New vibe won't start

CFD911 · Post by **CFD911** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 9:23 am

ok reading your stuff on with the starting problem on the vibes, with it turning over but not starting, letting it go for a second then start right up!but a few things I don't understandWhat is a TSB?What is ment by "hot soak Starting"?And has anyone positivly identified the problem? or is it still hit and miss.I will be contacting a dealer shortly if it happens again!thanks

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:14 am

Mine used to start after I waited a second, now, it still cranks up to 5-7 seconds on second attempt... I feel like I am trying to start a car with a dirty ol' carburetor..... It's annoying, I have had it looked at a few times and was not reproducible-- I am hoping this PCM replacement solves the problem, which I feel it will after doing excessive research on the equivalent problem in the matrix/corolla with the 1zz-fe engine.Chris

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Dec 22, 2005 10:16 am

oops I didn't even answer your question.TSB= technical service bulletin, publication sent/available to dealerships to correct problems that affect a considerable amount of vehicles, non-routine correction.Hot soak refers to starting the engine while still hot.CH

jbyerley · Post by **jbyerley** » Tue Feb 14, 2006 9:09 pm

Did you ever get your PCM replaced? If so how did it go?

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 10:54 am

Finally it was ordered by the dealer last week, haven't got the call that it's in... We shall see. When other people are having this trouble does your car ever catch, flutter, then stall, and start fine the following attempt? I hope I don't have a different issue as well.CH

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Wed Feb 15, 2006 12:03 pm

Once mine finally does start, 2nd or 3rd attempt, it will "sputter" then stall and might eventually die all together. Then I try to start it again and it is fine. Really annoying, but my dealer says they can not reproduce the problem and that, in their own words "It will have to get much worse before we can do anything about it." Extremely frustrating... not quite sure what I am going to do about it. From other posts on here concerning the same issue, the replacement of the PCM fixes the problem on some and does nothing for the others. Just my luck... I had an 03 Vibe and no problems at all (lease) I liked it so much that I bought an 05 and now this kind of problem.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 3:39 am

PCM was replaced today, will keep posted if problem recurs.CH

vibebob · Post by **vibebob** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 10:09 am

what makes this problem a bear to find is that is isn't consistant. mine might do it 2 or 3 days in a row and then nothing for weeks or months, then it happens two days in a row.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Tue Feb 21, 2006 11:35 am

Keep us posted if that does anything... since my dealer won't do $%!* for me about it.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 11:43 am

Although it is such an intermittent problem I can't guarantee my problem is solved, however, I can say that it absolutely starts quicker when warm than it ever has, previously even successful starts were slightly reluctant, a little flutter then normal.As far as your dealer is concerned it's pretty bogus that they won't just order and replace. I have a copy of the TSB that the dealer printed, in the language that it's written I feel your dealer is toying with you (not that its uncommon, I had the same problem)."Some customers may comment on the following conditions:-Intermittent extended crank or hard start when engine is still at operating temperature (hot soak). Engine cranks for approximately 3 seconds, starts, may miss after starting, then clears and operates normally for the duration of the drive cycle.-Conditions may be caused by the following:-The PCM calibrations may not be maximized for hot restart.-The PCM may have experienced an internal faullt.Correction:-Replace powertrain control module."CH

jbyerley · Post by **jbyerley** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:46 pm

I had the PCM replaced on 2/21/2006 for the extended start time problem.It did NOT help my extended crank problem. On 2/22/2006 after a 30 stopover with warm engine I had a 11 second extended start.So I am back to square one.

jbyerley · Post by **jbyerley** » Wed Feb 22, 2006 8:48 pm

Had PCM replaced on my 2005 Vibe on 2/21/2006 problem was still there on 2/22/2006. Waste of time.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 10:51 am

Still no recurrence.

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Thu Feb 23, 2006 12:59 pm

I thought about you guys with this problem when I was down at the post office the other day and some lady climbed into her newer Matrix, the stupid thing wouldn't start... Just that *ching ching ching ching ching* from the starter and nothing else... I feel for you guys, that has to suck!

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:26 am

Mine is doing it on a more regular basis now... maybe I can get my dealership to do something about it, but it looks like it won't even fix it. - This is extremely frustrating! -

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:42 am

GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR........ I thought my problem was solved. PCM replaced Tuesday, problem occurred this afternoon. What now? I have to say even though it starts it is the most annoying/embarressing thing ever/

jbyerley · Post by **jbyerley** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:07 pm

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 2:53 am

Quote, originally posted by csharrigan Â»GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR........I can't agree with you more!

lkhan · Post by **lkhan** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 6:05 am

I can't believe how many people have this problem. I have a 2005 base vibe and have had this exact problem since I bought it. I have taken it in to the dealer and have complained about this countless numbers of times but since nothing goes wrong at the dealership they can't figure out what the problem is and it has never been fixed. It is embarrassing and extremely frustrating. Is there anyone who has ever had this problem fixed? Is there no solution?

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:22 am

The most annoying part is the published fix didn't fix my problem... extremely annoying, first, to have the dealership not acknowledge the problem, and then for the PCM to not help the problem.

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 11:48 am

I have to assume that our "problem" will NEVER be fixed

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Mon Mar 27, 2006 12:07 pm

Quote, originally posted by Toasted7 Â»I have to assume that our "problem" will NEVER be fixed GM is probably taking a lesson from their dealers, as I have found in the past: "We can't just go throwing parts on your car simply because something is broken!" heh...

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Tue Mar 28, 2006 7:11 am

I don't know, actually, not starting is sort of growing on me... it's going to become a new fad in the "vintage" pop culture.Totally Sarcastic.

lkhan · Post by **lkhan** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 2:40 am

This is ridiculous. How can so many people be having this problem and nothing is being done? I am seriously thinking of writing to GM and attaching printouts of all the online bad reviews so they can maybe begin to understand that this is more common than they want to admit. Honestly, the reason I bought a new car was so that I could rely on it, anytime, anywhere... now I am scared every time I try to start it... I keep thinking 'what if this time it doesn't even start?'... that's not the feeling I should be getting after spending a large amount of my hard earned money.

4azdmunky · Post by **4azdmunky** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 11:47 am

Seriously has anyone thought of a class action lawsuit yet? I mean come on (removed)?! if I ran my business like this I wouldnt have any customers.

racersforford · Post by **racersforford** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 12:48 pm

damn, mine does the same thing, took it to the dealer, and they didn't do anything...

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Wed Mar 29, 2006 1:32 pm

Quote, originally posted by lkhan Â»I keep thinking 'what if this time it doesn't even start?'... that's not the feeling I should be getting after spending a large amount of my hard earned money.I can't agree with you more! Then if it doesn't even start... have to get it towed and that is no fun.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 4:09 am

To be honest, I pray that it progresses, I totally want it to not start-- For that may mean my problem will HAVE to get fixed.CH

Toasted7 · Post by **Toasted7** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 10:06 am

Mine is progressively getting worse... but it still starts on the second try. If it gets to the point where it will not start at all, then something will have to be done. If that happens though, they will probably just blame it on my CAI.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Mon Apr 03, 2006 12:22 pm

I know a lot of people with Matrix/Corolla that the pcm solved their problem, I am starting to wonder if the PCM that was put in my car is still programmed with the old calibration, like "old stock."

krisf · Post by **krisf** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 8:40 pm

I had my PCM replaced back in February. Two days after it had been out of the shop it was having a hard time starting again. It went back in a few weeks later and to no surprise they were unable to duplicate the problem. I am so frustrated. I contacted customer support again and they act like they have no idea that there is a problem with this vehicle. I would not be surprised if the dealers are not contacting Pontiac about this problem. I think we should all email/call Customer Service. Then they may eventually figure this thing out.They did mention the possibility of putting a recording device in my car to record the problem when it happens. We are looking into that one. I will keep you posted.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Wed Apr 05, 2006 10:15 pm

i was just thinking (dangerous, i know )...many problems like this are usually handled by an individual going into the dealer on their own and the dealer saying they can't recreate the problem or have 'never heard of this before'...when we all know from this site that it's common.maybe some sort of group signed letter to a district rep or a single dealer will prove that this is a common occurance on many vibes will squash their 'never heard of this before' comments...then you can start to focus on the whole 'recreate' situation?just a thought ....i don't know if it'll work...a group is a little more convincing than a single person here and there going to their respective dealer/rep.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Apr 13, 2006 12:04 pm

Mine is getting worse-- three occurences today, with one start, sputter, stall.. freakin embaressing: Client, and co-worker in car.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Mon Apr 17, 2006 11:55 am

Going in tomorrow-- third time, will keep posted.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:36 am

Brought it in today, still no fix, however, the problem is recognized. The dealer called into pontiac, and the engineers acknowledge that the pcm hasn't fixed some of the vehicles, and are working on a fix. I am still so aggravated-- I just wan't my car to start like a new car, it has been screwy since the day I bought it. I called the pontiac customer assistance number today, becuase I am frustrated, and to assure that the problem is recognized and being addressed. Although, I would rather have the car fixed, pontiac extended the warranty of my car on all electrical components double the standard warranty.....At least the problem is at least recognized, and I did direct customer assistance to this site, to see that the issue isn't isolated.

racersforford · Post by **racersforford** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:04 am

i took mine in today, and if messed up on them!!!! finally....anyway, they're replacing the PCM........we've all heard that one before.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 9:34 am

I wish the PCM worked for me (, people with 2005 corollas are still having the problem even after all the TSBs. As a matter of fact, at a lemon law trial, Toyota won because they stated that it designed the system for "varying" start times, and that the issue was more of an inconvenience than an actual problem...absolutey half-(removed) if you ask me.CH

ColonelPanic · Post by **ColonelPanic** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 10:22 am

Wow. So, Toyota just said they made it so your car won't start on fricken purpose? I feel sorry for those who lost, that sounds pretty pathetic. Doesn't surprise me though, any time you go up against an automaker in a lemon law claim, good grief - watch out. Chevy told me it was completely normal for water to pour out from the dash when I used my Malibu's A/C and I lost. The little guy doesn't stand a chance usually. Why the heck did they intentionally design the system this way, I'll never know... "Yes, here at Toyota, we designed the car to not start! Extensive research and consumer clinics before the introduction of this feature have shown a strong desire for a non-starting Toyota. Our customers asked for it, we listened" Yeah, sure...

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Wed Apr 19, 2006 11:43 am

2004 Corolla/Matrix/Vibes w/ same engine and control systems had no problems, I guarantee it has something to do with the drive by wire, throttle cableless setup..GRR..

krisf · Post by **krisf** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 3:55 am

Where and what dealer have you been bringing it to?

kapoki · Post by **kapoki** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 4:23 am

That's scary! My vibe hasn't had that problem yet (only 8k miles on it now and its 9 months old)... Maybe it'll come up soon. *knock on wood*

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 7:20 am

Wow someone close by! I live in Warwick RI, The dealer is Cerrone Pontiac, GMC, Cadillac in Attleboro

krisf · Post by **krisf** » Sat Apr 22, 2006 8:55 am

I will have to try and call them on Monday. I have been working with Columbia Pontiac in Hanover, but they have not had any luck at reproducing the problem. Customer Service said I could bring it to another dealer, but they would probably make me pay for the diagnostics. That is not right. It is a problem I have been having since before I went out of warranty. They should pay for it no matter what.I may have Columbia call your dealer and see what they may be able to talk/figure out together. Atleast my dealer will see that I am not the only person with this problem.Thanks. Good luck. I hope we can have our problems fixed real soon.

jbyerley · Post by **jbyerley** » Tue Apr 25, 2006 8:29 pm

2005 Vibe Owners. Please contact Pontiac Customer Service with your starting problems. I contacted them yesterday and they said they only work on problems that are compained about. The more complaints the more likely they will take the issue seriously. Also keep all refenece numbers they give you, you may need it in the future.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Wed Apr 26, 2006 2:51 am

Quote, originally posted by jbyerley Â»2005 Vibe Owners. Please contact Pontiac Customer Service with your starting problems. I contacted them yesterday and they said they only work on problems that are compained about. The more complaints the more likely they will take the issue seriously. which goes to my earlier post...don't you think that a signed letter from a GROUP of vibe owners off of a Vibe website would pull some serious weight? instead of a bunch of single calls which also gives them the opportunity to say 'you're the first one to bring this up!'this site has brought us all together and we learn stuff on this site..why not use this as an opportunity to create a united front to which we can prove that there are multiple instances of the same problem?

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 1:14 am

I'm Down with it, if you would like i'll write a draft and then we can revise

lkhan · Post by **lkhan** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 4:31 am

Count me in too. I'd like to get in on the complaining.

Atomb · Post by **Atomb** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 5:05 am

Quote, originally posted by csharrigan Â»I'm Down with it, if you would like i'll write a draft and then we can revisei don't have this problem (knock on wood...now at 60k km) but i really feel for the group of you....i used to have a VW with starting problems and i know that sinking feeling!

LUVROK · Post by **LUVROK** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 9:01 am

Less then 2,000 miles on my 05 GT and I think I am having this starting problem. Yesterday morning and this morning when I went to crank it over it made a weird slipping/sputtering sound like something was purging. I released the key and the next crank took maybe two secionds to start. My brother who is a Pontiac tech will be looking at it on Saturday, doubt he'll find anything though.

csharrigan · Post by **csharrigan** » Thu Apr 27, 2006 10:07 am

Interesting, I haven't heard of anyone with a GT or a matrix XRS having the problem, I'd be shocked if it were related.CH

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