Replaced the alternator and now the starter.

HSR1HSR1

MEMBER
2004 PONTIAC SUNFIRE
290,000 MILES

Replaced the alternator and now the starter motor cranks, but will not start. Can't hear the fuel pump. Could this be the anti theft system. I have tried the relearn procedure. The key does not have a visable resister. How do I completely bypass the anti theft system? Had the same problem with a 2003 Sunfire a few months ago, but you could hear the fuel pump, and it started eventually after about 1 hour of on and off cranking and some quick start. Both cars are 2.2 without keyless entry. Are the 2003 and 2004 anti theft systems different? Was the computer damaged by low voltage because the alternator was not charging? Thanks

5 Replies

SATURNTECH9

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30,870 POSTS

Is the security light on solid or flashing?

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Monday, December 17th, 2012 AT 12:07 AM

HSR1HSR1

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Hi
The car is at my brothers and I can't get a hold of him right now. Can you give me the next steps for both cases.

Thanks
Herb

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Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 AT 12:06 AM

SATURNTECH9

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If the security light is flashing or on solid then I would try to relearn the pass lock sensor. You said you tried that how do you try that if you dont know if the light is on?The light has to be on to try to learn it the non scan tool method. Also if the lights on you will have to have your body control module scanned for codes which a diyer scan tool cant do and write down the exact code numbers you have not code descriptions. If the light isn't on or. Flashing check for codes in the engine computer which you can do with a diyer scan tool. Also check for spark and what the actual fuel pressure is.

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Tuesday, December 18th, 2012 AT 12:52 AM

HSR1HSR1

MEMBER
3 POSTS

Hello I am the original poster.
Re 2004 2.2 liter Sunfire starting and then stalling a couple seconds later after installing a new alternator.
Today, about 2 weeks after the new alternator was installed and the problem started, I tried the following, based on info I found on the internet and the car started and is running fine since. I did them all and then the car started, so I don't know which step helped, but I hope these simple steps might help others.
1- I sprayed quick drying electrical contact cleaner into the ignition key hole. I read that the 2004 Sunfire has PASSLOCK 1(no resistor pellet visable in the key) and that when the correct key is used and turned a circuit lines up and the resistance in the ignition cylinder is read and sent to the computer to allow starting, but if the contacts are corroded, the resistance is not read correctly.
2- I used a newer key (probably not worn as much)
3- This key was not on a key chain, because apparently the ignition switch resistance reader may be reading the other keys as well
4- I borrowed a computer OBD 2 trouble code reader, and plugged it in under the steering wheel, but no codes were stored. I read somewhere that clearing stored codes may fix the Passlock anti theft system, and there might even be a code(s) stored indicating what the problem with the Passlock is.
5- I lightly tapped the bottom of the gas tank. This may get the fuel pump working again for a while, if it is broken. The car has 290,000km and still has the original fuel pump. I also read that sometimes you can't hear a working fuel pump.
Thanks to all who made suggestions.
Jan 2013

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Sunday, January 6th, 2013 AT 2:34 AM

SATURNTECH9

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30,870 POSTS

The fuel pump could have been frozen up and smacking the fuel pump could have freed the pump up. The pass lock codes are in the BC and a diyer scan tool can't read them or clear them. But keep us posted because if the pump was frozen up no telling when it will fail next.