Search found 60 matches

by MarkM04
Tue Sep 13, 2011 3:51 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: P0420 help needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1993

Re: P0420 help needed (MarkM04)

Just to follow up on my anti fouler 02 spacer trick. Before my CEL would come on every 40-100 miles. After the spacer, it hasn't come on yet. It's been about 600 miles. So I think it's not coming bake.I don't have to pass emissions testing, so I'm not sure if your car would pass or not with this mod.
by MarkM04
Wed Aug 31, 2011 9:10 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: P0420 help needed
Replies: 8
Views: 1993

Re: P0420 help needed (hahork)

I just got this code to.Since it's supposedly related to the catalytic converter, it should be the second O2 sensor, as the first one is way up on the exhaust manifold.From what I can tell, there's no sure way to diagnose this as either the cat or the o2 sensor. I'm going to try the spark plug anti ...
by MarkM04
Wed Aug 31, 2011 12:09 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Threw the dreaded P0420 Code (Doh!)
Replies: 12
Views: 4079

Re: (neebishis)

Could you see or hear the intake gasket leaking?I have this code too, but I'd like to diagnose it before throwing parts at it.
by MarkM04
Tue Aug 09, 2011 1:48 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New trans and gear.
Replies: 8
Views: 1699

So did you pull the trans out from the top?
by MarkM04
Fri Oct 15, 2010 2:18 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Did front brakes and rotors on my 05 last night
Replies: 12
Views: 4064

Re: Did front brakes and rotors on my 05 last night (nittanydoug)

They may have been factory pads.I have 150k miles on my stock pads and rotors. Brakes last a long time if you know how to drive.
by MarkM04
Thu Feb 11, 2010 2:34 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Banging into gear
Replies: 11
Views: 2980

Re: (Stonedtone420)

The only thing you can do. Wait until it comes back on.
by MarkM04
Thu Dec 24, 2009 2:09 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: power steering fluid in 2005 vibe
Replies: 5
Views: 3032

I use Amsoil ATF. I use a turkey baster to remove old fluid. I do this every 15k miles or so.
by MarkM04
Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:51 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: brake fluid change. how often or ever?
Replies: 5
Views: 4535

Re: brake fluid change. how often or ever? (vibedrivermatt)

As for a DIY.Crack the bleader, and keep the master cylinder full.This will gravity blead the system. You can do one wheel at time, or more then one, but just don't let the m/c go dry.
by MarkM04
Mon Dec 14, 2009 11:41 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Mechanic Stripped Manifold Thread Taking Out 02 Sensor
Replies: 13
Views: 4449

Re: Mechanic Stripped Manifold Thread Taking Out 02 Sensor (Ezekiel)

Okay, so they can't get a tap in there.But they'll have to take the manifold off to replace in with new one.So why not just tap out the old one and make it work, instead of replacing it.Should of tackled this one yourself.
by MarkM04
Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:15 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Rear Brakes, I know I should be whipped
Replies: 15
Views: 5284

Heck, I've got 125k miles on my stock FRONT pads and rotors. Drums should go 400k.
by MarkM04
Thu Sep 10, 2009 1:08 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 50 mpg Matrix/Vibe?
Replies: 70
Views: 16629

Re: (Old Tele man)

Probably either the same, or better.
by MarkM04
Thu Aug 27, 2009 5:55 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1413122

125k miles.Still on the factory brake pads.
by MarkM04
Wed Aug 19, 2009 4:07 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: GM Card Sales
Replies: 1
Views: 573

Re: GM Card Sales (panchess)

Not that I know of. I've had the card like 10 years.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:39 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Tune up problems? Ac clutch now seems to be engaging strange. Car shaking/shuttering
Replies: 3
Views: 1559

Re: Tune up problems? Ac clutch now seems to be engaging strange. Car shaking/shuttering (rob454)

That's how a compressor works, it doesn't run constantly. Does the ac work okay?If it was a bad relay, it's not com on at all. Stop worrying, and just drive it.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:35 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: No NGK available for 2007 vibe
Replies: 6
Views: 1675

Re: No NGK available for 2007 vibe (billme)

Why are you hell bent on using NGK's? Use Denso's.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:34 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Synthetic (Mobil 1) Oil Change at Dealer - very costly
Replies: 18
Views: 4503

Re: Synthetic (jake75)

The post said 10% of the oil doesn't come out, and I just dont think that's correct.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 17, 2009 12:00 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: DIY coolant flush @ 65,000 miles?????
Replies: 12
Views: 11775

Re: DIY coolant flush @ 65,000 miles????? (Scootman!)

I'd just do a drain and fill with correct coolant.I wouldn't want any type of flush liquid in my system. No, you don't need to replace the hoses and thermostat yet.
by MarkM04
Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:34 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Synthetic (Mobil 1) Oil Change at Dealer - very costly
Replies: 18
Views: 4503

Re: Synthetic (Mobil 1) Oil Change at Dealer - very costly (jake75)

10% of the oil doesn't stay in the engine.
by MarkM04
Thu Aug 13, 2009 2:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe is hard to drive with manual Trans
Replies: 26
Views: 5805

Re: New Vibe is hard to drive with manual Trans (star_deceiver)

I like a manual too, but with the track record of these transmission and clutches, I would of sprung for the auto.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 03, 2009 4:06 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 5W-30 in a 5W-20 / 0W-20 1.8L engine
Replies: 18
Views: 4860

Re: (petervibe)

Run what it calls for. Don't run 20w50 for any reason.Think about it, your engine temperature is controlled by it's cooling system and the thermostat rating, so it doesn't really matter what the outside temp is.
by MarkM04
Fri Jul 24, 2009 1:19 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: K&N Typhoon CAI installed on my '09 GT!
Replies: 18
Views: 5521

Where is it getting the cold air from?
by MarkM04
Fri Jul 24, 2009 12:53 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: GM's proposed Vibe replacement(s)
Replies: 25
Views: 27879

Re: GM's proposed Vibe replacement(s) (ned23)

HHR is more in line with a Vibe.
by MarkM04
Thu Jul 16, 2009 8:08 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: When the gas reserve light goes on, how much more KM ? 2009-10 1.8
Replies: 27
Views: 13849

Isnt the tank suppose to be 13 gallons?I always wait until the gas light comes on, and I usually get a little over 11 gallons in it at that point. So it appears that theres quite a bit left.
by MarkM04
Thu Jul 16, 2009 12:59 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Clutch life on a base Vibe?
Replies: 24
Views: 6288

After reading this thread, I know to avoid buying a Vibe with a manual trans.Clutches that don't last 100k miles, and a trans that also didn't go that long?
by MarkM04
Sat Jun 27, 2009 5:13 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 50 mpg Matrix/Vibe?
Replies: 70
Views: 16629

I guess it never happened.As they say, "aint no fu@king way."
by MarkM04
Mon May 25, 2009 5:28 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 09+ vs. 03-08 Vibe
Replies: 15
Views: 2735

Re: 09+ vs. 03-08 Vibe (Houston)

Quote, originally posted by Houston »I just this afternoon (Thursday, but it will be Friday by the time this is posted) bought an '09 2.4 automatic. The new 2.4 is definitely quieter, much quicker and rides better than the '03 1.8 that I still have. Back space does seem smaller. I stayed with the 1...
by MarkM04
Thu May 07, 2009 11:45 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Automatic transmission fluid change
Replies: 42
Views: 36978

Re: (Ol' Timer)

I agree. Just drain and fill.
by MarkM04
Tue Jul 08, 2008 2:05 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: New Dual Armrest Lid Photos & Install
Replies: 42
Views: 18842

Why on earth did they stop installing the dual lid arm rest?
by MarkM04
Mon Jul 07, 2008 9:33 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Auto transmission plug gasket
Replies: 1
Views: 821

Re: Auto transmission plug gasket (MarkM04)

I tightened it up a little more, and it stoped leaking.I'll find out the size next time I do a drain, and post back.
by MarkM04
Mon Jul 07, 2008 3:33 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Auto transmission plug gasket
Replies: 1
Views: 821

Auto transmission plug gasket

I've bgeen draining/fill my transmisison fluid a few times now, just re using the original plug gasket. Well, I just did it again, let it sit over night, and it's leaking.A year or two ago when I bought the fluid at the Toyota dealership, they couldn't find the gasket in their system. Anyone know wh...
by MarkM04
Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:09 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Automatic transmission flush or oil change
Replies: 34
Views: 8876

Re: (chevelle_lover)

Trying to empty the tranny by bumping the starter would probably take all day, kill your battery and your started. If it worked at all. Just like any pump, it take more then a short turn to work. It has to run, so it can prime, then actually pump.
by MarkM04
Thu Sep 27, 2007 12:02 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Changing brake and steering fluid
Replies: 4
Views: 1976

For brakes:The best and easies way to bleed your brakes is to just gravity bleed them.Put a hose on one bleeder screw, and open it up. Just give it time and keep an eye on the master cylinder. Replace fluid into master cylider that flows out the bleeders. No chance of air getting into the system, no...
by MarkM04
Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:55 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Product Review: Alutec Lightweight OEM Size Crank Pulley
Replies: 36
Views: 9297

Less weight and mass to take the harmonics it was designed too. Look for bearing wear to increase. Not worth it IMO.
by MarkM04
Wed Sep 26, 2007 11:52 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New exhaust, better gas mileage
Replies: 19
Views: 2203

I don't buy that type of gain. Monitor it for many more miles, and get back to us. Going down the highway, your engine is at maybe 25% ouput. If the stock exhaust can't keep up with that, that engine will really be choked at WOT.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 20, 2007 11:47 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: to improve a/c performance=??
Replies: 12
Views: 1741

Did it actually make a difference?
by MarkM04
Thu Aug 16, 2007 1:19 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2005 Vibe - Fuel pump problem.
Replies: 25
Views: 10177

Re: Are you telling me that the pump is exposed if the light is on? (prathman)

Your fuel is being picked up at the lowest part of the tank, all the time, so if there was any "crud" it be the first to go. The thought of the tank getting low, which means the pump is sucking all the crud is an old wives tale, with no common sense behind it. If the fuel was being sucked ...
by MarkM04
Thu Apr 19, 2007 11:47 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Blower motor vibration
Replies: 6
Views: 2610

Blower motor vibration

I recently changed the cabin filter on my '04. Now, if put the fan on the top two highest speeds, the blower motor/fan vibrates like crazy.I thought maybe something dropped down in the fan to cause it to go out of balance. But I blew compressed air in there, so everything should be out. Anyone else ...
by MarkM04
Wed Apr 04, 2007 1:59 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Coolant Loss
Replies: 7
Views: 1734

Re: (04BlkVibe)

I'd get a uses oil analysis done asap. If coolant is getting into your oil, and can do a lot of damage, in little time.
by MarkM04
Wed Jan 24, 2007 12:50 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Replaced Front Brake Pads with ease.
Replies: 22
Views: 22734

Re: (vibe-04)

Just be sure to check and ad fluid when you're done.
by MarkM04
Tue Jan 23, 2007 3:13 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Replaced Front Brake Pads with ease.
Replies: 22
Views: 22734

Re: (djb383)

I haven't done the brakes on my Vibe yet, but I have many times before on other cars.I'm sure you do have to push the piston in the caliper back before you put the new pads in. I usually just wedge a flat screw driver between the rotor and the old pad, crack open the bleader screw, and pry back agai...
by MarkM04
Thu Aug 10, 2006 3:28 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Oil cooler??
Replies: 17
Views: 2458

Re: (binary)

You don't. The only reason some high performance cars run them, is for prolonged high rpm engine use. Like open road racing.Some large trucks use them, for towing reasons, which obviously puts more stress on an engine. Cool oil isn't necisarily better. Oil needs to be hot, to burn of condensation. T...
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:20 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Which oil filter does the GM dealers carry for the vibe?
Replies: 11
Views: 2394

You can't go wrong with an AC Delco or a Napa/Wix filter.Actually, a $2 Wal-Mart Supertech filter isn't a bad filter. I use them in everything.
by MarkM04
Mon Aug 07, 2006 3:05 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: AMSOIL ATF...warranty safe?
Replies: 7
Views: 1959

Re: (northvibe)

I'd just stick with the T-IV as recommended. I actually changed mine with T-IV, and just used one quart of Amsoil with the refil.
by MarkM04
Mon Nov 14, 2005 12:08 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: DIY trans fluid/filter change
Replies: 33
Views: 6619

Re: DIY trans fluid/filter change (the1stacekiller)

I think there is a guy on here by the name of Olympic that uses his Vibe as a Taxi. He uses Amsoil ATF and has almost 200k miles on it with no problems.I'm nut sure if I'm going to use Amsoil, or T-IV when my time comes.
by MarkM04
Tue Oct 04, 2005 10:38 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: DIY trans fluid/filter change
Replies: 33
Views: 6619

Re: (ColonelPanic)

Do you change your own oil. If so, just drain the tranny next time you're down there. Heck, it's easier then changing the only.
by MarkM04
Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:26 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: DIY trans fluid/filter change
Replies: 33
Views: 6619

Re: DIY trans fluid/filter change (ColonelPanic)

I would just take out the plug, let it drain, then re-fill. If there isn't a filter listed, it probably doesn't have one, or one that needs to be replaced. It may have a screen type filter, but those don't need to be replaced.Pulling the plug only removes about half of the fluid, but it's better the...
by MarkM04
Tue Oct 04, 2005 9:13 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Automatic transmission fluid T-IV
Replies: 2
Views: 873

Automatic transmission fluid T-IV

Has anyone bought any of this? How much does it cost from the dealer?
by MarkM04
Wed Sep 07, 2005 9:15 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Modified OEM intake horn
Replies: 12
Views: 2899

Re: (Mavrik)

I modified mine over the weekend. I took the whole tube assembly off the from air box(the part that snakes around the battery, etc.). I then cut the flexible tube away from both plastic ends (it's kinda hard to cut as it has wire in it). The flexible tube then tightly slides right into the air box (...
by MarkM04
Wed Sep 07, 2005 2:52 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Is there a way to optimize gas mileage on a base Vibe?
Replies: 29
Views: 4492

Re: Is there a way to optimize gas mileage on a base Vibe? (mcgusto82)

Increase psi will reduce rolling resistance, and can possilbe increase fuel milage. Never the other way around. Tires can wear unevenly though, which is why there is a recomended amount.Removing the roof rack bars could also decrease drag, and give better milage. I may also try 5w-20 oil soon.