I replaced the starter in my 2007 pontiac vibe but when I try to start it, I turn the key and all dash lights are good and bright until key is turned all the way and then they go out until release it
Asked by Darren Mar 29, 2015 at 09:46 AM about the 2007 Pontiac Vibe Base
Question type: Maintenance & Repair
After a couple attempts it finally starts and
runs fine. Battery tested fine, replaced
starter. Please help. I'm worried it won't
start when daughter is driving it to or from
school.
6 Answers
You have a loose ground connection(-) on the battery or the battery ground(-) cable is loose or corroded. It should be a simple repair
Tennishoes - I checked battery terminals and both are clean and tight. Only found 2 ground wires under the hood and both were clean and tight. Where else would I find grounded wires?
The next time you turn the key and it does not start, hold the key to the start position and move the shifter from Park to Neutral while holding the key. If it starts while moving the shifter, your neutral safety switch may be going bad.
It is possible that the wire on the starter isn't tight or the ground wire where it is attached to the engine is loose. It is also possible the the starter isn't right it won't be the first time a rebuilt starter wasn't right. If your having the same problem as before you replaced the stater it may be something like the ignition switch I have seen them with burnt terminals because they were loose from the beginning.
all these are good ideas, i would check the positive cable for clean and tight as well. however don't be fooled by 'tight' being clean and tight. it can still have a hard scale on the surface of the posts looking clean when all they are is dry or appear to be corrosion free. make sure both posts have been cleaned with sand paper or equivalent, male and female parts of connections and then press and twist as you install cables. also, try this check. it may work depending on how your car headlights are wired. you'll probably need a second set of eyes. turn the head lights on and then turn the key to start the engine. if you have a bad cable connection somewhere the lights may go very dim when you turn the key. if they stay bright, i would go after the neutral safety switch as was mentioned ( which may only need adjusting) or the starter as has been mentioned... as well as the other items mentioned. don't give up. good luck
