Two weeks ago when i went to drive my 2004 Oldsmobile Alero..it was hesitating and started to shake if i went above 25. Then the service engine light came on and was blinking at me. I kept it under 20 and was able to go about a mile before it shut off. The light went off for like 30 seconds then came back on again just before it shut off. After sitting for a day it did start back up and was blowing a little bit of black smoke and ran long enough to get it on a car trailer. We hooked it up to a code reader and it read cyclinder misfire and vaccum leak. So we changed the spark plugs and wires. It will start up since it has been sitting put wont stay running for long. The odor it is putting out leads me to believe its a fuel pump or clogged fuel filter. Any ideas as to what the problem is

Harvey N Tawatao

• 3854 Answers
• Posted on Mar 26, 2010

SOURCE: 2004 Alero...Car will not start now. Changed fuel

did you check the ICM (ignition control module) that's what the coil pack sits on. Inspect if for wire damage and you can remove the ICM and have it tested at Auto Zone or Parts Source free of charge.
Thank you for using FIxya and good luck

Testimonial: "thanks for the advise. I took the ign mod.to auto zone and auto eletical shop and both cannot check it. Says it works or it dont..still wont fire"

SOURCE: i have a 2001 oldsmobile

Try this...I sent this to someone about a year ago. Mine hasn't done it since....
--This worked for my '01 Alero (GM as well): While the key is in "on" position and your security light is blinking, it is probably your "Passlock" security device acting up. Very common in these years for GM cars. To test if this is it, simply turn your key forward (to "on" position) until light stops blinking and eventually turns off (right around 10 minutes). Then, turn key back off, and then try to restart it. My Alero did this just yesterday and I learned this trick as I was pricing out a new fuel pump. If this was your problem, I recommend taking it to a remote starter installer and have them by-pass the passlock system permanently. This should cost anywhere from $40-$100, but is much better than a new fuel pump and filter cost.
-note: I recommend not getting it by-passed until it happens a second time (which it may not), just don't forget the temporary fix! -Oct. '09
---ALSO, back to current times, I have yet to get this by-passed and have had no problems. GOOD LUCK.

SORRY FOR THE COPY AND PASTE...

SOURCE: oldsmobile alero having a hard time starting

You need to fix the fuel leak 1st. Is it leaking froma hose clamp? if the fuel is spuing out & not makeing it to the cylinders it will missfire. Another possibility is fuel pressure regulator blocked flooding the motor (is the fuel spilling into the intake tube or external?