GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I need to replace the starter in my 04 vibe. Is this something that someone with average mechanical abilities can do themselves?

looks pretty straightforward.

Attached files x040001.pdf (16.1 KB) 

agreed it's pritty easy. Just take note if there are shims on the old one. If so add the same shimming to the new one

Yes!!!As long as you can swing a wrench it can be done.I just replaced mine 2 weeks ago. I had to remove the electric fan / shroud to give myself more room to work & pull it out. It was pretty simple. 2 bolts, 2 connections from what I remember. No shims.I would say about 1 - 2 hr job. The top bolt you cant see from up top but if you feel around its in there. I had to use an extension for the top bolt.Are you sure your starter is fried? I took mine off to advance auto & they tested it first to verify.

My starter has just gone out! I just went to get my hair cut and when I came out, it wouldn't start. I thought maybe battery, but everything electrical was fine. I got a jump anyways, but no luck....wouldn't start. I got in touch with my uncle (ASE Certified Master Mechanic for Toyota) and he said have someone hold they key in "Start" position while I tap the starter. Brittni held the key and I tapped the starter with a wrench and wha-la! It started. I've had to do that about 6 times since beause I HAD to work, but now i'm off for 4 days, and it's time to take care of it. My uncle is gonna show me how to do it, so I get to learn something

You and your uncle should have no probs. Keep us updated.

was it the whole starter or just the solenoid?

i got a starter from Autozone $96.00 = core charge. removed the fan assembly. loosened and removed 2 bolts and turned starter a little and pulled it out and literally tapped the radiator with the starter and pulled it out. i look down and son of a b if my radiator isn't leaking where i tapped it with the starter. talk about cheap. new radiator $180 fricken dollars. took it to a local radiator shop and they say they can epoxy it for $60 won't be done till Wednesday. when dealing with Autozone I went on line and checked the price at a store 10 minutes west of me in the town of Huntington: $160 + core charge, then I checked the price at a Autozone store 30 min away in Fort Wayne $96.00 + core charge. (removed)??? i said to the Huntington store you gonna give me the Fort Wayne price? after a few minutes of chatting back and forth about price gouging they agreed to give me the lower price.still pissed about how cheap the radiator is and how such a little tap caused a leak. can't blame this one on GM that's for sure.

Ok so I'm a total novice about to attempt to install a new starter.I have a 2003 base Vibe automatic. A couple of days ago it was sluggish starting. Yesterday, it wouldn't start at all. I looked at the battery which was covered in corrosion and replaced it. (This is the most complicated auto service I've attempted myself to date LOL) Still no go. After checking out this forum, I smacked the the starter with a wrench while a friend turned the key and it started. I then drove over to Autozone where they tested the battery and alternator (both good) but when they were going to test the starter, no start. He said yup it's fried and sold me a starter for $99.Another smack with the wrench and I'm home, part in hand, going to give this a try Wish me luck.

The starter is blue and easy to see. It's on the front of the engine. I removed it without removing anything else or gettign under the car. It's very simple to do. I did it all from the top. two bolts on the same side that mount to the transmission. THen you pull the harness. Very simple. Not even 5 minutes to get it out. This car has so far been my favorite as far as mechanical repairs. So simple...