GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi I bought a 2003 Vibe GT just as a beater to get around town....it is an old car so I don't expect perfection but I notice when I go to start the car I have to push the clutch right to the floor...I mean literally right to the floor or it's a no go. Is this normal for Vibes or is this a sign that a new clutch is needed? I've drove manual cars in the past but have never had to push the clutch so far to start. Any input would be appreciated. Thank you in advance.

Not sure on the Vibes, but I know on Mustangs they have a clutch starter interlock switch attached to the clutch pedal. It has an adjuster on it so you can move when it will engage the starter. If that is the case, it has just moved to the limit of it's adjustment and you should be able to adjust it back some so you can start it with less travel. I'm sure someone with a manual Vibe or wiring diagram can confirm.

If your clutch is going out, it will most likely be slipping. Try stopping the car in 1st gear without disengaging the clutch. If the motor dies pretty quickly, then your clutch should be ok. But if it chugs along and keeps trying to run for a few seconds, then likely the clutch is slipping. My Mustang does that, and one time it was so bad, I could not drive up a driveway incline without a running start!

This is normal, it's a safety feature to make sure you don't start the car in gear and take off right away.

yea mine is the same . kind of a pain in the (removed) lol

There are bypass mods and mods to adjust how far you push the pedal. I went with the mod to adjust pedal distance. Check matrixowners.com for the how to.

Completely normal on the 2003 Vibe GT and Matrix XRS. The interlock is pretty much at the point of bottoming out.