GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Good morning all.

My wife was driving my 2003 Vibe FWD, 5 speed manual yesterday, came out from shopping and car won't start. Everything on dash is on, car locks fine, lights work fine.
When key is turned, nothing at all. She got home by push starting. I tried last night, same thing.

I'm going to clean the battery posts and check the ground. I can hear noise from the behind me which I imagine is the fuel pump. The car has 240,000 km and has been the most dependable vehicle I have ever owned (apart from a transmission rebuild).

Can any of you GenViber's offer suggestions on what to check? I'm in a rural area and the only way to get it started right now is to push it

Although mechanically inclined, I am not fully equipped with test equipment etc. and would have to take it to a shop, and still be stuck.

Appreciate your input!

If it doesn't start after a full battery charge and the terminals look tight, it's most likely the starter. It's attached to the engine at the front of the car.
A good test would be to have someone try to start the car while someone else whacks the starter with a broom handle. Starter replacement is a common failure especially if it's the original.

This link may help:

http://easyautodiagnostics.com/bad_star ... ests_1.php

If you have a volt meter, check for voltage at the starter (big cable). Check for a signal voltage on the smaller wire when the key is turned to the start position. If you have the voltage then most likely the starter is bad. As a final check, pull the starter and take it to the auto parts store and let them test it. Most stores have test machines for this, and as a side note; take it to the store during the normal work day Monday - Friday were you have a better chance of someone at the store that actually knows how to run the tester. Tools are only as good as the person using them. Good luck with the troubleshooting.

We'll...it was the starter. Being where it is located, it would have been impossible to notice, but there is a braided copper wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter. It was severed, almost like it had been cut.

Followed this video on YouTube which assisted dramatically..... http://youtu.be/p6Q99_JZH7c" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Re and re was about an hour. Started right up after that! Thanks for your help!

but there is a braided copper wire that goes from the solenoid to the starter. It was severed, almost like it had been cut.

So you fixed the wire and did not have to replace the starter? If the wire was broken you may want to check your motor/trans axle mounts. If you have a bad mount, it will let the motor roll around under torque/load. This movement will pull on the wiring and cables and could cause the break in the wire. You have to ask yourself: What would break the wire?