Hello everyone...I have a 2003 Alero. I have never had trouble with it until last night. It has plenty of fire (battery is fine), but it will not start. I checked the fuses regarding fuel pump, ignition, etc., and they seem fine. It is my only car and I am limited with funds after being laid off work. I would like to know what types of troubleshooting you folks suggest that I can try myself. I am a novice, but not afraid to try. Being a novice, I need instruction on special tools and where I could possible find them...any help will be greatly appreciated...Thank you...Tim.

Is your security light on when your cranking it over?

First is this the 2.2 4 cyl or the 3400 6cyl? The 4 cyls had an inherent problem with the coil distribution block shorting.. Pretty common and not too expensive to fix.


if you have the 6 cyl try checking for spark.


You can check this by pulling one of the spark plug wires off and inserting a screw driver into it.. from there lay it close to a piece of metal while someone cranks the motor.. if there is no spark jumping from the screw driver to the metal theres your problem.. Well at least it narrows it down to control module coil or crank position sensor.


Also try this for either engine.. turn the key into the on position (but do not crank)after the car has sat for the night.. listen for the fuel pump.. or have someone spray carb cleaner in to the air box hose while you crank.. if it fires off of this then you know you have a bad fuel pump.