Yes, I own a 2001 Oldsmobile Alero, and I was.

Tiny
CHRISTIANB
  • MEMBER
  • 2001 OLDSMOBILE ALERO
  • 160 MILES
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?
Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 5:51 AM

13 Replies

Tiny
SATURNTECH9
  • MECHANIC
  • 30,869 POSTS
Sounds like the belt came loose or the alternator stopped charging.
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 6:00 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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  • 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.
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 6:05 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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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?
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 6:07 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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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.
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 6:38 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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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.
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 6:44 AM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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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?
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 7:21 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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I don't think it's the alternator. I think the engine got locked up. :(
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 7:17 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Any oil in the engine?Can you turn the engine over by hand?
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 9:47 PM
Tiny
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.
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Wednesday, January 2nd, 2013 AT 11:07 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Keep me posted.
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Thursday, January 3rd, 2013 AT 2:01 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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Ok thanks will do
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Thursday, January 3rd, 2013 AT 2:43 AM
Tiny
CHRISTIANB
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  • 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.
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Friday, January 4th, 2013 AT 9:02 PM
Tiny
SATURNTECH9
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Your welcome were always here to help sorry to hear about your engine?I
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Saturday, January 5th, 2013 AT 12:40 AM

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