2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
160 MILES
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Yes, I own a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, and I was driving when suddenly my RPMS and power steering went out. My car still has power, but when I go to crank it it makes a popping sound and my dashboard lights go off until I let off the ignition. Please help! Someone told me it might be an anti theft lock?
Jan 2, 2013 at 5:51 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
Sounds like the belt came loose or the alternator stopped charging.
Jan 2, 2013 at 6:00 AM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I figured it might be one of those problems as well. If it was my alternator though, wouldn't I have no power? I also checked the belts and they are a little loose, but I don't think they would be loose enough to keep the car from coming on. I'm gonna head back over to where I parked it in the morning and see if I can fix it.
Jan 2, 2013 at 6:05 AM
Advertisement
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
One of my friends also owns an Alero, and he said that they have problems with the anti theft lock system. Could that be the problem?
Jan 2, 2013 at 6:07 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
Anti theft won't cause the car to die while driving also even if the alternator goes bad you could still have some power left in the battery.
Jan 2, 2013 at 6:38 AM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Oh ok that makes sense. We'll thank you very much for your help, and I'll see about getting my alternator replaced tomorrow. Oh one more question, could it be the serpentine belt? I know that if it messes up, it makes the alternator stop working as we'll as the power steering. The belt itself wasn't broken I don't believe, but could cracks in the belt cause it to become faulty? Thanks so much for your help.
Jan 2, 2013 at 6:44 AM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
The alternator has to be tested don't just replace it when the belts start to crack heavily I replace them.Have the battery charged and tested. Also do you have a multi meter to do some testing?
Jan 2, 2013 at 7:21 AM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
I don't think it's the alternator. I think the engine got locked up... :(
Jan 2, 2013 at 7:17 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
Any oil in the engine?Can you turn the engine over by hand?
Jan 2, 2013 at 9:47 PM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
No there was basically no oil in the engine, but I put two quarts in assuming the oil sensor shut the car down. Still nothing. And I believe I can, I'll have to try tomorrow.
Jan 2, 2013 at 11:07 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
Keep me posted.
Jan 3, 2013 at 2:01 AM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Ok thanks will do
Jan 3, 2013 at 2:43 AM
Avatar
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 8 POSTS
Well it looks like my car is finished. Me and a friend tried turning the engine over manually, and it wouldn't even budge. Thanks for all your help man I really appreciate it.
Jan 4, 2013 at 9:02 PM
Avatar
SATURNTECH9
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 30,869 POSTS
Your welcome were always here to help sorry to hear about your engine.?i
Jan 5, 2013 at 12:40 AM