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03 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) wont start suddenly - security issue ?
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imukherjee
New User
Sep 7, 2009, 8:01 AM
Post #1 of 2
(5920 views)
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03 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) wont start suddenly - security issue ?
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Hi guys.. thanks a lot in advance for your help and time.
My car's a 03 Pontiac Vibe that I bought used just 4 months back .. The dealer had put in what he called a new battery at that point, and I have never had any problems with it up until last night - have checked the battery / alternator voltages a couple of times .. 12+ volts.. always looked ok.. also no deposition on the battery contacts - clean. Wiring looks clean too .. the issue is intermittent, but very repeatable as you'll see. Also, perhaps very relevant : My car's security system has an ignition turn off feature. Normally, if I used the remote to lock and subsequently unlock the Vibe, I have to get in the car and close all the doors before it'll let me start the ignition.
It was running fine till last night. This morning I unlocked it using the remote, got in and as I was turning the ignition on, my wife opened the side door, and it didn't start - just clicked once but then seemed to loose all electrical contact -- won't start - no lights .. no click .. nothing. Initially I thought it was the ground - so I popped the hood and tried to look at it. I noticed every time I touch the battery - even if I nudge it a wee little bit -- it immediately restores the electrical circuit (temporarily) - the security alarm goes off- the horn starts blaring, dash lights come on, my remote can open/close the locks etc. So I hit unlock on the remote, the alarm turns off (horn stops), i get it and car and try to start it - I hear one click and just like that the electrical connection goes again - lights off, remote not working no circuit. And this whole cycle repeats every time - I go out and touch the battery again (rubber handle) and horns starts blaring again.
I am now wondering if this is a loose connection somewhere in the wiring harness, or just the ground, or some faulty security sensor - or something to do with the security - am in a new neighborhood...no mechanic I know nearby so I thought I'd get an idea what it might be, particularly since I may have to pay quite a bit to tow it to the nearest mechanic.
Thanks again,
~IM
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Sidom
Veteran
/ Moderator
Sep 7, 2009, 1:29 PM
Post #2 of 2
(5912 views)
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Re: 03 Pontiac Vibe (Toyota Matrix) wont start suddenly - security issue ?
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Well it really sounds like you have a connection problem. With connections you really can't tell by looking at them. The best thing to do 1st would be to take the pos & neg cables off & clean them really good with a wire brush and see if that makes a difference
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