GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My vibe just keeps cranking over and over and over, and eventually it starts.....ive asked around and a lot of people said its my fuel filter....what do you guys think? anyone had this problem? and there is no check engine light...

-Check your plugs-Try fuel injector cleaner-Check your air filter....otherwise bring it in to a shop.

thanx, not the air filter, just put on a CAI, im gunna check my plugs...and just had fuel injector cleaner put in it.

I know this may be a shot in the dark, but are you still running your OEM Battery? It may be summer time, but it could be on its last leg. Considering you have an 03/04 Vibe based on the picture in your signature. And I will say this, Vibe's seem to "crank" a little longer than other vehicles I have owned. But if it is cranking for more than 3-4 seconds, definitely there is an issue with either spark, fuel, air, or timing.

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »I know this may be a shot in the dark, but are you still running your OEM Battery? It may be summer time, but it could be on its last leg. Considering you have an 03/04 Vibe based on the picture in your signature. And I will say this, Vibe's seem to "crank" a little longer than other vehicles I have owned. I will agree with this. I am still running the OEM battery too and sometimes, for no apparent reason, it just needs to crank longer. I keep hoping that the battery will just go bad soon so my wife will let me buy a new one.

Try cleaning the air flow sensor as well! But it's always good to check all the usual suspects, Air filter, spark plugs, fuel filter.

is it during hot weather? if so there was a hot soak issue where in hot weather the vehicle will just crank and crank. next time crank a few seconds turn the key off then crank and see if it starts right up.

When you get in the car, first thing turn off the radio. Sit with the door window open (close the door so it doesn't ding ding ding) and turn on the key to just before running the starter.You should get the buzz of the fuel pump as it builds up fuel pressure and then it should stop. It won't last long, only a second or a fraction of a second. It also isn't always immediately repeatable once the pressure is up. If the buzz does not happen at all or it happens but the pump does not stop, you've got fuel problems. You'll need a fuel gauge and maybe it's time for a pump or even a filter (not a lot of fun).Check out your battery anyway, Odds are that if it has the juice to spin the starter it should have the voltage to operate the fuel / ignition system. Low battery problems that cause fuel and ignition issues are after the car has started (often jumped) and they just don't have the juice to run the basic electronics.If you want to kill the battery, put some baking soda in each cell and neutralize the acid.You could also say to your wife that just like changing the oil, replacing the spark plugs or other maintenance item she would be familiar with (maybe you could use her need for shoes to go with an outfit,(though she already has a closet full she almost never wears) not only color and style but also the proper seasonal design???) In like manner, batteries only last so long and with winter coming you do not want HER to get stuck somewhere. Dave

I would tend to blame the weak battery as well.. does your clock ever reset itself when the car does finally fire up? This was happening to me a bunch last summer and winter. I also had the car refuse to start a few times just due to sitting in a parking lot for a few minutes with the radio on. Finally swapped the battery out and it hasn't happened since.

ok i will try all of your suggestions, and the battery is stock...since 03, so it might be that. I are getting it looked at on monday as well by the dealership. thanks to all and please, all input is good.

Might as well just get a new battery at Autozone or Costco. It is time! The dealer will want to sell you one at a price you will not want to pay.

looks like an optima yellow top is coming my way here soon YIPPPEEEE!!!!!