GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello there

Last June 2023 my 2003 Vibe had a NO CRANK NO START power windows down! So I went under hood checked fuses replaced all the mini fuses, 30s 40s and low and behold seen that 100a and snatched it out! Found out after the fact two bolts holds it in! Went on YouTube found out how to really replace/fix it and low and behold as I tightened the smallest bolt I tightened it too much and the head broke offff! The car still wouldn’t crank/start!

Found out on YouTube it was the STARTER RELAY SWITCH/FUSE so now I’m looking in owner manual and no info on location STrelay switch..back to YouTube and found it! It’s located behind the drivers side a/c vent! No tools needed just good finger grips from the top it pops out. The original STRelay has a purple top and off-white body.

Called the Toyota place and get the great news Pontiac no longer exists along with their parts lol but here’s the part no. So I call the nearest advanced auto they had one went there got it put it in and car started right on up!!!!

I was soo happy I went riding and then the battery/alt check engine lights appeared and disappeared so I drove over bff house chilled for few hours and upon leaving I start the car and my lights flickered and I was like wth so I drove home power windows down check engine battery lights appeared again.

I parked and now my windows will not go up! I immediately returned the STRelay with a hassle we don’t do returns on electrical parts...I got my money back and went to NAPA and got one and it still wouldn’t crank start!

Finally broke down and went to AUTOZONE bought a new starter removed it replaced it and it started right on up! Like a champ ! BUTTT still no windows radio a/c fans key fob etc…

Now I’m thinking that first STrelay from advance auto blew my 100a fuse!!! Uggggh Remember that dang small bolt I broke off!?
Now I have to go back to remove it and it was a very difficult task but I did get it out and it was melted on one side in the fuse box.”

Any suggestions from anyone would be appreciated!!! I seen on EBAY where I could buy a new/used fuse box …Is it possible that it can be replaced??

Apologies for my lengthy message.

Welcome to GenVibe. LOTS more info is needed before any of us can chime in to assist you. If I had to take a wild guess to the root of all your problems, it would be this: You bought a FLOODED car !!!!!! How long have you owned it? Where did it originate from? Prior owners? Why was it available (somebody knew of the problems and wanted to unload it quick)? Give us more specific details so we can better help you

I literally just traveled this path (viewtopic.php?t=48532). I didn't realize the bolts either, and apparently the person before me didn't either and left one out which bit me in the glute. The harder side is an M6; you want to make sure the ring terminal is connected to the bar, it's not just the fuse leg. The easier side is an M5. I replaced them both with Philips bolts cause it's a pain to align them and start them as hex bolts. While you have the battery out, and most of the air box out of the way, I recommend cleaning up the ground points. You'll have to read my journey to see if anything else helps you out.

Thanks for reaching out! I’ve had her for 5 years now and I’ve driven her originally from MN to GA back to MN and now she’s here in GA/SC. This is my first time having to spend money for a starter, 100A fuse, and starter relay switch plus mini fuses.
I’m on second battery and the first one I had it 4 years.
I bought it from original owners because they were wanting to buy a new car. I don’t think I bought a flooded car but one things for sure the salt has rusted underneath real bad from winter weather in MN.
THANKS FOR THE WELCOME and just to update you I’ve replaced the 100A fuse again. Will see how she does in the morning.

blitzjon thanks for the info! I went back with the same bolts and made sure I hooked the ring.
if I ever have to go back in there I’ll be sure to use bolts that’s easier! I went to PULLAPART and picked up the 5m bolt and starter relays switch and 100A fuse. I put everything back together and my power windows still not working but the door lock button and key fob works...I replaced the driver door switch with a new one while the car was down. Do you have a clue what it could be?
It got dark on me so as soon as morning comes I will be outside to check everything.
Once again thank you!!

UPDATE:
I had to drill out the first 5mm bolt, do a clean out, and replace with a 100a I grabbed from junkyard and definitely made sure not to over tighten both bolts!!
Thanks for ALLL the feedbacks! Much appreciated!
Now onward to my next problem….

My Vibe is a base model GT without all the powered options. I'm actually glad, less things to worry about when my daughter gets the car. I was scratching my head when I looked for the Integration Relay only to find out mine doesn't have one. Maybe it's an issue for you?

bLITzJoN wrote: ↑Wed Aug 23, 2023 4:46 am My Vibe is a base model GT without all the powered options. I'm actually glad, less things to worry about when my daughter gets the car. I was scratching my head when I looked for the Integration Relay only to find out mine doesn't have one. Maybe it's an issue for you?

I'd bet your car has one, although I'm not sure what purpose it has without power locks. It's a box on the under dash fuse block, in this picture it's the big pale blue thing, although I've seen other pics where its been a different pale color

Mine does not. I don't have power locks, windows, etc... I was shocked when I was looking for it and noticed a place for it, but no minty green box freshness for me. Annnd, I'm glad, it's one less thing I have to worry about.

bLITzJoN wrote: ↑Thu Aug 24, 2023 9:20 am Mine does not. I don't have power locks, windows, etc... I was shocked when I was looking for it and noticed a place for it, but no minty green box freshness for me. And, I'm glad, it's one less thing I have to worry about.

That's one HUGE advantage to not having all the bells & whistles of a loaded car! My older 1992 F-150 is similar to what you have. The ONLY options are factory AC (which I'm glad I got) and a cloth bench seat instead of Vinyl (which I immediately sold to a buddy for $75) and then installed power 50/50 seats out of a "78 Eldorado (after I reupholstered them )