Starting the car problems
 

I have had this problem for a long time. I will go to start the car and it will turn over for 15 seconds and then start, then die. turn the key again and starts up. the car runs fine 30 seconds after starting it. i have trying changing the fuel filter and seaform in the gas tank with no results. i know most car it takes two seconds to start up not 15 sometime like mine. i have also turn the key to on to let the fuel pump get going and nothing. i'm tired of feeling dumb sitting in my car turning the key and it takes forever to start. any one have any ideas on how to fix this problem?

i know when i worked in the dealership, there was a TSB (technical Service Bulletin) for this problem you had to change the fuel pump strainer, they came out with a new design.

Could be passlock
 

Your car problem could be the passlock activating. Is your ignition key worn down on. I know my car key is worn out. The security light used to blink and I would have to sit like a moron in my car for 10 minutes not being able to drive anywhere.
The passlock will activate when using a bad key because the computer thinks your trying to steal the car. The computer cuts the fuel to the engine for 10 minutes or maybe even more. I once had to sit for 20min :eek: I never had a new key made because my passlock problems have ended since I added my supercharger. It seems my car is now putting out to much power at the crank to allow the computer to cut the fuel.

^^^ i know it isn't that problem. My security light doesn't come on it's just having trouble starting. I will have to take a look on the fuel pump strainer.

have you checked your fuses?

^^^ no but i would assume that if it was bad it wouldn't work at all.

Check your fuel pressure on the rail

could have blown like a PCM fuse or something

Check your fuel pump fuse and relay anyway. A friend had a 95 cavalier we pulled the relay on cause were trying to turn it over dry (for school, checking the starter current draw). After a few seconds it fired up anyway. Turned out the oil pressure switch triggers the fuel pump also once the pressure builds up high enough. I don't know if alero's do that or not, but it's worth looking at.

the relay is fine because i can hear the fuel pump start as soon as the key is turned. not sure where the fuse is because i didn't see it under the hood but wouldn't the fuel pump not work at all if that was the problem? PCM fuse is fine too.

anyone got any more ideas?

well, went and got my car looked at and found out that my fuel canister was bad. got that replaced (which isn't very cheap) and now it starts up right a way.