GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi folks.

So, I've read various threads on the board regarding replacement of the starter (2003 Vibe). I think I understand the procedure.

One question - I need to remove electrical connectors at the fan assembly (both at the fan motor and a couple tie down points) and at the starter.

Are there any details instructions folks could give regarding removing these plastic connectors? I hate that they make it so difficult and hard to comprehend what needs to be done to release them.

Thanks.

In other threads, you said you were not getting any voltage to the starter, and that you replaced the starter relay.

Can you feel the starter relay click when you turn the key? Any way to measure if you are getting voltage to the starter when you turn the key? In that thread with the pic of the starter relay location, there's a PDF of the starter circuit wiring diagram. Looks like there's a black wire with red stripe that gets constant power, and an all black wire that gets 12V when trying to start, so look for power switching on, on the all black wire

If the starter relay isn't closing even after you've replaced it with a new (and assumed good one) then it could be something int he ignition switch or if could be one of the safety cut outs. Do you have a manual or automatic transmission car?

And standard questions when something stops working, did you do any modifications to or maintenance on the car that coincided with the onset of the problem? Did you give or get a jump start with another car, and afterwards yours wouldn't start?

joatmon wrote:In other threads, you said you were not getting any voltage to the starter, and that you replaced the starter relay.

Can you feel the starter relay click when you turn the key? Any way to measure if you are getting voltage to the starter when you turn the key? In that thread with the pic of the starter relay location, there's a PDF of the starter circuit wiring diagram. Looks like there's a black wire with red stripe that gets constant power, and an all black wire that gets 12V when trying to start, so look for power switching on, on the all black wire

If the starter relay isn't closing even after you've replaced it with a new (and assumed good one) then it could be something int he ignition switch or if could be one of the safety cut outs. Do you have a manual or automatic transmission car?

And standard questions when something stops working, did you do any modifications to or maintenance on the car that coincided with the onset of the problem? Did you give or get a jump start with another car, and afterwards yours wouldn't start?

Thanks for the interest and the response.

I got the starter removed, and the problem is obvious - there is what I assume to be a ground wire (quite heavy gauge) from the solenoid to the starter motor that had failed. Don't know if it was from corrosion or what, but the electrical circuit could not be completed.

I've got a feeling the guts of the starter are fine...would really be nice if there was some way to just repair that bare, exposed wire. Regardless, I'm picking up a replacement starter today.

cooter wrote: I'm picking up a replacement starter today.

Well a bit late here (you are probably done & back up & running by now) but you know what they say ..... "90% of all electrical problems are due to faulty grounds"

Thus in your case, unfortunately, this advise held true