Search found 98 matches

by Jbenrod
Sun Apr 23, 2023 6:18 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Joyroad tires
Replies: 2
Views: 525

Re: Joyroad tires

I would not try a no-name tire like that unless you can find enough reviews that you can have some assurance it is not going to end up as China junk. You are in Canada too so I'd guess it's even more important. Spend the $20-30 more per tire for a known brand tire and save that money somewhere else.
by Jbenrod
Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: when should I say good-bye?
Replies: 7
Views: 1251

Re: when should I say good-bye?

What did you learn about that exhaust noise - update?
by Jbenrod
Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Pathy99 - 2005 Vibe Base (Red)
Replies: 3
Views: 599

Re: Pathy99 - 2005 Vibe Base (Red)

the airbag light being on, but I suspect it has something to do with the Toyota airbag recall, so we're waiting on our local GM dealer to call us back about it. My experience with GM dealerships and the airbag recall has been very poor. The airbag light has set a code that you should get read to se...
by Jbenrod
Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:45 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Best tires for around 80-120$
Replies: 5
Views: 1300

Re: Best tires for around 80-120$

I have two sets of Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring AS in service now and have been pleased with them. I will be considering them again when I need new tires on the Vibe in another 9 to 12 months. However the price has gone up 40% from when I last purchased them in August of 2021 so there may be others or...
by Jbenrod
Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:10 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Hard Start, Rough Idle and a little noise by the timing chain cover
Replies: 3
Views: 587

Re: Hard Start, Rough Idle and a little noise by the timing chain cover

How about checking out the motor mounts. Start by looking at the rear one (that is near the firewall). I think you can see it best by removing the LF tire and looking at it from that direction.
by Jbenrod
Sat May 08, 2021 4:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 Vibe oil consumption teardown and fix
Replies: 31
Views: 5409

Re: 2003 Vibe oil consumption teardown and fix

Great work and thanks for sharing. Have you noticed much wear on the timing chain guides (or tensioner arms). Always wondered considering the steel chain is running over the plastic surfaces. Did the chain look still look to be in good shape? I'm going to guess you are not the original owner of this...
by Jbenrod
Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:31 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe 03-08 in insurance commercials
Replies: 1
Views: 588

Re: Vibe 03-08 in insurance commercials

Why not give us a link (or the key words) so we can find it?
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:47 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Replacement Outer Tie Rod End Boot Retainer Springs?
Replies: 6
Views: 1603

Re: Replacement Outer Tie Rod End Boot Retainer Springs?

I don't know where you can get just the clips. However, sometimes you have to admit something isn't correct and cut your loses as soon as possible. I think this is one of those times. I would box them all up and send them back and get a different set from RockAuto or locally. Yes it's frustrating th...
by Jbenrod
Thu Dec 17, 2020 3:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Scan Tool Find
Replies: 6
Views: 1801

Re: Scan Tool Find

... I also have a Launch CRP129 that I use. It will read most everything out there, not just Toyota. The strange thing with the Launch is that if I use it on the Vibe, I have to pick Toyota Matrix from the Launch menu . If I use GM and put in the proper VIN letter, the Launch scanner can not detect...
by Jbenrod
Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:36 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: High Mileage and road trips
Replies: 6
Views: 1115

Re: High Mileage and road trips

My Vibe starts out on a 1200 mile road trip in the next week. In addition to the important tires that Caretaker mentioned, if one is doing the normal fluid changes and checks I say hit the road. Who knows what part may eventually show up as a problem. We cannot anticipate everything. Also most membe...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 06, 2020 6:27 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: what is this and is it dangerous
Replies: 14
Views: 2817

Re: what is this and is it dangerous

Glad to here and that sounds reasonable too. Hopefully that will help you go a few more years. If it were me I would at least check with him and see what he thinks about using a thicker grade like 20 or 18 gauge. The incremental cost increase (for the material) may not be much to get the thicker and...
by Jbenrod
Sun Nov 29, 2020 8:23 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: matrix/vibe fwd hubs same spline?
Replies: 4
Views: 919

Re: matrix/vibe fwd hubs same spline?

Installing a complete knuckle hub and bearing unit all together and ready to bolt in always seemed to make sense to me for a DIY. How many miles are on your Vibe now that requires you to rebuild part of the front end? I see you mentioned you have already replaced the control arms. I've understood th...
by Jbenrod
Sat Nov 28, 2020 3:19 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: What is the Average Life Expectancy for the OEM O2 Sensors?
Replies: 6
Views: 1630

Re: What is the Average Life Expectancy for the OEM O2 Sensors?

From what I've read, some believe to wait past 225k toward the 250k miles area to proactively replace working sensors and that is my plan for now. I have noted that one of the sensors (I think it was the upstream) was much more expensive than the other. Maybe replace that one first or the one that i...
by Jbenrod
Fri Nov 27, 2020 6:02 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14025

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

I wasn't totally clear on what all was involved in replacing the passenger side airbag in the 2003-2008 that is under the GM recall. Thanks to a Youtube video by tommy tarver, we no longer are at the mercy of some incompetent (or lying) "service writer / advisor" as I experienced and repor...
by Jbenrod
Thu Nov 26, 2020 10:59 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Valve Adjustments?
Replies: 74
Views: 37609

Re: Valve Adjustments?

I am pretty confident with this statement: ... the clearances on the "shim type" valve train on these DOHC engines actually shrinks with wear, rather than growing over time, due to the wear point being the valve seat rather than the surfaces of the shims or cam lobes. I too am surprised wi...
by Jbenrod
Thu Nov 26, 2020 8:32 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: transmission possibly slipping
Replies: 9
Views: 2144

Re: transmission possibly slipping

Thanks for finishing out the thread. I would think with that much back pressure some sensor would be reporting in but don't know (I later see you had said no codes showing). I wonder if the condition was caused by a failing or weak O2 sensor (which would have been allowing a rich mixture and contrib...
by Jbenrod
Sun Nov 22, 2020 1:11 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: what is this and is it dangerous
Replies: 14
Views: 2817

Re: what is this and is it dangerous

I think you know that is pretty advanced corrosion (rust) and will be expensive to repair. At the least you need to treat it now to slow the spread. You can spend some time reading up on the different options depending on how much you value your Vibe. I would recommend this product for something lik...
by Jbenrod
Tue Nov 03, 2020 6:23 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Rocker Panel Replacement
Replies: 12
Views: 4160

Re: Rocker Panel Replacement

I don't have sheet metal experience so can't offer much help but both of your options seem reasonable. For those of us with the plastic cladding along the rockers, is there any way to examine them without pulling the cladding? I've been afraid of pulling the cladding off because they may not fit tig...
by Jbenrod
Sat Oct 24, 2020 9:37 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Head Gasket going - bandages? solutions?
Replies: 21
Views: 3201

Re: Head Gasket going - bandages? solutions?

At least now you have confirmation you head gasket is not sealing. If you wish for it to be repaired, the head will have to come off in order to examine the gasket and surfaces further. At this point there are no bandages or solutions. The head has to come off or you get rid of the car and someone e...
by Jbenrod
Thu Oct 08, 2020 4:11 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Alternator overcharging, over 15V
Replies: 7
Views: 1425

Re: Alternator overcharging, over 15V

You need to figure out which engine you have. It's not that difficult and there may be a sticker on your hood that will tell you.

How many miles on this Vibe? Earlier alternator failures have not been a problem on these cars.
by Jbenrod
Sun Oct 04, 2020 6:10 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14025

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

I talked to a Buick dealership about 10 days ago and they still haven't gotten back with me like they said they were going to do. (Except for some salesman who called back within 2 minutes thinking I was inquiring about purchasing a new car :lol: ) Here is an update how it's gone for me. As you can...
by Jbenrod
Sat Sep 05, 2020 3:28 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14025

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

How about some updates on how has everyone been doing with getting this last airbag recall completed ? I talked to a Buick dealership about 10 days ago and they still haven't gotten back with me like they said they were going to do. (Except for some salesman who called back within 2 minutes thinking...
by Jbenrod
Sun Jul 26, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire
Replies: 6
Views: 1397

Re: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire

Thanks for those links and comments. This will be a good resource.
by Jbenrod
Thu Jul 23, 2020 7:56 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire
Replies: 6
Views: 1397

Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire

For a Gen 1. Does anyone know if I can find a wire that is in the dome light circuit inside of the driver's door? I want to connect to it and run down to the door bottom to add some LED lights that will go on and off the same as the dome light. (Or, maybe the door ajar circuit but anything that is t...
by Jbenrod
Fri Mar 20, 2020 2:01 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Overfilled Transmission?
Replies: 9
Views: 1680

Re: Overfilled Transmission?

From my notes. My last drain and refill of the transmission fluid I used about 3.25 quarts of Toyota Type IV. You do appear to have overfilled the transmission. It should not be difficult to loosen the drain plug and let a quart or so drip out. Note that the torque spec. is only 13 ft. lbs. on that ...
by Jbenrod
Sat Mar 07, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Stripped Transmission Nut
Replies: 7
Views: 1884

Re: Stripped Transmission Nut

Fwiw, the torque for the transmission drain plug is only 13 ft. lbs. (This is ~1/2 of what the oil drain plug is.)

I suspect that is why some are stripped that tranny plug.
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:32 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 3162

Re: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse

You say "The car has two bad motor mounts."

That probably is your problem.

Which two are bad? How do you know they are bad and is there some reason you are ignoring them?

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=46950
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:25 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Toyota 2.4L Engine 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption
Replies: 12
Views: 11022

Re: 2009 Toyota 2.4L Engine 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption

It would be acceptable to me if it was my car.
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 18, 2020 4:55 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Lost the lower "vent" on the front passenger side of the front grille area
Replies: 18
Views: 6279

Re: Lost the lower "vent" on the front passenger side of the front grille area

Im definitely late,but for anyone in the future that loses their grill, there is this wire sort of like chicken fence and its extremely easy to install in place of the plastic grills plus i find it looks way better than the plastic and probably cost 10$ at most. If you have a link of the wire or pi...
by Jbenrod
Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:18 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Best Transmission Fluid Type
Replies: 10
Views: 2899

Re: Best Transmission Fluid Type

I checked my notes and when I drained the Transmission Fluid, I replaced with ~3.3 quarts of Toyota Type IV which I believe is close to what it should be. Note that the Torque spec. is 13 ft.lbs for the tranny plug bolt - - which is much less than the oil plug bolt that is 26 ft. lbs. I like to stay...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 9:30 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Poor Fuel Economy
Replies: 30
Views: 7374

Re: Poor Fuel Economy

Top Tier fuel retailers use a higher level of detergent additives compared to other retailers who are using the minimum EPA required detergent additives in order to help prevent the buildup of engine deposits. In my market, Sam's Club gas prices are often 10cts/gallon less than other brands that are...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 1ZZFE Extra Cooling Line?
Replies: 12
Views: 2044

Re: 1ZZFE Extra Cooling Line?

You've told us about that extra cooling line but I haven't seen anything on why the engine is not running. Maybe start another thread and explain details of what is going on now - is the engine starting up at all but running ruff ? , what engine codes are showing up, etc. Report if you have checked ...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 7:42 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Asian concentrate coolant
Replies: 14
Views: 2361

Re: Asian concentrate coolant

I've spent a lot of time reviewing coolant formulations over the years and have elected to use the Zerex G05 in all of my vehicles for the past decade. It's a HOAT formula that I usually purchase in the month of October when NAPA stores often have it on sale at around $14 / gallon for the full stren...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 01, 2019 2:13 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Air Recirculation Actuator
Replies: 37
Views: 9711

Re: Air Recirculation Actuator

I still don't know how people are able to get that top screw out. I can reach up and feel it but since there is a cable or duct just to the left of it I can never get a tool or even just the socket in there to get on the screw head. Regardless, I wanted to report that switching the gear (180) with t...
by Jbenrod
Thu Oct 10, 2019 6:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe Owner here! Full intro/info with questions at the end!
Replies: 11
Views: 2235

Re: New Vibe Owner here! Full intro/info with questions at the end!

Alternators have not been a problem with these vehicles so my guess is the alternator is operating normal. I would not plan on replacing it unless you are certain there is a problem. Horn and cruise control will probably work again after you replace the clockspring (spiral cable). I think you will n...
by Jbenrod
Sun Sep 01, 2019 6:27 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14025

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

It should be a relatively simple job to replace this airbag as you can see in the video below. There should not be significant scratches on the console or dash. I took out my glove box before dropping the car off as that eliminates one step. It's also a good time to clean or replace the cabin filter...
by Jbenrod
Fri Aug 30, 2019 7:13 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: 2005 Pontiac Vibe replacement headlight assembly
Replies: 6
Views: 3086

Re: 2005 Pontiac Vibe replacement headlight assembly

I found just some work to repair of the old headlight lens worked pretty good. These pictures are from a few weeks ago
by Jbenrod
Fri Aug 30, 2019 6:09 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14025

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix

I'm not to happy about this either because I thought we had this issue taken care of a few years ago. I just checked and found the following on my 2005 Base: Toyota has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about an upcoming safety recall that involves 2005-2008 model y...
by Jbenrod
Thu Aug 08, 2019 6:45 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ways to open / unlock rear hatch glass ?
Replies: 9
Views: 7115

Re: Ways to open / unlock rear hatch glass ?

On your 2005, you can open the glass using the key in the hatch lock. The hatch lock works as follows: - Turn counter-clockwise to unlock the hatch (the whole hatch) - Turn the key clockwise to lock the hatch - Turn the key clockwise past the lock position to pop open the hatch glass. A few comment...
by Jbenrod
Sat Aug 03, 2019 3:47 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ways to open / unlock rear hatch glass ?
Replies: 9
Views: 7115

Ways to open / unlock rear hatch glass ?

The only way that I know how to release or open the glass on the rear hatch is by pushing the button on the key FOB. I've tried turning the key in different positions in the rear hatch itself with no luck. Surely there is some other means to release the rear glass other than the FOB ? Would apprecia...
by Jbenrod
Fri Aug 02, 2019 6:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6081298

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

1. I found that the same two forward bolts on the heat shield that are described and shown in Derf's thread (first picture on second page of his thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=30&t=40549&start=50 ) were also missing. I had never noticed these missing bolts before be...
by Jbenrod
Fri Jul 26, 2019 10:10 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Starter Motors
Replies: 10
Views: 1669

Re: Starter Motors

I've looked at most of the options for starters and have decided I will go with a reman. Denso unit. I know there are many "new" Chinese starters for about 1/2 the cost. If you think you want to go "new" then the TYC seems to be the one to select. Still, I will be going Denso. As...
by Jbenrod
Tue Jul 09, 2019 12:09 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Rear Bumber for backup sensor install ?
Replies: 4
Views: 1308

Re: Rear Bumber for backup sensor install ?

Good idea on looking for a parts diagram. Mine is a 2005 Base and I found one. Just as you (jolt) mentioned, there is the visible outer cover over an absorber and then there is an impact bar (assume it would be metal). So I would have to drill at least through the foam absorber to push in the sensor...
by Jbenrod
Tue Jul 09, 2019 6:48 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Rear Bumber for backup sensor install ?
Replies: 4
Views: 1308

Rear Bumber for backup sensor install ?

Does anyone know anything about the back bumper in regards to cutting the small holes and installing the 4 sensor heads on an aftermarket backup warning system? Some rear bumpers have a metal bracket or no void space which may mean having to remove the bumper or otherwise complicate installation. I'...
by Jbenrod
Thu Jun 27, 2019 1:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Can't part with my Vibe
Replies: 15
Views: 2397

Re: Can't part with my Vibe

It sounds like your Vibe has been giving you good service over the years so why not show it some love now and spend a couple of hundred dollars on it; then decide later what you are going to do. Fix that door window, put in a new aftermarket radio, and get those bushings (my guess) replaced on the b...
by Jbenrod
Sun Apr 21, 2019 6:28 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Plastic wheel covers, how to remove and paint?
Replies: 20
Views: 7119

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

Oh now I think I understand, that one cover that doesn't look so good you did not apply the Duplicolor matte wheel clear coat as a final step. That is interesting as I would never have thought it would have made such a significant difference as it did in your case. It's all a learning process for al...
by Jbenrod
Sun Apr 21, 2019 5:53 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Plastic wheel covers, how to remove and paint?
Replies: 20
Views: 7119

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

You might have had better adhesion by just sanding the covers with a 400-500 grit and spraying a sealer or maybe even just the paint itself. My guess is that the Dupli-color adhesion promoter does not work unless you are applying it directly to plastic - and not on top of the previously painted surf...
by Jbenrod
Mon Oct 15, 2018 9:06 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Misfires on all but one cylinder
Replies: 18
Views: 4674

Re: Misfires on all but one cylinder

Swap the coil from the good cyl. (#2) over to another cyl. and see if the miss changes with the coils.

Aftermarket coils can cause problems as vibrologist is asking.
by Jbenrod
Tue Oct 02, 2018 4:55 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Won't crank, probably starter?
Replies: 13
Views: 3101

Re: Won't crank, probably starter?

Thanks for closing out the thread with your solution. I've never seen or heard of that wire disintegrating like that.

I would be interested in hearing how many miles were on that original starter.
by Jbenrod
Mon Sep 24, 2018 4:39 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Holes in rocker panels
Replies: 7
Views: 4399

Re: Holes in rocker panels

I think this is worth bumping again for all to check this area before we get into winter. It appears the damage can easily go unnoticed, so If you can find a port or hole for access, I would spray something to prevent rust into this problem area.