Security Light On, Won't Start

2004 Oldsmobile Alero

This problem may be covered under warranty. Ask your Oldsmobile dealer.

CarComplaints.com Seal Of This Might Hurt

7.5

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$660
Average Mileage:
96,200 miles
Total Complaints:
11 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (4 reports)
  2. turn key to "on" for 10 min. turn off then starts up (4 reports)
  3. replacing switch assembly pass lock system (2 reports)
  4. place battery charger on 2 amp for 30 mins.with key on (1 reports)
2004 Oldsmobile Alero electrical problems

electrical problem

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2004 Oldsmobile Alero Owner Comments

problem #11

May 262016

Alero

  • Automatic transmission
  • 203,202 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

It's really hard to stop for gas or anything at all without this security issue...

- aclark1975, Ocala, FL, US

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problem #10

Aug 102010

Alero 2.2L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 90,120 miles

Very annoying having to wait 10 minutes for your car to start when you need to be somewhere

- Brittany L., Griffin, GA, US

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problem #9

Feb 012014

Alero

  • 37,282 miles

I bought my car new and have regular maintenance. I was shocked when at just 60 000 km my car wouldn't start and then to read that so many others had the same issue. I figure since you are doing all these recalls I would look into this but nothing so I thought I would bring it to your attention. It is kind of ridiculous that this keeps happening to people and there is no compensation. I also had to pay a $75 tow to get me to the shop!

- Dana C., Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

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problem #8

Mar 182014

Alero ES 3.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 113,890 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I like the car as a rule, good driver, handles well enough. Good gas mileage, fairly comfortable on a long trip, good sound system, was quite reliable, now this. Security system wont let the car start. Called dealer service dept., was told to place a battery charger on 2 amps for 30 mins. do this 3 times. This will reset the security systems little brain in the computer. Hopefully, this will render the car useful again. Hopes this helps somebody.

Good luck.

- stemburg, Spring Branch, TX, US

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problem #7

Oct 182011

Alero

  • Automatic transmission
  • 152,635 miles

Ok, so I have the EXACT same problem with my 04 alero. I had the passlock bypassed and drove it from the mechanic shop to my house only to have it break down on me again. The last 2 times it went dead on me (while I was driving, grrrrr!) the dash board made an electrical buzzing sound for about 3 to 4 seconds and then the buzzing stopped. I have tried the "wait for 10 min" trick but no success. I have come across some new symptoms of this problem. Normally when I let it sit for a couple of hours it would start right up. Not this time. I let my alero sit up for 2 days and would turn over and wouldn't start. Then when I pressed the brake pedal I hear a faint, buzzing sound in my dashboard and my power locks start locking and unlocking. I let off the brakes and it stops. Press the brakes again and it does it again. Left it alone for an hour. Tried it again and it didn't do it. Now when I press my brakes, I can hear a faint buzzing noise. Not coming from my dasboard but coming from the right side underneath the dasboard where my computer is (I am guessing the location of the computer). Now when I try and start it, I have to wait until I hear a noise like if I had an electric antenna for my radio going up. I am guessing that would be the fuel pump, maybe. It will definately start when I hear that particular noise. If I don't, it will not start. Any help would be awesome. Already spent $195 to by-pass the security system. Need to know if it could be my fuel pump or relay switch or both. I am also wondering if it could be a short in my dash somewhere to make my doors lock and unlock.

- Scott S., West Monroe, LA, US

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problem #6

May 012008

Alero

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

This is an ongoing electrical/security problem with Aleros. I've tried the fix where you leave your keys in, etc, but that didn't work for me. Had to have it towed to the dealer and the ignition replaced. This has happened to me twice now.

- emhearn1, Austin, TX, US

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problem #5

Jun 112008

Alero

  • Automatic transmission
  • 50,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

This is my first and last Oldsmobile. My next car will be a foreign manufacturer

- Douglas H., Indianapolis, IN, US

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problem #4

May 212009

Alero 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 104,687 miles

I had this same issue happen with a Grand AM I owned back in 2002 I believe. Same fix as well. No one could tell me how to permanently fix that issue either.

- jlgems, Centreville, MI, US

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problem #3

Apr 232009

Alero

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

This is a reoccurring problem. I have had to have this fixed TWICE ! The part has to be replaced about 5 months after the warranty for that part is out. I called Car Manufacturer ( 18002221020) and complained after seeing multiple complaints on the net about this same problem. After seeing that this had already been replaced once the manufacturer did reimburse me for having to get it fixed again. Its worth calling about if your car is not under warranty any longer. The manufacturer customer service rep was very nice and truly wanted to help me with this problem. I'm sure in another year or so I'll have to have this replaced again BUT I will be calling again if this happens !!!!!

- th_1999_2000, Scottsboro, AL, US

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problem #2

May 012008

Alero V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

THIS IS A VERY ANNOYING PROBLEM WHEN YOU DELIVER PIZZAS FOR A LIVING AND YOU TRY TO START YOUR CAR AND IT WONT START. I WISH I COULD FIGURE OUT HOW TO FIX THE PROBLEM. MY PROBLEM IS THE CAR WILL TURN OVER BUT WONT START. i HAVE TO SIT FOR 10 MIN FOR IT TO RESET THEN TAKE KEYS OUT AND PUT THEM BACK IN THE IGNITION TO START AFTER 10 MINS.......CAN ANYONE HELP!!!!!

- Melissa L., New Port Richey, FL, US

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problem #1

Jan 172009

Alero LX 4 cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 84,000 miles

Thank God for this website because we didn't know how to fix it and would have spent a lot of dollars to figure it out when it's actually a computer problem. Car is outta here! Trading it in and letting dealer handle it.

- lsmith233, San Marcos, TX, US

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