GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

OK, here are the details. 03 Vibe GT with 110,00 miles.Over the past month or so, while turning over on the starter, she has seemed weaker than normal (operation of the car once started it fine). Over the past few days, got even weaker. Today, finally will not turn over at all on the starter. On the lucky side, at least it was in the driveway. Did a little research here, and then....Here are the steps I have taken.1- Tested battery, OK, but over 4 years old so I picked up a new one to be safe. Installed.2- Jumped clutch pedal switch to verify the switch was working. Same no start (no motor turn over to be specific).3- Pulled and tested the Starter Relay ***. Tested under load as well. IN addition, you can here it click when turning the ignition.4- Pulled the starter....taking it to get tested? I would love some verification that my steps are correct and that taking in the starter is the right way to go. It was an easy pull on the starter, and I have the specs from here, might be able to test it myself if all else fails.Thanks! Jeff

Sounds good, I would have checked the voltage present at the starter motor when the key was turned. Could be the starter or it could be a bad connection somewhere.

Jim,Thanks for the reply. True, it could be a bad cable or contact as well. Test the hot side running to the starter, then the ground line from the battery to the block?

you need a new starter. I think you could have saved some cash on the battery but still no biggie in replacing that too. The reason I say your starter is done is because you checked battery, it was ok. That means alternator is fine and doing its job. the symptoms you describe sound like a slowly failing starter. I had one go on me one time and it was pretty much the exact same thing you described. I decided to replace the whole starter but, I've heard sometimes you can just replace the solenoid on certain cars. Not sure what you need to figure out to replace just the solenoid or if that's even possible. I just replaced the entire starter when I did mine but, it wasn't on a vibe.hey if you go for a drive and get stranded, you can always get some people to push your car, do the push and roll-dump the clutch start up!

Yes, starter was bad. New one in and all is good. The battery was over four years old and was the second battery for the car....so, no problem replacing it.I think the slow leak on the water pump is next.....