Search found 738 matches

by Bookworm
Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:42 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Aftermarket wheels ..are stock lug studs long enough?
Replies: 1
Views: 833

Re: Aftermarket wheels ..are stock lug studs long enough?

My 03 vibe had aftermarket aluminum wheels, with spline nuts. The lugs were long enough for that. I suspect it depends on the wheels. If you want wider wheels, probably not.
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:41 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

I know a master service tech who, after 27 years, left Subaru two weeks ago. (former employee was placed as manager over him, extremely abusive, he was only the first who quit, three others have also quit. GM tried to offer him more money and NOT have that guy involved in his work, but the reply was...
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: vibe overheating
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: vibe overheating

It's been a lot of years since I blew a head gasket, but _usually_ you see it as white smoke coming out of the tailpipe, if you have coolant leaking into the combustion chambers. Blue or grey smoke is oil moving into the combustion chambers. Black smoke is screwed up fuel/air mix. Coolant in the oil...
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 24, 2022 12:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2004 Metal Tank Swapped With Newer Platic Tank
Replies: 11
Views: 1361

Re: 2004 Metal Tank Swapped With Newer Platic Tank

My 07 Vibe and my current 07 Matrix both have the overdrive button, for what it's worth.

The light is in the temperature sub cluster, bottom right.

Hope that helps.
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:50 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2004 Metal Tank Swapped With Newer Platic Tank
Replies: 11
Views: 1361

Re: 2004 Metal Tank Swapped With Newer Platic Tank

Except that static discharge isn't the threat that the safety nuts would have you believe. Frankly, it's a good idea to keep the darned can on the ground no matter what, because you then have both hands readily available for stability and control. People keep thinking they're more skilled and coordi...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 23, 2022 4:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: vibe overheating
Replies: 7
Views: 1194

Re: vibe overheating

Honestly, to me that sounds like a classic thermostatic relief valve failure. People call it a 'thermostat', but it's not - it just opens up at a specific temperature, then closes when it cools. (bimetallic spring) Do you get any relief by opening up the heat in your car on full blast? Does the cool...
by Bookworm
Sun Jun 19, 2022 12:00 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: P0171 - driving me nuts.
Replies: 33
Views: 4032

Re: P0171 - driving me nuts.

More 'eeenteresting'. I went ahead and added one gallon of E85 (probably closer to 53%, but what the hey) to 9-10 gallons of regular E10 ('regular unleaded'). I knew it was likely to set the P0171 back off again, so didn't worry about it when it did that after about a third of a tank. The reason for...
by Bookworm
Sat Jun 18, 2022 1:01 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Temperature shows hot all the time!
Replies: 2
Views: 531

Re: Temperature shows hot all the time!

You may/probably also have a bad thermostatic relief valve, aka 'thermostat'. Buy the Aisin one. It's underneath the intake manifold, and as that usually needs a new gasket as well, it's the easiest way to get to the thermostat rather than the convoluted "pull the belt, alternator, and wiring&q...
by Bookworm
Sat Jun 18, 2022 12:57 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

The dealer invoice _is_ what they pay, in most cases. In the case of the trucks from the 'pool', however, the 'pool' company got 'invoice', plus any overages for them sitting on the lot too long, and the fees for outfitting the trucks. (service body, booms, etc) For the cars, just think of it as the...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 16, 2022 12:37 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

I know a little about the cars and how they're distributed. One customer was a 'pool' for several manufacturers. That is, they kept the heavy duty trucks on their lot, which would be sold through dealers. Most didn't have bodies on them, just the cab and frame. The dealer would only have one, for ex...
by Bookworm
Wed Jun 15, 2022 11:34 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Hi! Recent new owner, small work i plan doing and welcome to the club
Replies: 4
Views: 624

Re: Hi! Recent new owner, small work i plan doing and welcome to the club

The headlights are pretty limited on models they support. That said, most places will cross-reference, so you're good there. The main problem is getting the buggers OUT. Expect to put a lot of time into it - I think I'd rather change the valve cover gasket than a headlight. Congratulations on the pu...
by Bookworm
Wed Jun 15, 2022 11:29 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

I actually like the looks and specs on the Cross. Maybe it's because I don't need a fast car. Never have. Cars, to me, are tools. They should do the job you need them to do as best as possible, but there's no need to jazz them up any more than necessary - like jewelling a hammer, or gold plating a s...
by Bookworm
Sat Jun 11, 2022 1:21 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

I've owned 7 vehicles in 35 years of driving, (one being a secondary 'spare' vehicle, so it doesn't count for years driven) and I've owned one new vehicle in that time. Of course, while I loved that 98 Kia Sportage, it had a failed manual transmission after the warranty gave out, and was never fixed...
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 1:50 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!
Replies: 7
Views: 1325

Re: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!

See if you can find a diagram for a 2010 toyota corolla. There were zillions of those built, and they probably had the same layout.
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 1:36 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

What you have to do is avoid the _car_ industry information about the batteries. Here's the relative scoop on most well made lithium batteries. 1) Energy density is somewhat related to heat, but as long as you're not dying, they're not dying. If they get too cold (freezing and below) then the bigges...
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 11:44 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Oil Light On And Noise From Top Of Motor
Replies: 13
Views: 3794

Re: Oil Light On And Noise From Top Of Motor

To make you feel a bit better, from your post in another thread - don't worry so much about the oil weight, unless you're in a cold climate. Here in Houston, I switched my 07 Vibe to 10w40 due to a seal leak. It did help and the car had no issues. I probably could have used straight 40 weight oil, a...
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 11:34 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: '03 GT - won't start & weird electric problem
Replies: 5
Views: 603

Re: '03 GT - won't start & weird electric problem

I'll second (third) the battery suspicion. I had a 'good' battery that was in really hot weather for a bit. It then started doing something similar. Minor draw, no issue. Big draw.. bonk.
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 11:29 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: AC Drain Clogged
Replies: 2
Views: 560

Re: AC Drain Clogged

Here in houston, if it stays dry enough for two or three days, you can end up with a muddauber wasp plugging up the end of the tube. The only way to check is to get under the engine and try to run a thin wire into the drain.
by Bookworm
Fri Jun 10, 2022 11:24 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 76114

Re: Auto Show Hunters

Just something to plug into your thinking about hybrids. In general, hybrids can be great - for about 100,000 miles. After that, the hybrid systems start to break down, just like the ICE stuff starts needing more maintenance. Hybrid systems are like gasoline turbos - great in concept, terrible in pr...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:48 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: 2003-2008 Vibe Inner Tie Rod Replacement
Replies: 7
Views: 3951

Re: 2003-2008 Vibe Inner Tie Rod Replacement

Just a mention - you can get a basic tie rod removal tool from Harbor Freight for about $40, as of the time of this posting.

That's if you might need to keep it more than a few days, as life gets you behind. Or you want it for replacing the other side next week.
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:44 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Questions Regarding Service Manuals
Replies: 4
Views: 930

Re: Questions Regarding Service Manuals

Even with a standard transmission, with that many miles, I'd still do a drain and fill on the gear oil. (or whatever that one uses).
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 03 vibe sound system question/discussion
Replies: 45
Views: 16519

Re: 03 vibe sound system question/discussion

So you don't feel like you've been completely ignored - I don't know. I haven't tried to put in aftermarket speakers into any of my three Vibe/Matrix. (two vibe, one matrix). However, there should be a good amount of information in the archives from 07-11, when there was a lot of heavy modding going...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:39 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: replacement radio
Replies: 6
Views: 2018

Re: replacement radio

I ended up getting a Kenwood dual DIN radio from Crutchfield. So far, I've been pretty pleased. I may end up replacing speakers, but for now, it's fine. Big surprises from the bluetooth audio, however. '10' is a decent volume for the radio. '29' is more a volume for the bluetooth. Switch from blueto...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:36 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Stumped on oil leak from rear diff
Replies: 2
Views: 818

Re: Stumped on oil leak from rear diff

One thought is that it may need to seat under load (vibration).

Another is that perhaps it's not supposed to have the washers, and that's why they weren't present on disassembly?

A third is that maybe there WAS still a washer present, and now you have a doubled up washer.
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:33 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gen2 2.4L E85 mix results (california)
Replies: 1
Views: 785

Re: Gen2 2.4L E85 mix results (california)

The math you'll want to do is calculate cents per mile, not MPG or cost per tank.
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:31 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!
Replies: 7
Views: 1325

Re: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!

Not really experienced with the post-08 refresh years.

You might check some of the data available at Toyota Nation on the Matrix, since they're the same car. It may be one of them has run across the issue.
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:27 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Engine Blown @ 86,000?
Replies: 15
Views: 1863

Re: Engine Blown @ 86,000?

The problem is _what_ is blown. Throwing a rod can be relatively minor, or it could be 'blow a chunk out of the engine'. A worn piston rod can break, or it can wallow out on the cam, etc. If you want to spend the time on it, you _could_ pull the engine out, put it on a stand, and take it to bits jus...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 09, 2022 11:25 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: P0171 - driving me nuts.
Replies: 33
Views: 4032

Re: P0171 - driving me nuts.

Latest update -some good news. I have not yet replaced the fuel injectors, but it's looking more and more like I will need to replace them. I've had the persistent P0171 code. Until I could get it to a shop, I just lived with it. Last week, I checked the codes again, and found an additional code - P...
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:25 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Plastic wheel covers, how to remove and paint?
Replies: 20
Views: 7078

Re: Plastic wheel covers, how to remove and paint?

I managed to get a clearance set of 4 plastic wheel covers for under $10. Definitely a better bargain than spending hours and $ sanding, prepping, painting, and putting old ones back on :) (I was originally just going to paint the steel wheels and call it a day)
by Bookworm
Thu Jun 02, 2022 9:20 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!
Replies: 7
Views: 1325

Re: 2010 Vibe, AC won't take a charge!

This will sound really ... stupid, but did you check the compressor to make sure it didn't have any outlet/inlet plugs? I've seen that on pumps and similar before, to try to make sure nothing gets into the works before you're ready to hook it up to sealed piping.
by Bookworm
Tue May 31, 2022 1:42 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: PCV valve
Replies: 21
Views: 5137

Re: PCV valve

They aren't the same engine! Sort of. The valve covers are two different parts, depending on where the engine was made. Some are the metric thread, some are the SAE thread. You can tell by the colour of the lock tite, and the part number you need is written on the PCV Valve.
by Bookworm
Tue May 31, 2022 1:40 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Coolant - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Replies: 6
Views: 2063

Re: Coolant - 2009 Pontiac Vibe

If you do a flush by using the water pump to push everything through the system, you won't have issues. It's only those machine 'forced flush' systems that kill coolant/transmission systems. (Well, unless you had one about to come apart due to corrosion _anyway_)
by Bookworm
Wed May 18, 2022 9:20 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Rear creaking noises 2005 FWD vibe
Replies: 3
Views: 560

Re: Rear creaking noises 2005 FWD vibe

I'd second the try to reproduce it.

In fact, if you can, get someone _else_ to get in and out of the car while you walk around it.

It _could_ be as simple as hinge or latch points needing a bit of grease. Even flex in the rear hatch.
by Bookworm
Wed May 18, 2022 9:18 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: NEW MEMBER! Just bought a vibe. Im customizing it...
Replies: 4
Views: 849

Re: NEW MEMBER! Just bought a vibe. Im customizing it...

joatmon wrote: Sun May 15, 2022 2:58 pm Sounds pretty cool and welcome to genvibe!

Unlike other car forums, we don't bash anyone(unless they do something stupid like glueing nails to the airbag cover) so post up pix!
I only did that _once_, and I don't carry passengers. I needed a place to hang my hats.
by Bookworm
Thu May 12, 2022 11:33 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 07 Vibe not accelerating after AC repair
Replies: 1
Views: 467

Re: 07 Vibe not accelerating after AC repair

There are so many reasons why you wouldn't get acceleration. That's a drive by wire vehicle. I'd recommend taking the car somewhere to get an in-depth code check done - not by the dealer. AutoZone/Oreilly/Advance auto - most of those will do some code reading, but you might need to take it to a full...
by Bookworm
Sat May 07, 2022 11:20 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Anyone experienced issues transmission ?
Replies: 6
Views: 881

Re: Anyone experienced issues transmission ?

Ahh damn so disappointed I do luv vibe /matrix I’ll make An appointment for transmission to see flush clean up My friend said that her fault for got stuck and too much forward and backward gave up got towed out of area back December 2019. Stranger the engine runs like purrr. Trying solves issues be...
by Bookworm
Sat May 07, 2022 11:14 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Drivers side headlight bulb replacement!
Replies: 6
Views: 1271

Re: Drivers side headlight bulb replacement!

I usually managed to get by with the battery in place but it's so much easier when it is removed. When disconnecting the battery on these dinosaurs, worst case is the engine will idle like crap for a while until the various parameters are relearned. And if you have an aftermarket stereo, your milea...
by Bookworm
Wed May 04, 2022 7:18 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: A new member from Philly, PA
Replies: 9
Views: 1178

Re: A new member from Philly, PA

The key on a pull bleed is that you _have_ to close the bleeder while you're applying vacuum. Those bubbles you're seeing are from the bleeder valve itself. As long as you close the bleeder while under vacuum, no air goes back in the lines. For example, I did a full bleed on the front and back brake...
by Bookworm
Tue May 03, 2022 7:17 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: A new member from Philly, PA
Replies: 9
Views: 1178

Re: A new member from Philly, PA

I did it the other way. I didn't put pressure on the reservoir. I put vacuum on the bleeder nipples. That's where having ABS makes it slightly more difficult :) (my new-ish one isn't an ABS car, so no problems) Never seen anyone do a push bleed without having someone use the brake pedal, only a pull...
by Bookworm
Fri Apr 29, 2022 5:18 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: A new member from Philly, PA
Replies: 9
Views: 1178

Re: A new member from Philly, PA

With that little mileage, I think you'll be happy with it. Even if they were short haul miles, the engine does well with them. The one thing I'll say is make sure to flush (not just drain and fill, unless you do it several times) the coolant system. If your heater core starts to corrode, it's a nigh...
by Bookworm
Sat Apr 23, 2022 10:31 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Saving the Blue Vibe
Replies: 14
Views: 2168

Re: Saving the Blue Vibe

It's helped me. I think the main problem with the transmissions, when people say "DON'T CHANGE IT!" is from people doing flushes, not drain and fills. I've had two cars that didn't get the transmission fluid serviced "on time", and both benefited from a high mileage drain and fill.
by Bookworm
Thu Apr 21, 2022 11:08 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Spare tire donut for sale
Replies: 2
Views: 1406

Re: Spare tire donut for sale

My father's Hyundai came with... a can of tire inflater goo. They hunted around and tracked down a full size wheel and tire at a junk yard. I have a full sized spare, and a donut (and technically a second one in the vibe I need to put up for sale) You _can_ get one from a lot of places, including e-...
by Bookworm
Sat Apr 16, 2022 6:55 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005-2008 Throttle Body
Replies: 0
Views: 781

2005-2008 Throttle Body

This is just a post to list information about the throttle body, so that others hopefully don't get caught out. 1) The studs and bolts are M6-1.0 50mm. Flange nuts, flange head bolts. If you use a hex head, I'd recommend adding a washer. You can't go longer than 50mm, because it turns out that the n...
by Bookworm
Thu Apr 14, 2022 8:42 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Transmission issues?
Replies: 5
Views: 806

Re: Transmission issues?

Frankly - coincidence, or you simply had more power, and it compensated for the clutch plate going. Maybe one of the fingers started to break off. $1400, while it sounds like a lot, isn't. A new 5 speed 'transaxle' from Toyota costs roughly $2000. So he's either quoting rebuilding it himself, or a u...
by Bookworm
Thu Apr 14, 2022 8:36 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gen1 E85 mix results (california)
Replies: 13
Views: 1678

Re: Gen1 E85 mix results (california)

My thought was simply that the alcohol tends to have a cleaning effect - which is part of why you can mess up engines. The alcohol apparently strips the varnish and sludge all at once, then deposits it into the filter, fuel lines, and injectors.
by Bookworm
Wed Apr 13, 2022 6:04 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Vibes in the news
Replies: 72
Views: 35860

Re: Vibes in the news

I think they listed the scale because a scale, on it's own, isn't illegal, but if you have illegal substances, it becomes 'drug paraphernalia'. Just like a bong isn't illegal until you _also_ have pot - then it's a double whammy.
by Bookworm
Wed Apr 13, 2022 5:58 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe
Replies: 24
Views: 9687

Re: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe

I left out a step that makes it fun on the 03-08 vibes. The return hose from the engine is actually _below_ the filler neck. That means that you can actually end up pouring the new fluid out while you're trying to keep the radiator topped of for the flush. Best thing to do - Get an adapter from the ...
by Bookworm
Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:20 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gen1 E85 mix results (california)
Replies: 13
Views: 1678

Re: Gen1 E85 mix results (california)

I'm thinking about doing a single run of one gallon of E85 in a half tank of regular gas, and see what it does to possibly clean up my injectors. (half tank so if something starts to go weird, I can fill it up with regular)
by Bookworm
Tue Apr 12, 2022 8:18 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: P0171 - driving me nuts.
Replies: 33
Views: 4032

Re: P0171 - driving me nuts.

Waiting for the replacement 10.9 throttle body bolts. Apparently nobody even knows what the studs are (size-wise), let alone carries them. I fished the snapped off nut out from under the car, and I checked it - M6-1.0 So I ordered a pack of 5 M6-1.0 6cm hex head bolts (or 60mm for weirdos in Europe ...
by Bookworm
Sat Apr 09, 2022 6:35 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: P0171 - driving me nuts.
Replies: 33
Views: 4032

Re: P0171 - driving me nuts.

I guess I could replace the valve cover gasket - I have one now - the previous person had someone that used _orange_ RTV to go across the timing chain cover bridge.