GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hi there

I have a 2008 Vibe That has a weird problem. When I turn the key all the lights work as normal but if I start it then when it is running no lights, radio,fan etc work. I have replace the 100 amp fuse and put a new alternator. Any thoughts what to do next ?? I have search the net but cannot find anything

Thanks

If I remember right, when you turn the key to start, some of the accessories get disconnected until you release the spring loaded key back into the run position. Is it possible that there's something going on with the ignition switch, that isn't reconnecting when you let go of the key?

and welcome to genvibe

would there be relay in the system?

joatmon wrote: ↑Mon Dec 16, 2019 4:50 pm If I remember right, when you turn the key to start, some of the accessories get disconnected until you release the spring loaded key back into the run position. Is it possible that there's something going on with the ignition switch, that isn't reconnecting when you let go of the key?

and welcome to genvibe

Is there a relay in that system I wonder?

do the lights come back on as normal when starting? if so, it is exactly as joatmon mentioned.

zbyers wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2019 7:31 am do the lights come back on as normal when starting? if so, it is exactly as joatmon mentioned.

no , when it starts I have nothing no lights ,fan ,radio, horn etc

does the vehicle run fine? is the CEL on?

i'd be leaning towards a possible bad ground.

Is it just interior lights? or do the headlights not work too?

Feel free to update your location in your profile. perhaps someone is close to you and could give you a hand.

you could also check on the GenVibe Facebook page. Link to that is in my signature.

KENBOB wrote: ↑Wed Dec 18, 2019 10:33 am
no , when it starts I have nothing no lights ,fan ,radio, horn etc

The horn doesn't go through the ignition switch, so my first guess can't be the problem.


Its a weird problem that hasn't been mentioned here before. Could be a loose or bad connection somewhere, but I'm not sure where to look.

many electrical things stop working when the engine is running. Do they start working right away when you stop the engine? Aside from enough to keep the engine running, are there any electrical circuits/devices that still work when the engine is running?

Was any work/maintenance/repair/modification/damage done to the car that caused this to start happening, or was it just something out of the blue one day?

Hi there

Problem solved, it was the internal regulator in the alternator, that blew the 100 amp main fuse. Changed both and back on my way. 100 amp main fuse was a bit of a (removed) to change

KENBOB wrote: ↑Tue Feb 04, 2020 5:19 am Hi there

Problem solved, it was the internal regulator in the alternator, that blew the 100 amp main fuse. Changed both and back on my way. 100 amp main fuse was a bit of a (removed) to change

Thanks for the update. Now the next person has something to check. Checking that fuse will always be a woolybooger, as my mother often said.

Thanks for posting the solution KENBOB.
THAT is what makes this forum a valuable resource!
A big thumbs up for you! (too bad there is no smilie for that)