Search found 239 matches

by circuitsmith
Fri Jun 22, 2018 7:07 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Freaky Spark Plug Change
Replies: 3
Views: 1182

Re: Freaky Spark Plug Change

I've found low/erratic idle after computer reset due to a dirty throttle body.
by circuitsmith
Thu Feb 08, 2018 8:25 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Common causes of catalytic converter failure
Replies: 8
Views: 4500

Re: Common causes of catalytic converter failure

mickybluesb wrote:so has anyone ever removed the CAT all together?
It will trigger the check engine light, code P0420.
Search genvibe for P0420 and you''l find threads about it.
by circuitsmith
Thu Feb 08, 2018 8:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Auto transmission fluid color
Replies: 4
Views: 1582

Re: Auto transmission fluid color

For a DIYer a drain and fill is as quick and easy as an oil change.
Cheaper in long run to do that every 30K DIY than getting a shop to do a fluid exchange every 60K.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jan 30, 2018 12:27 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Getting P0301 Code.....
Replies: 13
Views: 2588

Re: Getting P0301 Code.....

Sounds like that injector was leaking when off and flooding the cylinder.
If the symptom returns with P0303 etc., then you know another has failed.
by circuitsmith
Tue Nov 14, 2017 7:22 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Which coolant is fine in my 2004 gen1 1zz?
Replies: 7
Views: 2122

Re: Which coolant is fine in my 2004 gen1 1zz?

I can tell you Zerex Asian looks and smells exactly like Toyota pink (SLLC).
I wasn't brave/foolish enough to do a taste test.
by circuitsmith
Wed Nov 01, 2017 7:12 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Right rear water leak
Replies: 2
Views: 934

Re: Right rear water leak

Be sure to test (with garden hose) around the tail lights too.
by circuitsmith
Mon Oct 16, 2017 5:49 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: towing with a really old Vibe. Crazy?
Replies: 2
Views: 1367

Re: towing with a really old Vibe. Crazy?

IMHO towing with a FWD vehicle is not a good idea.
It comes down to laws of physics.
The drive wheels are just too far from the center of gravity for good handling and stability.
by circuitsmith
Wed Jul 26, 2017 5:21 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Mods: Your opinion
Replies: 9
Views: 3564

Re: Mods: Your opinion

Here's an option for a 6 speed with the same top gear as the 5 speed:

http://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/produ ... n-lsd-new/
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 25, 2017 5:39 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Mods: Your opinion
Replies: 9
Views: 3564

Re: Mods: Your opinion

The first thing I recommend is you change the transmission oil and cross your fingers.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 11, 2017 3:38 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6078401

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Bicycle handlebar tape:
DSCN2326.JPG
DSCN2326.JPG (53.12 KiB) Viewed 57039 times
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 11, 2017 5:22 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Best exhaust for the 2zz engine (XRS/GT)
Replies: 48
Views: 21388

Re: Best exhaust for the 2zz engine (XRS/GT)

What comes out of an exhaust system depends very much on what goes in.
A 4 cylinder will NEVER sound like a 6 or 8.
Just keep that in mind.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 11, 2017 5:12 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Common causes of catalytic converter failure
Replies: 8
Views: 4500

Re: Common causes of catalytic converter failure

Addition: misfires. One or more misfiring cylinders will not only send raw gas to the converter, it will also send out oxygen, fooling the O2 sensor to make the other cylinders run rich. So that's very bad for the converter, causing it to quickly overheat. The check engine light will blink during a ...
by circuitsmith
Mon Jul 03, 2017 5:22 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Oil Disappearing!
Replies: 12
Views: 2967

Re: Oil Disappearing!

I just looked in the service manual for the 2007 Matrix 1ZZ-FE.
It lists nominal compression 189 psi, minimum 145 psi.
by circuitsmith
Mon Jun 26, 2017 4:23 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Oil Disappearing!
Replies: 12
Views: 2967

Re: Oil Disappearing!

Is the inside of the tailpipe very sooty and/or oily?
That would be a clue that it's burning oil.
Check underneath while idling to make sure it's not leaking only while running.
I've seen a crankshaft seal act that way.
by circuitsmith
Mon Jun 19, 2017 5:58 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Big Repair Bill! Need Help
Replies: 9
Views: 2169

Re: Big Repair Bill! Need Help

Abbie89 wrote:My issue is I may have electrical issue
Symptoms?
by circuitsmith
Thu May 04, 2017 7:05 am
Forum: Humor
Topic: Pontiac Vibe Meme
Replies: 5
Views: 5529

Re: Pontiac Vibe Meme

Image
Firewood, anyone?
(Note the plywood liner to protect interior.)
by circuitsmith
Fri Apr 28, 2017 12:30 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2004 1ZZ throttle opening issue
Replies: 10
Views: 2149

Re: 2004 1ZZ throttle opening issue

Had you ever checked the reading before the codes (which are for the EVAP system)?
11% could be perfectly normal. It's just a number.
by circuitsmith
Thu Apr 27, 2017 5:20 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2005 AWD engine stall or near stall air bag light will restart
Replies: 5
Views: 1189

Re: 2005 AWD engine stall or near stall air bag light will restart

With weird interactions like this my first suspect is a bad ground connection.
by circuitsmith
Wed Apr 12, 2017 6:52 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Efficency issue vibe 2006
Replies: 10
Views: 2499

Re: Efficency issue vibe 2006

Check for brake drag (hot wheel).
Change thermostat.
Check tire pressure and wheel alignment.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:05 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2006 GT Replace TPS w/o replacing throttle body?
Replies: 11
Views: 3185

Re: 2006 GT Replace TPS w/o replacing throttle body?

Have you cleaned the idle air control valve (IACV)?
It's also located on the throttle body assembly.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jan 03, 2017 8:00 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Possible oil leak
Replies: 4
Views: 1830

Re: Possible oil leak

Make sure there's no oil above that point.
It could be running down from the valve cover, chain tensioner or timing cover.
Valve cover and tensioner are easy fixes (see the DIY section).
If it's from the timing cover or crank seal I would leave it alone unless its actually dripping on the ground.
by circuitsmith
Tue Dec 06, 2016 12:00 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Replace Throttle Body: Agree? Disagree?
Replies: 12
Views: 4837

Re: Replace Throttle Body: Agree? Disagree?

If the problem hasn't changed in 3 years I would just drive on. I've noticed that after an extended high speed run the idle will be a little higher for 30 seconds or so. I also noticed this on older carbureted engines with no active idle speed control. The idle dropping low when coming to a stop cou...
by circuitsmith
Thu Dec 01, 2016 7:08 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 04 vibe fwd with poor fuel millage
Replies: 9
Views: 2198

Re: 04 vibe fwd with poor fuel millage

A manifold leak would make a loud ticking noise. The air you felt might just be air rushing around the pulleys and serpentine belt. I don't see a new thermostat on your list. A sticky thermostat can keep the engine from fully warming up. I recommend only an OEM 'stat; and a new radiator cap while yo...
by circuitsmith
Tue Nov 15, 2016 6:46 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2005 Vibe / P0171 code / 1000+ RPM idle / Poor MPG
Replies: 7
Views: 2392

Re: 2005 Vibe / P0171 code / 1000+ RPM idle / Poor MPG

It should idle at 700 when warmed up.
by circuitsmith
Mon Oct 31, 2016 6:14 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Frame and Clutch issues?
Replies: 3
Views: 1552

Re: Frame and Clutch issues?

Had this done at an AAMCO. I'm afraid that's the root of the problem. Never go there again, even to ask directions! A ll A utomatics M ust C ome O ut. Many years ago (when I was young and ignorant) I took my manual Civic to AAMCO for a clutch. They convinced me the transmission needed a rebuild. Mu...
by circuitsmith
Tue Oct 25, 2016 9:21 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Installed a K+N typhoon on 08 Vibe, throwing codes and not happy. HELP
Replies: 7
Views: 1798

Re: Installed a K+N typhoon on 08 Vibe, throwing codes and not happy. HELP

The base model and GT have different engines, so it sounds like a compatibility problem.
by circuitsmith
Fri Oct 14, 2016 7:39 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Oil/Transmission fluid problem
Replies: 6
Views: 1937

Re: Oil/Transmission fluid problem

Word to the wise: don't even stop at those quick lube places to ask directions!
by circuitsmith
Wed Sep 28, 2016 6:07 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2006 Coolant leak
Replies: 4
Views: 1697

Re: 2006 Coolant leak

There's a spigot back there to drain the block. Could be what's leaking.
by circuitsmith
Mon Aug 29, 2016 10:33 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Timing chain replacement interval?
Replies: 4
Views: 6200

Re: Timing chain replacement interval?

With timely oil changes 200k miles or more.
by circuitsmith
Wed Aug 24, 2016 9:53 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 05 Vibe 200K miles sputtering at 40mph and higher when not actively accelerating
Replies: 9
Views: 3088

Re: 05 Vibe 200K miles sputtering at 40mph and higher when not actively accelerating

Try Chevron fuel system cleaner with Techron.
Automatic transmission? Change the trans fluid if it's older than 30k miles.
Could be the torque converter lockup sticking.
by circuitsmith
Wed Aug 10, 2016 9:50 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: OEM style air filter vs oiled cotton filter
Replies: 3
Views: 1521

Re: OEM style air filter vs oiled cotton filter

Wait until shortly after it's rained (when the air is cleanest) and take a short drive with no filter.
You'll get the most you could theoretically gain.
And the gain will be the most with wide open throttle & rpm near redline.
by circuitsmith
Fri Jul 22, 2016 6:55 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2004 GT Clutch replaced
Replies: 6
Views: 1813

Re: 2004 GT Clutch replaced

I've never seen or heard of a fork failing.
A new release bearing will come with the clutch kit.
by circuitsmith
Mon Jul 18, 2016 6:11 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: '04 Vibe GT 6 speed clutch
Replies: 14
Views: 3326

Re: '04 Vibe GT 6 speed clutch

Can you shift through all the gears with the engine off? Sounds like the clutch is not fully disengaging. Could be a failing master or slave cylinder. If one has failed both should be replaced. They're not very expensive. Does the brake fluid look very dark? It may have been changed too infrequently...
by circuitsmith
Sun Jul 17, 2016 9:00 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6078401

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Update re. 15" rims: Having now driven on smooth and rough roads, city and highway, I can say there's a noticeable difference, but not drastic. The ride is smoother and quieter, low speed steering is less stiff. I'm sure some of the difference is from 11/32" of tread vs 4/32". There's...
by circuitsmith
Fri Jul 15, 2016 5:44 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Zipping Sound
Replies: 8
Views: 1850

Re: Zipping Sound

I think it's the torque converter lock-up clutch or one of the shift clutches (band) engaging momentarily.
If an extra shift clutch engages out of turn there will be contention, which puts on stress, making the rogue clutch squeak.
Why it's behaving that way I don't know.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 12, 2016 5:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6078401

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Put on my new 15" rims and Continental Pure contact 195/65/15: https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/4fUqS0xdy5bUL0ItML6Udnij-oZstcqmVa8UkUW2BDVM5kQeWQHU1NnQCU4q4ENdhv5agYFuXw=w1172-h782 https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-NNwgoWMM20I/V4WYZ7dqV-I/AAAAAAAAY0c/I632k19n2iMYDggTQGHp8R3iehWflos1gCCo/s102...
by circuitsmith
Tue Jul 12, 2016 12:19 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 Vibe (base - 1zz) starter question
Replies: 1
Views: 786

Re: 2003 Vibe (base - 1zz) starter question

The problem is in the starter solenoid.
Might be possible to pull it apart and clean the contacts with fine (320+) grit emery cloth.
by circuitsmith
Mon Jul 11, 2016 5:42 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: P0717 Code on 2009 GT
Replies: 1
Views: 4047

Re: P0717 Code on 2009 GT

Start by checking and re-plugging the electrical connectors to the sensor on the transmission. At the back of the transmission, at the differential side. It will be under your throttle body. You will need to take the air box lid and the pipe off, and look down. The speedometer gear the speed sensor ...
by circuitsmith
Thu Jun 30, 2016 7:28 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Cruise Control popping out
Replies: 7
Views: 2011

Re: Cruise Control popping out

There's also a clutch switch if you have a manual trans.
by circuitsmith
Wed Jun 22, 2016 11:51 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Vibe 2.4 pre-ignition spark knock
Replies: 8
Views: 3335

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 pre-ignition spark knock

O2 sensors typically go rich when they get too old. Also, if the O2 sensor reading differs too much from what the MAF sensor, throttle position etc. says the fuel trim will be excessive and throw a code. Low compression can raise temps due to low efficiency. Might be worthwhile to do a compression t...
by circuitsmith
Wed Jun 22, 2016 11:44 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: CAI - worth it?
Replies: 5
Views: 3033

Re: CAI - worth it?

Think about what's in front of the air filter: just the headlight and battery, no heat there really. The gap under the headlight and under the hood will be giving your intake lots of air. On my Matrix the stock intake gets air that has passed through the radiator. Is it different on the Vibe? I hav...
by circuitsmith
Tue Jun 21, 2016 6:09 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: CAI - worth it?
Replies: 5
Views: 3033

Re: CAI - worth it?

My homemade CAI uses the stock air filter and keeps the intake temp to 1 degree over ambient when moving over 20mph. This old post unfortunately has lost the graphs charted from OBD data: http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/132-9th-gen-corolla-1st-gen-matrix-2003-2008/407500-cold-air-intake-circuit-st...
by circuitsmith
Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:29 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Vibe 2.4 pre-ignition spark knock
Replies: 8
Views: 3335

Re: 2009 Vibe 2.4 pre-ignition spark knock

I think he means it pings at light throttle but stops if he goes to heavy throttle. Does it last more than a second or two? Light throttle pinging isn't as bad as at heavier throttle. Won't necessarily "obliterate the engine". I remember lots of car doing lots of pinging back in the '70s. ...
by circuitsmith
Mon Jun 20, 2016 6:20 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Evap Error Story
Replies: 6
Views: 2664

Re: Evap Error Story

Ninth gen Corolla/Matrix/Vibe has a returnless fuel system. No fuel return line to the tank.
The flow rate from the pump is low, which makes possible the "lifetime" fuel filter.
by circuitsmith
Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Everything you need to know about the Vibe
Replies: 84
Views: 128257

Re: Everything you need to know about the Vibe

KITT222 wrote: 1ZZ-FE
Bore = 79 mm
Stroke = 91.5 mm
Horse Power = 130 HP (120hp in Vibe AWD due to exhaust routing)
Compression Ratio: 9.5:1
SFI Fuel Injection
Unleaded
The 1ZZ-FE has 10:1 compression.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_ZZ_engine#1ZZ-FE
by circuitsmith
Wed Jun 15, 2016 6:06 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Curiosity about your oil.
Replies: 27
Views: 6853

Re: Curiosity about your oil.

Havoline 5W-30 this time around, plus a Wix filter. I use any major brand "dino" I get on sale. Took 11 months to reach 5000 miles last change. I change the filter every other oil change. Recently took the valve cover off to check valve clearances and it was very clean, not even discolored...
by circuitsmith
Sat Jun 11, 2016 5:55 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Manual Fluid Change
Replies: 4
Views: 2493

Re: Manual Fluid Change

GL4 also contains sulfur, but at about half the concentration as GL5.
When I changed the oil in my 5-speed at 22k miles it wasn't very dark, but it had a metallic sheen.
by circuitsmith
Tue Jun 07, 2016 3:17 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Pontiac Vibe burning large amounts of Oil.
Replies: 18
Views: 15040

Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe burning large amounts of Oil.

As far as Toyota is concerned, if the engine burns through four quarts of oil between changes, it's OK. That also means your engine has no oil in it when it's due for the next change! Um...not if you check the oil level between changes. The manual says check the oil every time you re-fuel, a bit co...
by circuitsmith
Wed May 25, 2016 11:16 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Pontiac Vibe burning large amounts of Oil.
Replies: 18
Views: 15040

Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe burning large amounts of Oil.

Check the PCV valve and hose.
Find a good indy shop on yelp etc. that specializes in the Japanese cars.
get a second opinion/estimate.
In the meantime no point using more expensive synthetic.
Try some 10w30 or 10w40 if it's not going below freezing where you are.