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'02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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ez50nj
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Mar 18, 2012, 8:12 AM
Post #1 of 28
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'02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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lately car takes 2-3 attempts re-starting (hot engine). Take 30 minute trip, stop at convenience store, and 5 minutes later it takes 3-4 attempts before starting. This has been going on for about a month and now I have a small coolant leak near the right front tire. I topped off reservoir (cold level) yesterday and hard start worse today. Could this have something to do with reservoir cap tightening or bad cap possibly affecting coolant temp sensor??
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speed
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Mar 18, 2012, 9:04 AM
Post #2 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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What do you mean by hard starting? Slow crankomg? Normal crankomg just really long until it starts? how many miles and mamual or automatic? What lead up to this problem? You said it started about a month ago what lead up to it?
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 18, 2012, 10:03 AM
Post #3 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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fast crank, no start until 3-4 attempts. Progressively worse since a month ago when it cranked, not start, then, would start immediately on second attempt. This might be coincidental to a coolant top off a month ago and not properly torquing the reservoir cap. Condition happens after long drive - shut off -attempt re-sart in 5-10 minutes and excessive crank 3-4 attempts. I know that when I loosened cap a little today it wasn't as bad. I had it real tight after coolant top off a month ago.
I topped off yesterday (maybe 10 ounces) tightened cap hard and have had worse experience yet today. Also noticed an overnight leak inward of the rf tire by 6-8 inches which seems right below reservoir.
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speed
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Mar 18, 2012, 11:59 AM
Post #4 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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have you overheated your car recently?
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 18, 2012, 2:49 PM
Post #5 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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yes. very slightly above normal line after 20 mile trip then idling in traffic for 5 minutes. this started last week--Very slight overheat, but going in between normal and 3/4 mark today (one day after coolant top off). Idles fine, runs smooth. I did notice minor coolant leak on pavement this morning after topping off yesterday. No leaks prior. Didn't spill it--used funnel.
Latest observation this afternoon. Starts fine cold, immediately starts after full op temp turn off/turn-on. issue seems to be hard start at random warm engine temps (sitting for 5-10-15 minutes after full operating temp.
Coolant temp sensor? Thermostat? Air bubbles in system due to improper top off and reservoir cap torquing?
Thanks for your replies by the way
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speed
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Mar 18, 2012, 5:51 PM
Post #6 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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how long are you cranking for at most? does it still takae 3-4 tries to get it to start if you just hold the the key on? how long does it take to start if you just hold it until it starts? if you happen to go find out dont crank the engine for more than 15 seconds at a time and wait a few seconds before trying again.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 19, 2012, 5:51 PM
Post #7 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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new twist. no coolant leak. Start fine this morning on one try. Crank, no start 9 hours after sitting at work. Took 6-7 attempts then finally started. Stalled once leaving parking lot.
Went out 20 mintes ago and it started right up.
***while idling in park, turned on air conditioning and rear defrost and it stalled, then started right up again***
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speed
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Mar 19, 2012, 6:36 PM
Post #8 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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have your battery and charging system tested, it would be best if you could have it checked while this is happening also. and while your there have the check your fuel pressure also.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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nickwarner
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/ Moderator
Mar 19, 2012, 6:39 PM
Post #9 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Ok, you still can't get this running right and nothing is getting tested. What codes are present? We need exact code numbers not generic descriptions. I'm not seeing anything about a coolant pressure test.With a leak thats the first thing on the list. This engine is so notorious for blowing heads it isn't even funny. Stop driving this and do some tests before your motor is a boat anchor and its far beyond even a head job to save it. Is the oil milky? What do the plugs look like? Been watching this thread from the benches and honestly I need to jump in before something expensive happens.
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speed
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Mar 20, 2012, 11:04 AM
Post #10 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Sorry nick i didnt think the coolant leak was an immediate concern he saud it wasnt much and i didnt think it had much cobtribution to the starting problem.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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nickwarner
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Mar 20, 2012, 4:22 PM
Post #11 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Speed,
This model of car never got an engine that wasn't known for head and head gasket failures, and it is necessary to rule such things out immediately. If its the case he knows what needs to be done. If he doesn't and keeps driving it major expensive things happen. Goes from a head job to a motor swap. Thats what I'm looking at. The loss may be minor to the owner who most likely doesn't know about the issues this line of engines had in it. Because its not blowing out everywhere it gets ignored. It may not be this is the case, but needs to be looked into. Remember when you look at these posts to keep in mind what vehicle and engine are in question. You'll see more things the longer you are in the biz that are common failure points for specific cars. Just a weak spot in the design. How often will you find a leaking intake manifold on a Ford 3.8? Rarely. On a GM 3.8? All the time. You'll see what I mean in time here.
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ez50nj
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Mar 21, 2012, 7:37 AM
Post #12 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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crank sensor. diag, part, labor $185 incl tax. Coolant pressure test revealed no cooling problems. Tech said very minor seepage of oil from timing chain cover. I could not differentiate coolant or oil because I park over a black rubber mat to protect driveway. The oil only hits the mat once every few weeks.
Sorry for the confusing post, but I thank you all for your feedback.
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speed
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Mar 21, 2012, 11:17 AM
Post #13 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Glad you got it fixed, sorry i couldnt be more help to ya
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 21, 2012, 11:50 AM
Post #14 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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you were helpful! anyone who takes the time to reply in these forums are always helpful. thanks!
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speed
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Mar 21, 2012, 7:40 PM
Post #15 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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well im glad we were of help to you.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 22, 2012, 3:27 PM
Post #16 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Problem back after 2 days. Not crank sensor I guess, Car sat in sun for 6 hours, came out of office to drive home, crank no start. Took about 12-15 separate crank attempts then started. Ran smooth on drive home.
Baffled
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speed
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Mar 22, 2012, 5:17 PM
Post #17 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Whats the fuel pressure?
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 23, 2012, 6:36 AM
Post #18 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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per technician, fuel pressure is fine.
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speed
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Mar 23, 2012, 10:50 AM
Post #19 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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Has the tech checked the fuel pressure when the car wont start? Also has he checked for spark when the vehicle wont start and did he check the injectors with a noid light during no start issue?
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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ez50nj
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Mar 23, 2012, 6:15 PM
Post #20 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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in-depth research online. could be GM pass key/passlock problem and/or ignition switch. Per many blogs and forums online, many have the problem and claim security passlock preventing start. Turned key to "on" position for 10 minutes. turned key to off for 10 seconds, then cranked. Engine started on one crank and has been fine all night. It has been cool outside though and the problem seems to rear it's ugly head when the car sits in the sun all day. Others have claimed permanent fixes by performing the following.
1. Bypass passlock system by wire cut-re-solder behind radio
2. Clean key with rubbing alcohol and spray computer duster in lock cylinder to remove dust from cylinder sensor
3. Replace cylinder and periodically clean keys and spray duster in cylinder
I'll hope for the best
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
/ Moderator
Mar 23, 2012, 7:18 PM
Post #21 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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I guarantee you that will not work.
Do you have a security light on or flashing when you try to start it?
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We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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speed
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Mar 23, 2012, 7:36 PM
Post #22 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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As HT said thats got nothong to do with it unless your security light is on and if your security sysyem was preventing it im pretty sure your vehicle wouldnt even crank over. Just a thought here also, what exactly did the technician change with the crank sensor? If they only changed the actual sensor it's possoble that the reluctor ring is causing the problem readings for the sensor.
GM ASEP 26 SCC Milford ASE certified in Brakes and Electrical on Thursday April 5th 2012
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nickwarner
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Mar 23, 2012, 7:57 PM
Post #23 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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With HT and Speed on the fact that if it was a theft system issue the car wouldn't even run. If you got it diagnosed as a crank sensor issue then see if this shop stands behind their work. Please say this isn't the lowest bidder you could find to do the work. If the same code persists Speed could very well be onto something provided the proper wiring tests were done to verify the issue. Parking in sunlight doesn't mean a thing to these cars. They see 200 plus degrees underhood temps as a fact of life.
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ez50nj
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Mar 24, 2012, 2:50 AM
Post #24 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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security light was on but not flashing. Dozens in internet search described "crank, no start intermittently." Yes, the car will crank with the light on. Do a search on Alero passkey or pass lock problem, Dozens and dozens of owners with same issue.
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Hammer Time
Ultimate Carjunky
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Mar 24, 2012, 3:19 AM
Post #25 of 28
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Re: '02 Alero 4 cyl hard start hot, coolant leak
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We're not here to debate your dozens and dozens of Internet posters. Passlock does not fail and cause those symptoms and you cannot simply splice wires and bypass it. A simple security lock will give you a "start and stall" and a deep lock out will lock out the starter, both of which will give you a security warning when it happens. I do have a bypass for the ignition lock only but nothing else can be bypassed.
If you want to go out and start cutting wires, go for it. Just don't come here after and ask, "how do i undo it?"
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We offer help in answering questions, clarifying things or giving advice but we are not a substitute for an on-site inspection by a professional.
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