Search found 1580 matches

by vibrologist
Fri Mar 20, 2020 10:09 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Coronavirus
Replies: 98
Views: 29021

Re: Coronavirus

One of the better places to get information on the Corona Virus:
https://youtu.be/AToF8O5T86s

I subscribed to this channel.

Stay healthy! Assume that everyone is sick, even yourself! - Get into safe habits while you have time!
by vibrologist
Wed Mar 18, 2020 6:12 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: TinyHulk's 2005 Vibe, "Bailey" - 1 year ownership update
Replies: 5
Views: 2349

Re: TinyHulk's 2005 Vibe, "Bailey" - 1 year ownership update

Looks very nice!

Valve adjustment: there aren't many who do a valve adjustment on these engines. did it make a difference with yours?
by vibrologist
Mon Mar 02, 2020 6:21 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: 03basevibesalsa - 2003 Base Vibe in Salsa Red
Replies: 8
Views: 2615

Re: 03basevibesalsa - 2003 Base Vibe in Salsa Red

Welcome!
the car having sat for a few years
I assume you have replaced the oil, transmission fluid and brake fluid already. If you have done that and take care of zbuyer's suggestions your are good to go.
Enjoy your Vibe!
by vibrologist
Wed Feb 26, 2020 10:40 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Automatic Transmission won't go into park
Replies: 8
Views: 2502

Re: Automatic Transmission won't go into park

That is definitely a rare issue. You pretty much determined that the problem is inside the transmission. I am thinking that the peg that goes into a slot to block the transmission has sheared off. I don't know if it is necessary to pull the transmission to fix this. I think it is likely though. I ho...
by vibrologist
Sat Feb 15, 2020 7:19 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base
Replies: 9
Views: 2965

Re: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base

By the way , you could start a thread in the GenVibe Garage and chronicle the work you do for everyone to see and for your own reference. I certainly would follow that thread. You mean a separate thread from this one? I can do that, not a problem. Passed inspection today btw. Got an alignment done ...
by vibrologist
Fri Feb 14, 2020 4:46 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base
Replies: 9
Views: 2965

Re: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base

By the way , you could start a thread in the GenVibe Garage and chronicle the work you do for everyone to see and for your own reference. I certainly would follow that thread.
by vibrologist
Wed Feb 12, 2020 1:02 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base
Replies: 9
Views: 2965

Re: FrankenVibe - 2003 Vibe Base

Welcome Frankenvibe!
I really like your story of bringing cars back from the edge.
Rough running is often caused by vacuum leaks and the intake manifold gasket is a prime suspect for the cause.
by vibrologist
Sat Feb 01, 2020 5:33 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member
Replies: 13
Views: 2044

Re: New Member

SSizler wrote: Fri Jan 31, 2020 5:43 pm Hello vibrologist / fellow Iowan!
Thanks for the welcome, and the link to a site I have not seen before.
I checked it out briefly, looks interesting.
Oh, yeah! Urbandale.
I am in Ames and the founder of CurbsideClassic (Paul Niedermeier) lived in Iowa City during his youth.

Small world.
by vibrologist
Fri Jan 31, 2020 3:53 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member
Replies: 13
Views: 2044

Re: New Member

Welcome to the Vibe family, SSizler!

Your past and current fleet is impressive!
I am getting the vibe that you may be interested in this website:
https://www.curbsideclassic.com/
by vibrologist
Tue Jan 28, 2020 11:23 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 3130

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

zbyers wrote: Tue Jan 28, 2020 9:47 am I'd take care of those mounts before putting the transmission out to the pasture.

You could also try another drain and fill in a few weeks to see if that helps improve it.
Exactly.
Also: it still drives. You have the option to keep driving it despite of the noise it makes.
by vibrologist
Mon Jan 27, 2020 1:51 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Maintenance DIY
Replies: 6
Views: 1145

Re: Maintenance DIY

I am referencing this site in the" How T0" index.

Thanks, KingKrab65!
by vibrologist
Sun Jan 26, 2020 4:16 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 3130

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

The car has two bad motor mounts. That explains why it gets worse when shifting into reverse. It's that body A and body B thing from the High School Science class. The engine needs to brace itself against the car's body and it does so via the engine and transmission mounts. When these mounts are ba...
by vibrologist
Fri Jan 24, 2020 5:55 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 3130

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

It still sounds like a bad belt or pully/pully bearing to me. You could try to narrow it down using a stethoscope or piece of garden hose. One end to the ear and the other probing around the engine. The fact that shifting into reverse makes it louder makes me scratch behind my ear. How is the tranny...
by vibrologist
Fri Jan 24, 2020 11:22 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 3130

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

I would check the belts and pulleys. Try to take the drive belt off and run it for 20 seconds without. If the noise is gone you know for sure it is related to the drive belt and anything that's driven by it. Spin the pulleys by hand and tug on them to feel for play in the bearings.
by vibrologist
Tue Jan 21, 2020 9:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: my vibe story
Replies: 10
Views: 1848

Re: my vibe story

do you all think the Vibe will give me the driving enjoyment the ole Celica has? I only once drove a Celica. You will notice a much higher seating position in the GT and I remember that the Celica had a very, very stiff suspension. I don't know if the GT has the same suspension as the Base. But the...
by vibrologist
Thu Jan 16, 2020 8:36 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: my vibe story
Replies: 10
Views: 1848

Re: my vibe story

Nice story indeed! And thank you guys for culling the deer herd!
by vibrologist
Sat Dec 28, 2019 8:05 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Thumping/Rattle coming from Driver side wheel area.
Replies: 5
Views: 2185

Re: Thumping/Rattle coming from Driver side wheel area.

There are many parts that could have worn out. And at 250K it may be that a bunch of them are done. Replacing the struts with quick struts is not too hard. However it would not guarantee that that fixes it. It could also be the lower ball joints and the tie rod end links. I think I would have a shop...
by vibrologist
Sun Nov 10, 2019 7:35 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Confession of an ex-Viber
Replies: 27
Views: 5863

Re: Confession of an ex-Viber

Congrats to your new ride, joatmon! I have to say you are not only the tech support for your family. You are the tech support for pretty much all of us. I am glad you won't just disappear and stick around these pages. Also I am glad there is a wealth of constructive advise by you on tap right here. ...
by vibrologist
Fri Oct 11, 2019 1:53 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe Owner here! Full intro/info with questions at the end!
Replies: 11
Views: 2226

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

Welcome to the Vibe family! You already have learned a lot about your VIbe and cars in general and you will probably learn some more yet. That's a benefit of buying a car with problems and it should not be under-estimated. Also you are now the beneficiary of the repairs that have been done. I don't ...
by vibrologist
Fri Oct 11, 2019 1:24 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Alloy -> steel, vibration headaches...
Replies: 13
Views: 3605

Re: Alloy -> steel, vibration headaches...

Alignment check is a good idea. I always get the alignment checked when mounting new tires because that's when you get the best results. A suspension check should be routine with the alignment because you can only align properly when the ball joints and stuff are not worn out. New tires on new rims ...
by vibrologist
Wed Sep 25, 2019 11:50 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I stole a Vibe
Replies: 9
Views: 1592

Re: I stole a Vibe

The Vibe seats 5. Let's take an average weight of 200lbs x 5= 1000 lbs - your own weight. Weight distribution could become an issue. i'd put one fairly heavy tool box into the passenger foot well. You did very well and I had the same feeling about fuel cost when I replaced my Ford Windstar with my V...
by vibrologist
Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:15 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member from Tipp City, Ohio
Replies: 4
Views: 1051

Re: New member from Tipp City, Ohio

Oh, nice. A Vibe bouncing around in the family. Maybe you'd like to make a thread in the GenVibe Garage about it?
by vibrologist
Fri Sep 13, 2019 8:12 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member from Hudson, FL
Replies: 11
Views: 1755

Re: New member from Hudson, FL

Welcome, wagonis!
Start a thread in the GenVibe Garage. It's a great way of keeping track of your progress and letting us have a look as well.
by vibrologist
Mon Aug 26, 2019 10:27 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member with a 03 Vibe Toad new to me.
Replies: 6
Views: 1088

Re: New Member with a 03 Vibe Toad new to me.

Welcome, svt4cam! Glad to have you here.
by vibrologist
Tue Aug 20, 2019 4:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member
Replies: 8
Views: 1297

Re: New Member

Welcome to the forum, netmatt!
Looks great, all I would do are the headlights and maybe alloy wheels.
by vibrologist
Wed Aug 07, 2019 7:36 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: ‘Slightly’ broken front suspension.
Replies: 26
Views: 4111

Re: ‘Slightly’ broken front suspension.

Forgive me if it has been sad before: check inner and outer tie rods, lower ball joints and steering rack mounting bolts. How about the control arm bushings.
by vibrologist
Thu Jul 25, 2019 1:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Starter Motors
Replies: 10
Views: 1644

Re: Starter Motors

I've already got the cliff picked out when the time comes
Nothing will catch caretaker off guard.........ever! ;)
by vibrologist
Tue Jul 23, 2019 4:22 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Shavings found in oil for the first time..
Replies: 8
Views: 1650

Re: Shavings found in oil for the first time..

It's hard to tell from the pic what these crumbs are. They don't look metallic to me. They could be sludge. With fresh oil and going 2500 miles in 2 or 3 days the engine basically received a motor flush. But if they are metallic then bookworm and zbyuers answered your question.
by vibrologist
Thu Jul 18, 2019 8:17 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Front passenger caliper locking up
Replies: 16
Views: 2239

Re: Front passenger caliper locking up

You most likely fixed it. Kudos! As it works now there is little use to speculate on what caused the problem.
by vibrologist
Wed Jul 17, 2019 8:17 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Newbie here - thanks for letting me join!
Replies: 4
Views: 919

Re: Newbie here - thanks for letting me join!

Welcome Gundy! Nice to have you here. I am also on the FB page now and then. There is a lot of bantering going on. This site is more factual. I think you will like the practical pointers you get here. Post a picture and expand your signature to include your location. Help may be nearer than you think.
by vibrologist
Wed Jul 17, 2019 7:57 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Front passenger caliper locking up
Replies: 16
Views: 2239

Re: Front passenger caliper locking up

I have discovered the issue with the caliper seizing up have nothing to do with the caliper itself. I can always get the caliper to release by cracking open the brake line anywhere. You make a good point. But I am not 100% convinced by that. Diagnostics can come up a false positive or a false negat...
by vibrologist
Wed Jul 17, 2019 12:06 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Front passenger caliper locking up
Replies: 16
Views: 2239

Re: Front passenger caliper locking up

Chiming in here even though I have not taken a Vibe front brake apart. However I did so on a Mazda Protege. In the Protege the lower slide pin is placed inside a rubber sleeve that goes all the way through the hole in the caliper. The upper slide pin has individual rubber boots on either side of the...
by vibrologist
Mon Jul 08, 2019 5:22 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Purchased 2003 Pontiac Vibe New Member
Replies: 13
Views: 1649

Re: Purchased 2003 Pontiac Vibe New Member

Welcome to the forum, thrasher!

It looks like you got a good one. I agree with drain and fill of all fluids. I would also go ahead and replace the valve cover gasket. I have not done this on a Vibe but it sure looks like a diy job.
by vibrologist
Fri Jun 28, 2019 7:45 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Can't part with my Vibe
Replies: 15
Views: 2371

Re: Can't part with my Vibe

Give in to the sweet seduction and buy a brand spanking new Subaru. Sell your Vibe to zbyers. Do the math according to caretaker. Sorry, bookworm! you just make too much sense. Honestly, reydenna, reading between the lines I feel that you will not enjoy turning your own wrenches. Maybe you just lack...
by vibrologist
Wed Jun 26, 2019 3:23 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Best All-Season Tire?
Replies: 62
Views: 29399

Re: Best All-Season Tire?

When it comes to selecting tires I found this website very helpful: https://tirereviewsandmore.com/
by vibrologist
Thu Jun 06, 2019 11:21 am
Forum: Canada - Ontario
Topic: Driver side front door threshold rusting...
Replies: 4
Views: 2168

Re: Driver side front door threshold rusting...

I am not sure if you are talking about the sill plate or the door cladding. If it's the door cladding look here: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=44681#p507900
Just like zbyers said.
The sill plate probably pops out. Look for screws first.
by vibrologist
Wed Jun 05, 2019 4:14 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Door checks
Replies: 4
Views: 1436

Re: Door checks

Thanks a lot, vferdman! That's an excelent piece of hacking! Also kudos for the excelent pictures and posting them directly to the board rather than linking to a hosting site. This post is now listed in the Maintenance Bay's The New Great How To Index: http://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?...
by vibrologist
Mon Jun 03, 2019 6:48 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 22
Views: 3983

Re: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix

Looks cool, all black!
by vibrologist
Sat Jun 01, 2019 10:33 am
Forum: Canada - Ontario
Topic: Radio display bulbs
Replies: 3
Views: 2115

Re: Radio display bulbs

There is a thread on this with a few options for the bulbs:viewtopic.php?f=17&t=26889#p305136
by vibrologist
Fri May 31, 2019 7:48 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 22
Views: 3983

Re: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix

I hope I am still allowed to hang out here on the Vibe forum as I am still learning about this car.
Well, that's up to the committee. The committee meets only once a year in the first week of May..... ;)

Congrats! Now you need to post some pictures. We all know how a Vibe looks, but a Matrix????
by vibrologist
Thu May 30, 2019 12:42 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 22
Views: 3983

Re: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix

"Toyota cold", which is ice-cold on most Toyotas I have been in with functioning AC. It won't get "Toyota cold in a Vibe". I always have to use at least speed two with the fan to get sufficient cooling and on the hottest days even 3 or 4 won't be enough. GM ain't cutting it here...
by vibrologist
Thu May 30, 2019 8:03 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 22
Views: 3983

Re: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix

The engine oils that are called "High Mileage" contain an additive that will expand rubber and make the seals seal better. However: once you have put that stuff into the engine you are pretty much bound to stay with it because if you revert to no-High Mileage stuff the additives that soake...
by vibrologist
Thu May 30, 2019 3:21 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix
Replies: 22
Views: 3983

Re: Looking to buy a Vibe/Matrix

this almost unused 2007 Vibe. It has less than 10K miles on it. I am afraid I have to let a few raindrops hit your parade regarding the low mileage. Cars that have been sitting for a long time like this one have their own set of issues. Sitting this long means that the fluids did not circulate and ...
by vibrologist
Wed May 08, 2019 4:19 am
Forum: Interior
Topic: Seat cushion - side air bag?
Replies: 4
Views: 1938

Re: Seat cushion - side air bag?

Have you considered getting a used seat from the junk yard? I bet you will find a serviceable one rather inexpensively. You would have time to take it apart and wash the covers and wash out the foam pads while you still use the old seat. There is a thread somewhere here how to take the seat apart. T...
by vibrologist
Mon May 06, 2019 8:19 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Disable headlight DRLs, relocate them, and KEEP auto lights!
Replies: 7
Views: 3881

Re: Disable headlight DRLs, relocate them, and KEEP auto lights!

Wow! That's an impressive write up.

Please consider loading the pictures directly to GenVibe instead of going through a hosting site. We lost a huge amount of content when Photobucket changed their business model and made a lot of images inaccessible.
by vibrologist
Wed Apr 24, 2019 10:58 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB - My first Vibe
Replies: 15
Views: 2535

Re: WTB - My first Vibe

Some time ago i was considering buying a car in the Atlanta area. Why? they use very little if any salt on the roads. I'd never consider going from Atlanta to Wisconsin to buy an aging car. Let's hope the rust on your purchase is limited.
by vibrologist
Sat Apr 20, 2019 4:19 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB - My first Vibe
Replies: 15
Views: 2535

Re: WTB - My first Vibe

I wish you best of success in your search. The Atlanta region is a large market for used cars. I suppose a Vibe that comes close to your criteria is going to show up earlier or later. Hopefully you can raise a little more cash by selling a few things you may no longer need. 2K is a bit low or you ma...
by vibrologist
Wed Apr 17, 2019 10:56 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Missing engine ...caper
Replies: 13
Views: 2261

Re: Missing engine ...caper

I know these places well, and that's the thing...they don't have storage or removal areas. Even if they did, why this engine over so many others!? So I guess the engines are that popular...which really surprises me. I can understand the GT engine, but not the base. There must be somebody in your ne...
by vibrologist
Sun Apr 14, 2019 6:34 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Oil leak on left side of engine, no idea where it's coming from..
Replies: 16
Views: 6926

Re: Oil leak on left side of engine, no idea where it's coming from..

That is "left" when you stand in front of the car, correct? Typically that is referred to as the passenger side or right side. That's where the drive belt is. The most common oil leak is a failing O-ring of the timing chain tensioner on that side.