i returned to the car to go back to work the security light was off. (still kept in the back of my mind) The light did not come back on for 2 days. i got in the vehicle and the light was back on, but the next time i got in it was off again. ( then i really started to think i was going crazy and seeing things) Monday i drop my son off at school and i go to work, everything is fine, right? WRONG! i get in the car after a VERY stressful day at work, and oh, it is a Monday on top of it all. the car won't start. and like many of you, my first thought was the battery, i asked my boss to jump me, he did and nothing. i called Carmax and told them i was stranded, they sent a tow truck to my office and towed it to carmax. The rep at Carmax just called to tell me that they are sending the car to the dealership, that the security system has malfunctioned.
2007May 21
(reported on)Alero 3.4 V6
- Automatic transmission
- 54,000 miles
car wont start. Battery seems ok but when you turn ignition to start motor... NOTHING. No click, click no rut, tut, tut(like you'd from a weak battery of solenoid problem).... nothing.
Car will start if you turn ignition to on position. (Dash lights all on) on for a minimum of 15 minutes, turn back to off and immediately turn to ignition/start to crank car, it will start.
Car at dealership right now they say its an ignition switch but from reading these other entries I have my doubts
2007May 25
(reported on)Alero GLS
- Automatic transmission
- 62,000 miles
I bought the car in 2005 - had it for a year and it wouldn't start one day. Cost $650 and a week of hell. Then one year later, same thing, in the Walmart parking lot. Had it towed and they had to replace the computer. Cost almost $800 with the tow. Not even one month later and now, on this night, May 25th, it won't start again. THREE TIMES!!!! I'm trying the key in the ignition trick until the security light stops flashing. We'll see if it works or not..... well the light finally stopped blinking... but it wouldn't start. I'm ready to get online and look for a new car......&*#$)*#&)*%)#$
2006Apr 19
Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 62,137 miles
I purchased a used 2002 Alero in January 2006. The car seemed to be working fine for the first couple of months and then the problems began. In April, when I went to start the car, there was nothing...so I had it towed to a garage. They said the problem was with the battery and replaced the battery at a cost of over $300. A few weeks later, the same thing happened again...this time they replaced the ignition switch....at a cost of over $500. The problem was still not fixed and the garage told me about leaving the car in the on position for 10 minutes and then turning it over. Bingo...it starts...I tell the garage that I was really quite ticked since I had already paid over $800 and the problem is still not resolved. This problem has become more and more frequent, with as many as three occurances in five starts. There is a lot of wasted time and now I'm afraid to take my car to a garage, as what happens if they don't fix the problem yet again and I fork out even more money for something that will not fix the problem?
2007Nov 15
Alero 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 116,000 miles
After a 39 hour shift, I came home and found out from my roommate that my girl friends car was flooded. Being as it was a fuel injected 4 cylinder, I found it odd that she would have flooded it if she hadn't pumped the gas peddle. Later that night we went to get something to eat and figured we would try and start her car. Long story short, the car tried to turn over... and it failed. I noticed that the security light was on so as a network administrator I decided to check some forms and came across this site and tried the 10 min wait fix and it worked. Try this first and then attempt some of the other fixes.
2007Oct 12
(reported on)Alero GT V6
- Automatic transmission
- 53,268 miles
THANK GOD I FOUND THIS SITE! I was so afraid I was going crazy, though this issue definately has me going INSANE.
Same issue as everyone else. Go to start my car and nothing. No cranking, no stuttering, no grinding, and definately no starting. I've owned this crap car for almost two years, I can totally see why it was traded into the dealer. It was a nice and cute little car, perfect for a first time car owner, when I first bought it. Six months after my intial purchase I go to start I get nothing. Not only from my crap car, but from the crap machanics as well. My sister and I thought "Hmm well...even tho all the lights and radio come one, perhaps its the battery." We try to jump it and no. But I'm new to this so I leave the possibility that we just didn't try to jump it right open. No biggie. Call the mechanics at my dealership and let them know what happened and that it's more than likely not the batter since we tried to jump it. After describing what the cars doing when I turn the key, the guy tells "sounds like it's the battery! lets get it towed over" Whatever...battery fine. Tow truck guy comes and the first words out of his mouth, I swear to God are, "I hear you've got a dead battery!" Oi...so I tell him "we tried to jump it last night, still wouldn't start, but by all means go ahead and work your magic." Tow guy can't jump it and states "must not be the battery" (yeah no $#!~). Get a call from the dealership next day, again they state "well its not the battery" (omg ok I get IT). They have to ship it off to the other dealership that handles electrical issues with Oldsmobile, tow charge number 2. That dealership calls to state, onces again, "we attempted to jump it, so it's not the battery" (someones gonna die) "but we won't be able to look at it for a couple days. FINE whatever just FIX IT. Two days later, "your car starts. it was just the (what?) BATTERY...it just needed to sit for two days to charge." Are you kidding me? But whatever they've had it for almost a week now, I want my car back and fine it starts. This time all it needs it 3 months...I figured screw having it towed, if it just needs to sit and "charge" let it. Two days later, still wouldn't start. Stranded number 2. Have it towed, as soon as it arrives, the stupid car STARTS...no problems. I'm totally thinking I'm insane by now, get on the bus and go get it (luckly my mechanic (not from the dealership) is cool and real sweetheart) no charge. Stranded number 3: 1 month later. OUT OF TOWN. Luckily visiting my mom, had it towed to her house, this time after 2 days let it "charge" for almost a week and was able to get home. But not for long...next day wouldn't start. Had it towed to another mechanic (not from the dealer) due to mine being closed that day. They keep for a week and a half to what? Replace the battery because the security system (oh yeah here it starts) is draining the battery. Fine, replace it. There goes 360 something. 1 week later. Stranded at 4 in the morning at a park. Have it towed back to the same place (as once again my mechanic was closed). This time its gone for a month and 2 weeks. Has to be towed to the dealership to run some internal computer anaylsis BS (run around much?). Fine, they replace the ignition switch. I finally get it back. After a week, I think, ok fine. They actually replaced something this time. I can roll with this. It ran for a total of 2 weeks. I get off work late last Friday, ready to go home and relax and guess who's stranded....AGAIN. I wish I could say I was done. But the dealership won't help me get out of this crap car unless I have 2-3000 to put down. This is all addition to the transmission issue I had with it making my car jerk as I excellorated, but my trusty mechanic got that fixed up (after getting more run around and more bills from other transmission "experts").
After reading these complaints, I have some ideas for quick "fixes" and thats awesome. But I agree, this crap, and it should recalled. This is impacting REAL people's life REAL bad.
I'm about to go out and try the 10 min quick "fix". Wish me luck!
2007Sep 30
(reported on)Alero GLS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 40,500 miles
I have had the Alero for 5 years now, this has only begun happening within the last 2 months. It seems to have started after the fuel filter was replaced and also the dealer "worked on" the issue with the rear-end turn signals. Judging by others comments here and on other websites, it appears that the cost to fix is upwards of $600, but even those who have replaced the ignition switch and other are still having issues. I have also heard that this is a problem with the Passlock system, does anyone know if this can be disconnected and avoided all together?
2007Sep 12
(reported on)Alero LX 2.2L V 4
- Automatic transmission
- 80,500 miles
This is the second time that this has happened. Both times it happened 1-2 days after the mechanic replaced the fuel filter.
No more Oldsmobiles for me. I'm getting rid of this piece of junk.
2007Aug 22
(reported on)Alero GL1 2.2L
- Automatic transmission
- 68,000 miles
I'm having problems with my security system were my security light keeps flashing and the car won't start. need to reset for ten mins before it will start again. some times it happens twice in a row then it starts fine again for like about ten key cycles then it happen again and it always happen at the dam gas station were people blowing the horn to get the hell out the way. so i can put gas. this problem is starting to blow my mind. I took the car to the dealer four times for the same problem and the problem never got fixed. they replaced the ignition switch assembly w/module, the ignition switch, the body control module and now they want to replaced the wire harness for the security system. then i said the hell with this the car doesn't worth cost for labor a parts. can some one out there please please help me. some one told me to call gm customer service center will that help. please respond ASAP.
2007Jul 19
(reported on)Alero LS V6
- Automatic transmission
- 98,856 miles
the security light flashing stops car from starting. very much a pain in the ass cause have to wait 10 min. to start it. costs to much to fix so worth waiting. when i called GM they said no one had ever reported this problem. i have a long list of problems has been never ending since day one. but with recalls thousands of people have to call GM before anything can be done. huge company with a lot of money but not willing to give a dollar.
2007Jun 26
(reported on)Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 57,000 miles
When this happened there was no other issue. I just could not start my car. After getting it towed, and after it had been messed with so much, the battery was damaged. So a new battery was put in and for a month it worked. Until yesterday, and it all started again. only this time, it wasn't touched. They found that the anti-theft unit malfunctioned and would not allow the car to be started. so now $450 and another tow later it was fixed. Both issues the same. I am very upset. I have called the manufacturer, and I'm sure they will not stand by this even though it is not an uncommon issue!!!!!!!!!!!!!
2007Jun 26
(reported on)Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 58,000 miles
This was the second time this happened. It happened a month ago and because there was no other symptom, by the time it was towed in and looked at and had been messed with, the battery was dead. Once the battery was taken out and replaced it worked ok..... for about a month. That time cost my $250 to get it towed in, etc., etc., etc. This time, it was $450 to get the anti theft module replaced. This manufacturer needs to step up and stand behind this issue........ the place that fixed it has dealt with this on many occasions, not only on my vehicle, but many with this anti-theft system! When it malfunctions, it basically thinks you are stealing your own car and will not start!
2007Mar 22
(reported on)Alero V6
- Automatic transmission
- 55,000 miles
Car would not turn over, had it towed to garage where they looked it over for about 2 hrs, when it decided to start, drove it for about 2-3 weeks when the same thing happened, had it towed to the garage, this time they found that the anti-theft module had to be replaced, it's been about 8 months and so far no problems.
2007Apr 12
(reported on)Alero
- Automatic transmission
- 52,000 miles
I left a previous complaint under car won't start. Check it out for the number to GM customer service. I have been having the same problems with my car not started as posted. I supposedly had the ignition changed last year and it did work for a while. I have begun having problems with the car not starting again recently. I had it towed to the dealership twice. After they claimed that the problem (the computer not recognizing my key) was resolved, I picked up the car. about a day or two later, the car started shutting off on me and then it would occasionally start up again after the engine turns with no success.
This car is a piece of junk!!!
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
2012Jan 02
Alero GL 4 cyl
This is a really annoying problem! The manufacturers should find a permanent fix for this! I have kids and it is really cold today, luckily we were at home this time. Complaint #47, I believe it was stated that she had turned the key to the on position and waited 10 minutes. Then turned off the key. The car started like a charm. Almost didn't want to as it was 20 degrees outside and the battery was getting low due to trying to start it to much. Thank you Alaina from Sarasota!
Angela H.
Decatur, Illinois, USA
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