My friends Alero broke down on monday. Cant figure out what the trouble is.
The engine will start when you crank it but when you leave off the key it quits.
He took it to two places and they tried to hook a reader to the computer and it wont show anything on the screen. Two different garages found the same thing --- Has the computer died? If so , how much difficulty is there to rectify the problem?
Any help appreciated!
Thanks
Tweed

 

Check the fuel regulator and see if the vacuum line has fuel in it.

 

As long as we hold the key in start position it stays running. You can also hear fuel pump run when turn igniton on. Could it still be that regulator?
Why dont or cant we get any readings on a scanner. The scanner screen is completely blank???

 

Haven't a clue on the electronics. From your description I had one like that and it was the regulator that was leaking fuel in the vacuum system.

 

Ignition switch? Do you have a bunch of weight on your key ring? Over time this can damage the tiny parts inside and wear it out internally. Had this problem on my daughter's '04 Grand Am. Had a service tech from the GM dealership come over with his laptop and diagnose this and had to have the VIN to get the correct ignition switch. He came back in a few days and about an hour later we were up and running again.

Do a search on how to "reset" or "relearn" the key to the PCM on your model and see if it won't start. If it does, then your ignition switch is bad. Also if you have a spare key, try that first and see if it will crank and stay running. If it does stay running, then you will need to change the switch soon.