Pontiac Vibe & Toyota Corolla Starter Motor – 2003-2008 L4 (OE 17841)

A Starter Motor for the Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla

This is a high-torque starter motor built for the 2003-2008 Pontiac Vibe and 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla, both with the L4 engine, cross-referenced to OE number 17841 and a long list of interchange numbers including 17841N, 28100-0D080, 28100-22090, and several Bosch and Denso equivalents. If your Corolla or Vibe is cranking slowly, clicking without turning over, or not starting at all, this starter is built as a direct OE-spec replacement rather than a generic universal unit.

Why the Vibe and Corolla Share a Starter

The Pontiac Vibe was built alongside the Toyota Corolla in a joint venture between GM and Toyota, and the two cars shared the same engine and drivetrain hardware underneath their different badges and sheet metal. That's exactly why a starter cross-referenced to OE number 17841 lines up with both nameplates instead of being split into two separate listings — mechanically, the starting system on these two cars is the same part.

Key Features

• Cross-referenced to OE number 17841 and OEM numbers 28100-0D080, 28100-22090, 428000-0340, and more
• 1600W rated power with a 263A max current draw for strong, consistent cranking
• IP54 protection rating against dust and moisture intrusion
• 10-tooth gear, clockwise rotation, to match the factory flywheel

Specifications

• OE number: 17841 (also 17841N, 28100-0D080, 28100-22090, 428000-0340/0341/1311, 281000D080, 2810022090, 4280000340/0341, 428000131, 410-52207)
• Voltage: 12V DC
• Rated power: 1600W
• Max current: 263A
• Rotation: Clockwise (CW)
• Gear teeth: 10T
• Protection rating: IP54

Compatibility

Fits the 2003-2008 Pontiac Vibe with the L4 engine and the 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla with the L4 engine. Because both cars used more than one engine option across trims in these model years, it's worth matching this starter's OE number against your specific Vibe or Corolla's engine before ordering.

Signs Your Starter Is Failing

A failing starter on these cars usually shows up as a single click with no crank, a slow or labored crank that eventually catches, or an intermittent no-start that seems to come and go depending on temperature or how long the car has been sitting. Because the starter draws a heavy current for a brief moment every time the key turns, a weakening internal motor or worn solenoid tends to get worse gradually rather than failing all at once, which is why catching it early usually means less time stranded.

Why Owners Replace the Full Starter

On a starter this age, the internal brushes, solenoid contacts, and bushings have usually all seen similar wear from years of heat cycling under the hood, so replacing the complete unit is generally more reliable than attempting to rebuild just one worn component. A direct OE-spec replacement also means the mounting bolts, electrical connector, and gear engagement all match what's already on the car, without the fitment guesswork that comes with a generic aftermarket substitute. For a car in this age range, that's usually the difference between a job that's done in an afternoon and one that turns into a second trip back under the hood because a generic part didn't quite seat right.

Installation Notes

Starter access varies depending on which side of the engine bay it's mounted on, but on most Vibe and Corolla applications it's a matter of disconnecting the battery, removing the electrical connections at the starter, and unbolting it from the bell housing. It's worth cleaning the mounting surface and connector terminals before installing the new unit, since corrosion at those contact points is a common reason a freshly installed starter still seems to underperform. Disconnecting the battery first isn't optional here — the starter circuit carries enough current that a stray tool touching the wrong terminal can do real damage.

Ordering Information

This Pontiac Vibe and Toyota Corolla starter motor is in stock and ships ready to install. Our Shipping Information page covers current timelines, and our Warranty and Returns pages explain what to do if anything isn't right on arrival. Not sure this matches your specific engine? Our Request a Part page is the fastest way to confirm before you order.

Related Parts

This starter is listed in our Starters collection, along with our Toyota collection, where you'll find other parts for the Corolla platform.