Search found 232 matches

by ctgottapee
Sat May 25, 2019 7:25 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Should I risk changing Transmission Fluid OR seal its fate and leave it alone?
Replies: 15
Views: 2791

Re: Should I risk changing Transmission Fluid OR seal its fate and leave it alone?

You don't need to drop the pan, it can be a mess, and tedious to clean up the gasket and get a new one on. The 'filter' is not really a filter; it is a screen that face down, large debri falls of it into the pan bottom when the car is not running, where magnets collect it. It doesn't need to be chan...
by ctgottapee
Sat May 25, 2019 7:12 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe GT spoiler
Replies: 4
Views: 1778

Re: WTB 2009-2010 Pontiac Vibe GT spoiler

got one in black
by ctgottapee
Sat May 25, 2019 7:08 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Parting out 09 2.4L AWD with some upgrades
Replies: 1
Views: 1312

Parting out 09 2.4L AWD with some upgrades

oem black GT rear wing in black oem GT sway bar AWD catback exhaust trailer hitch digital flasher module [useful for leds] new drivers visor [they eventually give out and droop] led lighting for interior and exterior SOLD-chrome HVAC dials from other VW SOLD-fog lights, bezels, stalk, relay 4 stainl...
by ctgottapee
Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:09 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Coolant flush
Replies: 5
Views: 2821

Re: Coolant flush

Not to freak you out, but I did a flush, accidentally tore one of the heater hoses upon reconnect and didn't notice it..... I might have worn the end a bit as I was using that specific hose as a flush point, so lots of reconnecting. It started leaking, but it was raining out so I didn't notice the l...
by ctgottapee
Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:02 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Curiosity about your oil.
Replies: 27
Views: 6853

Re: Curiosity about your oil.

I run 0w-20w as well.
I believe you get a better quality oil at 0w, hence why it's often not included in oil change specials.
by ctgottapee
Tue Jun 14, 2016 5:00 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: MacGyver's - 2009 Vibe Base
Replies: 87
Views: 32734

Re: MacGyver's - 2009 Vibe Base

Clever find on the fog light housing

Now can we find aftermarket LED or Xenon based ones with real projector lenses
by ctgottapee
Thu May 19, 2016 6:17 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: ElScotto - 2009 Vibe AWD
Replies: 11
Views: 3385

Re: ElScotto - 2009 Vibe AWD

welcome to the gen2 AWD club

I second either going with the Trix roof rack, or just no roof rack at all ;)
by ctgottapee
Thu May 19, 2016 6:00 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: How to mount factory roof rack on 09 Vibe?
Replies: 2
Views: 1668

Re: How to mount factory roof rack on 09 Vibe?

I posted pics for this; wherever you got the stock racks should have the stock bolts too, or order them, or test and try from local hardware store
by ctgottapee
Thu May 19, 2016 2:06 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Does the 2AZFE have a OCV / VVT filter and where is it? (thoughts)
Replies: 7
Views: 12149

Re: Does the 2AZFE have a OCV / VVT filter and where is it? (thoughts)

From another 2AZFE engine manual (RAV4), I find the first up close pic, although it doesn't help much.
The unicorn is in there somewhere it seems!!!
ocv1.jpg
ocv1.jpg (17.9 KiB) Viewed 11786 times
ocv2.jpg
ocv2.jpg (51.5 KiB) Viewed 11786 times
ocv3.jpg
ocv3.jpg (36.22 KiB) Viewed 11786 times
by ctgottapee
Sun Jan 31, 2016 10:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Good deal on high end belts for 2nd gen
Replies: 0
Views: 4917

Good deal on high end belts for 2nd gen

My amazon price watch on parts popped this up.
It's the fancy criss-cross groove belt. Looks like closeout of old stock as the brand name changed hands. Sometimes Amazon's system will price match over time. I got mine as advertised


http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006EHXF0U
by ctgottapee
Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:42 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009-2010 2.4L radiator cap question
Replies: 7
Views: 1638

Re: 2009-2010 2.4L radiator cap question

While I've done ebay, if I had any concerns I would have ordered the part through more professional channels to make sure your getting the proper Stant part.

The TRD cap is no doubt nice though
by ctgottapee
Tue Jan 26, 2016 9:40 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 2010 gt wiring harness diagrams
Replies: 8
Views: 1796

Re: 2010 gt wiring harness diagrams

I have access to the alldata online repair guide and could help

Your best bet though would be to pay the $15 and get yourself a couple year subscription like I did and access all you need.
It's not the best, but well worth it for anyone doing serious work on their car
by ctgottapee
Mon Dec 21, 2015 10:41 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Jamaroon's 09 Vibe
Replies: 27
Views: 7387

Re: Jamaroon's 09 Vibe

So the lights in the factory radio are LEDs then?
by ctgottapee
Sat Dec 19, 2015 11:39 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Motor Mount?
Replies: 7
Views: 1937

Re: Motor Mount?

Well my car still isn't back on the road as of yet. Depending on other people's help due to not having any money to go ahead and buy parts and pay for repairs myself really sucks. Anyways I had a friend who looked at the car and yes it is a motor mount the alternator bracket is attached to and we f...
by ctgottapee
Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:42 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 09 Vibe Transmission oil Problem
Replies: 5
Views: 1649

Re: 09 Vibe Transmission oil Problem

It's likely they just drained the pan, which is only about half the fluid in the system, so it would look dirty again. Many transmission filters are just screens, but the 2nd gen trans filter is a bit more, although not much more. It's not much more trouble to replace it once you've drained the pain...
by ctgottapee
Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:30 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: What would you guys do? Stuck caliper guide pin.
Replies: 8
Views: 2841

Re: What would you guys do? Stuck caliper guide pin.

hey I know im late to the party here.. yea at the very least the bracket is toast.. The bad news is brackets are not available for the 2nd gen vibe on the front, you have to go the full caliper. The rear brackets are almost as much as the whole setup so it's a mute point, except you'll have a core ...
by ctgottapee
Tue Dec 15, 2015 2:28 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8
Replies: 8
Views: 2623

Re: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8

If you read the factory remote start add on installation instructions, it points out the difference in ignition modules, the immobilizer uses a later version.
by ctgottapee
Thu Dec 03, 2015 3:54 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread
Replies: 634
Views: 926258

Re: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread

2009 2.4L AWD

23.7 avg over last 6 months, 50/50 mix with lots of short under 1 mile trips
by ctgottapee
Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:47 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Engine Bay
Replies: 6
Views: 1827

Re: Engine Bay

Post some links if you find any in their forum

I'll tuck later.
I upgraded the terminal connections, and doubled the wire sizes to ground and to the fuse box
by ctgottapee
Tue Dec 01, 2015 7:08 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8
Replies: 8
Views: 2623

Re: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8

my 2009 key has the dot on the back of the key, and the blinking security light
by ctgottapee
Fri Nov 27, 2015 10:20 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8
Replies: 8
Views: 2623

Re: Remote Starter 2010 Vibe Base 1.8

Called an installer at one of the dealerships and was told I would either need to purchase an extra key for $60, or pay $100 for a bypass module to have a remote starter installed in my 2010 Vibe base (USA). I have seen posts stating that it is not necessary to purchase these? Is there any way of t...
by ctgottapee
Sat Nov 21, 2015 10:23 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: dyno day vids
Replies: 1
Views: 729

Re: dyno day vids

very interesting!
by ctgottapee
Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:47 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Buick made in China
Replies: 13
Views: 5935

Re: Buick made in China

It doesn't really matter where something is built, as long as they are built to the right standards. Thats what concerns me. The Chinese standard is cheap is best. I believe the Chinese GM assembly plant would be up to most industry standards, it is all the suppliers that scare me. Chinese made bra...
by ctgottapee
Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:42 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: knucklehead
Replies: 10
Views: 1942

Re: knucklehead

Lost a wheel nut after doing a full brake job; guess I forgot to torque one.
They were aftermarket with the aftermarket wheels, so now I have one nut not the same ;(
by ctgottapee
Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:23 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Duraflex roof caps
Replies: 8
Views: 1758

Re: Duraflex roof caps

There is a large thread for the first gen cap swap. I posted pics of the 2nd gen at the end of it (very similar). The pics give you an idea. I did mine the cheap way without the brackets to hold the clips and used some black window sealant to keep the clips on. The bolt hole is not welded to the car...
by ctgottapee
Sat Nov 21, 2015 2:20 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Do custom fit type 09-10 mats fit the AWD
Replies: 7
Views: 1664

Re: Do custom fit type 09-10 mats fit the AWD

Good thinking! You really need to start a Garage thread for your Vibe ;). You and your garage thread ;) I really haven't done anything special yet, although the rear lights might be when I'm done You asked for a picture that I could get but they'll be dirty. If you want to see what the material is ...
by ctgottapee
Fri Nov 20, 2015 7:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread
Replies: 1661
Views: 1532996

Re: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread

vibenvy wrote:
vibenvy wrote:$2.14
$2.19
Under $2 should be headed your way, made it to $1.89 down here; a little bit more and you'll see at least $1.99 up in the big city ;)

There was on odd short spike about a week and half ago, when prices went below $2 nationally
by ctgottapee
Fri Nov 20, 2015 7:19 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: The Great How-To Maintenance Index!
Replies: 5
Views: 15940

Re: The Great How-To Maintenance Index! (zionzr2)

I have been searching around the sight and can not find any information on performing a "tune up". My guess is that only the plugs need to be changed? Replacing wires, coil pack etc. is not part of routine maintenance? Any advise is appreciated.Thanks Coil packs take the place of traditio...
by ctgottapee
Fri Nov 20, 2015 7:15 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Duraflex roof caps
Replies: 8
Views: 1758

Re: Duraflex roof caps

The oem caps don't have any sealing material, just plastic clips. the oem surrounds with the rack mounts have no 'seal' either.

The rail under the rubber and coverings drains bulk water, and there is another drain underneath inside the car from the bolt mounts.
by ctgottapee
Fri Nov 20, 2015 7:12 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Heater Core Question Updated
Replies: 7
Views: 1621

Re: Heater Core Question

As long as the initial fix was just in your head, that would be a good start Make sure the heater core has no trapped air. My guess would be if the heater core did have trapped air, you would get lukewarm air out of all the vents as they all lead from the same source Does anyone know, can you see th...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:09 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Vibe AWD Rear Diff Leak
Replies: 1
Views: 869

Re: 2009 Vibe AWD Rear Diff Leak

Unfortunately it is not an easy repair, If the seals need replaced.

First order would be to check the diff fluid level. It should be right below the fill bolt. I posted pics of the bolt plugs and fill amount on my 2.4L 2AZ thread.
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 7:00 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Summary of normal rusty areas?
Replies: 2
Views: 1277

Re: Summary of normal rusty areas?

Door hinges at wear points.

On the 2nd gen, I've found:
the brackets that hold the front exhaust support as it leads to the down pipe up front.
Also all the bolts holding on the front exhaust shielding under the hood, and if unchecked migrating into the shield.
The oil dipstick
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 2nd gen 2009-10 2.4L Tune Up / Common Maintenance Thread
Replies: 5
Views: 7035

Re: 2nd gen 2009-10 2.4L Tune Up / Common Maintenance Thread

And now some brake work, the front brakes are common to all 2nd gen versions, the rear are common to GT and AWD with rear independent suspension. There is nothing special going on I upgraded the brake lines to stainless steel. The OEM lines have a hook on the end that goes into the caliper, and thus...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:34 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Do custom fit type 09-10 mats fit the AWD
Replies: 7
Views: 1664

Re: Do custom fit type 09-10 mats fit the AWD

The front mats seem to be an exact match for the AWD But I tried some rear mats and they are definitely not. The AWD has a much, much taller hump in the middle. As the cost of shipping and return shipping was close to the price of the new rear mat, I cut out the hump in the new rear mat and got 2 ne...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:30 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: What would you guys do? Stuck caliper guide pin.
Replies: 8
Views: 2841

Re: What would you guys do? Stuck caliper guide pin.

I just ran into this stuck guide pin issue. For the 2nd gen, front brackets only were not available so I got a whole caliper replacement. The design was pretty much identical. As someone noted above, you can rebuild the other caliper to update it to almost new like the new caliper for under $10. You...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:18 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Driver Side Window Liner
Replies: 8
Views: 1929

Re: Driver Side Window Liner

Best to find the part on the dealer part sites, using the diagrams if needed, then put the GM part number into ebay.
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:11 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Buick made in China
Replies: 13
Views: 5935

Re: Buick made in China

"Eventually only the trucks will be built here..." Check the American content of the Ford, Chevy, Dodge and Toyota trucks. (Yes, I know its officially "Ram". Who cares?) Yeah the content level has gone down, but the build will still happen here, mainly because that is the only m...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:08 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Duraflex roof caps
Replies: 8
Views: 1758

Re: Duraflex roof caps

On the 2nd gen, the build is set up to take care of the water. The cap is more of a cosmetic cover and bulk water stoppage, the entire roof rail is made to drain, the rest of the rubber rail is just sitting in the grove. Kinda something you have to see. They did have locktite on the bolts holding th...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 6:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A dealer offer you can/should refuse
Replies: 18
Views: 4268

Re: A dealer offer you can/should refuse

[quote="joatmon" Rear wiper - $25 Valve cover gasket - $155 Spark plugs - $165 Timing chain tensioner gasket - $169 Front brake pads - $100 Front rotors - $275 Clean throttle body - $175 Left Front low beam - $74 [/quote] Valve cover gasket and Timing Chain tensioner gasket prices are a go...
by ctgottapee
Wed Nov 18, 2015 5:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A dealer offer you can/should refuse
Replies: 18
Views: 4268

Re: A dealer offer you can/should refuse

GM let Mr. GoodWrench go several years ago, and hired Mr. MBA-Wrench in his place. Mr. MBA-Wrench quickly instituted higher parts pricing and service fees designed to enhance dealership profitability, in part to offset the fact that most dealerships lose money on every new car sold, and (attempt to...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 16, 2015 10:41 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Buick made in China
Replies: 13
Views: 5935

Re: Buick made in China

Many moons ago during the re-org, the Buick brand was kept basically for overseas markets, with China being the intended target I actually like what the brand has done, but I guess they are free to play and take a lot of risks typical GM wouldn't as the brand is dead Eventually only the trucks will ...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 16, 2015 10:34 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Front Bumper "What is this?"
Replies: 9
Views: 2519

Re: Front Bumper "What is this?"

go to a good parts site like this that has diagrams, plug in your vehicle then go to the front end body views often if you click on the exact parts, you get some detailed specs like bolt sizes, etc you can use the gm part numbers to search for used on ebay if need be http://www.wholesalegmpartsonlin...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 16, 2015 3:29 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6078627

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

^ Looks good! So, exactly what bulbs do you have in all the different lights? Last weekend I got the Yaris HVAC knobs installed in my Vibe! This morning on my way to work, my Vibe turned over 63,000 miles! 60smd amber tower CK version in turn signal Kennsington 35w HIDs in the lows last gen LEDs fo...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 16, 2015 3:07 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: PSA Frame Rail Rust Pocket interior access floor board
Replies: 12
Views: 3665

Re: PSA Frame Rail Rust Pocket interior access floor board

In my case, probably the only thing I would ding the designers with are the door hinges. Double checked, mine are still clean. Do you have any pics of the rust? Curious if they are rusting from the outside, or from pins rubbing inside the hinge. I already cleaned them up. I'm 2009 gen2 Mostly insid...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 9:33 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6078627

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Finally got the front end all LED/HID with some LED foglights, and capacitors inline with the LED DRL/HighBeams so they don't flicker.
Next I need to polish the lenses
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:12 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: NEW! Michelin Defender Tires & Monroe Struts
Replies: 6
Views: 2412

Re: NEW! Michelin Defender Tires & Monroe Struts

With black friday coming up, this is a good time to watch for deals.

Walmart has done some crazy ones, and tires are included, if your ok with you local walmart shop doing the work, and they are not selling an alternate tire line in place of a similar national tire.
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:10 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Do 09 Matrix heated mirrors fit 09 Vibe?
Replies: 15
Views: 5774

Re: Do 09 Matrix heated mirrors fit 09 Vibe?

Getting power to it and making it look nice will be key as its doubtful that wiring exists
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 8:04 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 Vibe 1.8 Extremely Hard Downshift with Cruise
Replies: 4
Views: 2141

Re: 2009 Vibe 1.8 Extremely Hard Downshift with Cruise

Probably a combination of bad shift logic (oh no the rpm dipped, better downshift into the lowest gear possible and floor it) and loose transmission or motor mounts. The same thing would happen if you suddenly floored the gas. An easy test for bad motor mounts is to look under the hood for excessiv...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: PSA Frame Rail Rust Pocket interior access floor board
Replies: 12
Views: 3665

Re: PSA Frame Rail Rust Pocket interior access floor board

I got a 2nd gen driven in Michigan for 220k and overall they did an excellent job in most areas in comparison to similar priced vehicles (the vibe was in the value end). The underbody seam sealing look pretty thorough. The exhaust system held up too. There are various little pieces that were overloo...
by ctgottapee
Mon Nov 09, 2015 7:53 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Ashamed to admit it..
Replies: 11
Views: 4469

Re: Ashamed to admit it..

I'd say the Vue is very similar to the vibe; if like one, you'll like the other. The AWD drive version handles similar.