GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I don't know if this is a problem any other vibe owners have experienced, but my vibe gives me a pretty serious jolt every time I get out of the car -- usually when I touch the door to close it. I know that most cars do this from time to time and that it is simply a byproduct of much of the static electricity that builds up, but I've never been in a car that does it every time you get out. Plus the magnitude of the shock is pretty significant -- I've cursed on more than one occasion from the experience. Anybody have any helpful hints to eliminate this problem?Thanks,Smitty

better have the dealer look at all of the major grounds on the car. I've seen new trucks with loose ground wires do what you say. just a suggestion.

The static charge is developed by friction between your clothes and the seat material, especially in very dry air. Try touching a grounded metal part, e.g. door frame, while you slide out of the seat. This will allow the charge to dissapate before it can build to painful levels. (Or you could experiment with different clothing fabrics...)

Until you get the problem resolved, be sure to always discharge any static you have built up on the door or body before you pump gas!Otherwise...bye bye smitty!

Hi Smitty,Just started having this problem as well. Had it with my Truck too... But for me, it's a combination of the drier weather AND most noticable, my Reebok Walking/Hiking shoes. I touch anything metal after getting out of the vehicle and *ZAP*. This doesn't happen as much with normal tennis shoes or regular shoes so far...Now I will tell you, I once had these Reeboks on while painting in a school hall-way. Had lots of plastic down. After finished, I was wadding up the plastic and every time I moved I felt snaps all over my body and even more so through my right foot's big toe. A friend who was helping me didn't believe me so I touched him as you would touch someone to zap em and it was a seriously major shock. And btw, my big toe still hurts from time to time from it. (this was 2 years ago!)So, look at your shoes... wearing boots? Might be the same thing that I experience.Dave

I thought it was just me. I have nvere been shocked this bad before in any car. Sometimes it's so hard that I let out a bunch of expletives. If I remember, Itry and touch something else before touching the door.

Quote, originally posted by MadBill »The static charge is developed by friction between your clothes and the seat material, especially in very dry air. Try touching a grounded metal part, e.g. door frame, while you slide out of the seat. This will allow the charge to dissapate before it can build to painful levels. (Or you could experiment with different clothing fabrics...)This is true and the fact the most people turn on their heat, "dries" out the air in inside the vehicle and makes it more prone to happen! I could sit here and tell you that your gonna be a goner if you pump gas yada yada yada BUT you asked for help! So use static guard and spray it on your car mats and seats. For added protection take an unused fabric softener sheet and rub it on your seats! Both will get rid of the problem! Good Luck!

it's funny i was ahving this very conversation with my dad he was complaining about his truck and i was like yeah my vibe does the same thing

I haven't had that problem in the Vibe, but have it big time at work. Sometimes I can pull a spark out of the metal corner bead in the sheetrock in the walls, and the door knobs are just waiting to bite. I have gotten in th e habit of using my keys to touch door knobs before grabbing them, and also sometimes use my metal watchband to dischage. Doesn't prevent the sparks, but using something other than skin takes the pain out of it.

Thanks for all the helpful hints guys. And yes, the whole gas pumping process has taken on a whole new sense of caution -- one little spark and there could be one less genvibe member! Smitty

All I can say is PICK UP YOUR (removed)!!!!I get it too, but attribute it to sliding out of the car seat.

Yeah, happens to me too. Only in the colder days though... It's to be expected, since the car doesn't have a humidifier or anything. They aren't big shocks..but definitely enough to make you jump a little.

its like that here too, and i work in dozons of cars a day. I tend to get used to it now. Its fun to shock other people though, kinda gets the moral of the install bay up. Its been hell with the holiday season. Everyone is gonna be getting their stereo's for christmas, which means hundreds of people are gonna come running to best buy to get it installed. This is gonna suck, maybe i can zap some of the customers away

Yup, I agress with msmyer. Control static at all costs. I have one coat that is bad for static... I keep a dryer sheet in the pocket, it does help.I discharge my static with a touch of the forearm to the top of the door before I dare touch the door with my bare hand. The humidity level here is way to low to do so otherwise. ZAP!

The static can be fun sometimes especially at work when you drive people to lunch. Just get out of the car first, but don't touch the door or anything else then wait for the person to get out of the back seat then....Whammo right on the back of the neck. Caution: Just hope the person doesn't have "gas". lol

Drive naked

Or buy a 'Static Strap'. Its a piece of nylon/rubber you bolt to the under carraige to ground the car, and drags on the ground. Stop the zap instantly!

I guess I must be lucky when I get out because I've never been shocked I have laughed pretty often hearing other people get out and yell "SONUVA-..."

Used to happen to me all the time in my other vehicles. I was complaining about it one day and the GF said, "well DUH you arent using fabric softner!". Guess what. Been using Fabric softner in the wash for the last 3 years and no more zappage! I quit using it in the summer, but she always uses it when she tosses in a load of wash.

I get the ol' SHOCK-A-ROO when I get out of the car too......I LIKE IT. It lets me know I'm ALIVE!!