2003 Pontiac Vibe: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 34,000 miles · AZ

Whenever the car is parked outside overnight, and the air temperature drops below about 30 degrees f, the headlights turn on with the headlight switch in the off position. This leads to a dead battery and an inability to start the car the following morning. From my research on this problem, this seems to be a problem with both the 2003 pontiac vibe and its sister car, the 2003 toyota matrix. Toyota has a tsb on the problem for the matrix (el003-03), gm does not have one for the vibe.

Filed Feb 17, 2009 · Electrical, Lights · 200 miles · AZ

An overly sensitive ambient light sensor turns on the headlights and dims the instrument cluster display on a bright sunshine day if the shadow from the a-pillar falls across the sensor. The dimming of the instrument cluster display leads to an inability to read the instruments on a bright sunshine day, thus creating a potential safety hazard. From my research on this problem, this seems to be a problem with both the 2003 pontiac vibe and its sister car, the 2003 toyota matrix. Toyota has a tsb addressing the problem (el007-02), gm does not have one for the vibe.

Filed Jan 29, 2009 · Lights · 140,000 miles · MD

Every several months both headlights (right and left) burn out at the same time. This has effected only the low beams so far. When the bulbs are replaced, they work fine for several months.

Filed Apr 3, 2008 · Lights · 50,000 miles · MO

Tl*-the contact owns a 2003 pontiac vibe. While traveling at night the contact noticed that the headlights of his vehicle became progressively dimmer. On further inspection he realized that the plastic cover on the headlight was becoming clouded. The dealer stated that the failure was in the lens it's self and tired to buff the lens clear to no success. The dealer stated that they would sell him new lens at a cost of $100.00 apiece. The failure mileage was 50,000 and the current mileage was 133,981. Updated 4/25/08

Filed Dec 4, 2006 · Lights · OH

Have had to replace headlamp bulbs (either right or left) 3 times within the last year. I have bought the more expensive ones thinking that the cheaper bulbs were the problem and it is still doing it. Have had 2003 vibe since november 2002 and have 125,000 miles on it. First set of headlamps lasted 2 years.

Filed Jul 11, 2006 · Body, Lights · TX

I own a 2003 pontiac vibe gt. There is a constant problem with the visibility of the instrument panel, during sunny times wearing sunglasses and during morning and evening hours when the light sensor turns on the headlights and dims the panel lights. I should not have to struggle to read readily available information such as speed! I can't avoid driving my car in certain lightning conditions.

Filed Jun 24, 2005 · Electrical · 23,000 miles · MI

I have owned my vehicle 20 months, in that time, the headlights have failed 7 times at 3-4 month intervals beginning about 3 months after purchase, usually alternating between right and left. This was not life threatening but it could have been dangerous had it occurred while driving at night. *sc

Filed Apr 22, 2004 · Electrical · VA

When the engine is started under the following conditions, the interior gear lights do not come on. (1) headlight switch is in the off position. (2) engine is started in the dark (no daylight) when the enging is started, the dashboard lights illuminate but the gear lights (p,r,n,d.l) do not. When the parking brake is released, the headlights come on (even though the headlight switch remains in the off position...this is because of the automatic ligh sensor)but the gear lights do not come on right away. There is a 30-45 second delay for the gear lights to appear. This means I am sitting in the car with the option of putting the car in gear, but the gear indicator lights are not visible. When I purchased the car, the gear lights came on simultaneously with the dash lights. Now, there is an increasing delay. I believe eventually the gear lights will not come on at all. To me, this is a safety issue. I firmly believe that whenever the engine is running, the gear lights should be visible. My dealer and general motors tell me that this is normal operation of the car and they refuse to repair it. My sister's 2004 pontiac vibe does not operate this way.

Filed Feb 9, 2004 · Lights · IA

Automatic headlight sensor is too sensitive.

Filed Feb 3, 2004 · Lights · MN

Chronic problem of overly sensitive "automatic" headlights turn on during daylight hours making instrument panel lights unreadable.

Filed Jan 31, 2003 · Lights · MI

Automatic headlights turn on in daylight - can't see dash. In the morning and evening when the sun is low and in your eyes, I wear sunglasses like most drivers. The automatic lights come on and dim the dash making it impossible to see. You can fiddle with the dash intensity and read it again, but it is annoying to do this all the time. The radio stays dim and is unadjustable by the dash intensity lights, making it impossible to see. You have to move your head to funny angles or remove your sunglasses to see the radio. I feel fiddling with the dash lights and/or removing your sunglasses to operate the radio are distractions to the driver and increase risk of accident. The dash lighting on the vibes is critical as it is because the dash lights must stay on all the time. This is because they are in a tunnel and you can not see them, even in bright light, without the dash lights on. Couple in the fact that pontiac uses red backlighting for the dashboard and the dash gages are already at a sight disadvantage. Throw in a touchy light sensor that turns on your headlights (and dims the dash) and it is not a good situation. The sensor is too sensitive and I noticed complaints on forums such as genvibe.com and matrix-vibe.net that make mention of the same problem. Sensor should be disactivated or replaced with less sensitive type. I have a 2000 pontiac montanna with automatic lights and it works flawless. Only comes on at dusk. Never comes on with a low sun (dawn, dusk) shinning in your eyes. Please note that my light sensor in my vibe is in the upper left corner of dash and it is not blocked in any manner. This location seems stupid for a light sensor also, as shadows from the a-pillar make it come in of the sun is blocked from the a-pillar. Keith nelson

Filed Jan 21, 2003 · Lights · 900 miles · CA

2003 pontiac vibe. Vehicle has a sensor that turns on the interior lights and taillights. These lights are not illuminated until 15-20 seconds elapse. I noted my wife driving away with headlights but no tail lights after she started the car after sunset. The tail lights came on as she was two blocks down the street. I believe this is a very danger design flaw that should be corrected immediately. Thanks