GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Car always started fine with no issues.
Random one day turned key in ignition and got nothing, one click with no start, no crank.
Tried several times with same result.
Gave in like 10 minutes and tried again and the issue resolved and it fired right up.
Drove home and around town several times over the course of days with no issue at all.
Went out to start again one day and same issue, just a click with no start, no crank.
Noticed that partial turn of key in ignition has dash lights, gauges, headlights, radio, fan and courtesy light on.
As soon as I fully turn key oil ignition to run position, dash lights and radio go out.
Headlights, headliner courtesy light and fan remain on.
Turn off key and back partial, all back on. Turn key fully and off they go.
Battery tests good under (2) load tests with 12.8 volts.
Applicable fuses in cabin and under hood seem to be fine.
Wire brushed and cleaned battery posts and terminal connectors.
Wire brushed ground cable from negative battery terminal to chassis ground so good metal to metal connection.
Starter relay tests good.
Attempt to jump from battery of another car and same issue, single click with no start, no crank.
That would seem to rule out power issues of battery, ground cable, etc...
Feel like I am down to the solenoid/starter but seems odd for it to not have any issues, and then just no crank, then come back after 10 minutes and be fine for a few weeks, and then immediately back to completely dead.
And not even sure a bad starter would even cause those symptoms.
Would really appreciate any insights and suggestions. Bueller, Bueller, Anyone, Anyone??

Sounds like you've ruled out everything except the starter and the ignition switch.

My vibes only ever failed to start once, it was a bad starter. worked fine and then one day, just click and dead. Some folks here say if you're lucky you can smack the starter and it will work again, that didn't work for me

everything inside going out when you turn the key to start is normal, the ignition switch is wired that way. Headlights and hazards should still work when turned to start though, although the headlights may get a little dimmer. Really dim and it might be the battery.

What voltage do you get at the battery when its running (assuming you can get it running)?

I'd also look at starter solenoid and starter switch. It's also pretty easy to reach the solenoid on top of the starter and try tapping it with a hammer handle next time this happens.

The only time my Vibe failed to start was also the starter solenoid, and just replaced the whole unit since it was so old.