Search found 356 matches

by BenWA
Sat Jul 28, 2018 8:47 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: FS: Yakima roof rack towers (no bars) for 1st gen Vibe
Replies: 0
Views: 1702

FS: Yakima roof rack towers (no bars) for 1st gen Vibe

Two Q towers and two lowrider towers with all matching locks using the same key. One key with the code on it included. Asking $90 shipped within the US for all 4 towers. Any Yakima round bars should fit. If you just happen to be near Sioux Falls, SD you can have the whole rack with 58" cross ba...
by BenWA
Sat Jul 28, 2018 8:01 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB: Roof rack setup for '03 [solved]
Replies: 9
Views: 2261

Re: WTB: Roof rack setup for '03 [solved]

Thanks so much for your (pretty good) offer! As we already bought a cargo box that fits on the factory bars, we won't need the towers anymore. But maybe someone else here on the board might be interested. I feel like the whole setup is hard to come by these days. It's hard in the sense that yaikma ...
by BenWA
Sat Jul 28, 2018 4:40 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB: Roof rack setup for '03 [solved]
Replies: 9
Views: 2261

Re: WTB: Roof rack setup for '03 [solved]

If you're still looking for one, I'm selling the Yakima rack I had on my 2003 Vibe. I don't want to ship the cross bars (58") but I do have the proper towers that all use the same key code. One key included. Those I'll ship, no big deal. Asking $90 shipped for all 4 towers. Any Yakima round bar...
by BenWA
Sun Dec 04, 2016 12:45 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

The heck with it. I went ahead and bought one here from O'Reilly for ~$220 with tax. I didn't want to have to deal with it in a few weeks. Just as well, I had to deal with the factory battery holder's front bolt breaking from being rusted in place. So I had to get a (poorly fitting) universal batter...
by BenWA
Thu Dec 01, 2016 8:44 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

Well, since there is metal behind the big panel where I wanted to put my outlets and voltage meter, I decided to use one of the cargo compartment doors. It's easier to replace later if I ever sell the car and want to pull this back out before hand. This is why I want a deep cycle/starting hybrid Yel...
by BenWA
Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:45 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

I'm a bit late to the thread but that yellow top battery is awesome. I have my inverter on all the time, a kenwood cb radio, and my handheld device charger plugged in all the time and that Battery is going on strong for about a year now. My last battery would struggle to start if I had my flashers ...
by BenWA
Tue Nov 29, 2016 6:15 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

Well poopy. They didn't have any in stock in their warehouses (I got the last one, it seems) and they are on backorder. Since I need it within 10 days (I'm hitting the road the 9th) and they couldn't be sure they could deliver within that time, I just returned it to the local store for a refund. I g...
by BenWA
Mon Nov 28, 2016 8:54 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

Ugh, Fedex ruined the battery. I missed the FedEx delivery on Friday, so had it held for pickup, which I did today. The box has big red and white stickers all over it saying "FRAGILE please handle with care" but... they didn't. They dropped it. 39lb "fragile" box and they dropped...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 26, 2016 3:04 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.
Replies: 10
Views: 3242

Re: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.

Yep. However.... my mom didn't do full and proper maintenance on her 1991 Corolla and it had a water pump failure around 2000 if I recall right. (Well, I doubt the "radiator stop leak" she used helped much either.) The engine had overheated but it wasn't bad enough to hurt it. It cost a lo...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:23 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: NEEDED - Red 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT Rear Drivers side door
Replies: 5
Views: 2550

Re: NEEDED - Red 2004 Pontiac Vibe GT Rear Drivers side door

My buddy's mom just hit my car on her way out of her driveway. I'm looking for a Red door with a Crank window. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks! You might just want to take what you can get for now.... and get a red one later when you are able to find one. Check Google maps for salvage yards i...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 26, 2016 1:22 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.
Replies: 10
Views: 3242

Re: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.

dgodwin wrote:Going from 155,000 miles down to 60,400 was worth it.
It's a placebo effect if both cars are in equal running condition. A 60k car can break down as much as a 155k car, under the right conditions.
by BenWA
Sat Nov 26, 2016 11:03 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.
Replies: 10
Views: 3242

Re: Thinking about upgrading to newer model vibe. Any input is appreciated.

You are better off saving your money until this one starts to ail. Then if you're on a trip and it starts to kick the bucket, the you can always buy another along the way! I just had my 03 Vibe's coolant flushed at just over 150k miles. I had the transmission serviced right after I bought it last De...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 26, 2016 10:22 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Towing question
Replies: 8
Views: 4508

Re: Towing question

You can buy different ball mounts to fit it. This one has a 5-3/8" rise: http://www.etrailer.com/Ball-Mounts/Curt/C45028.html?feed=npn&gclid=Cj0KEQiAguXBBRCE_pbQ5reuq8MBEiQANji2LfZsNNIxuvkjN1SrjJUSrGLb71XT3ZaoUGoxNDxXNVsaAmhw8P8HAQ Towing an excessive amount is one thing, stopping it is ano...
by BenWA
Fri Nov 25, 2016 2:04 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Towing question
Replies: 8
Views: 4508

Re: Towing question

All the hitches for the vibe are no-drill. But the threaded holes are usually so gunked up that have to be cleaned and tapped. How much of rise you need for your trailer will depend on the trailer itself. A small 4x8 trailer with 8" wheels won't need as much of a raise as a 5x10 with 15" w...
by BenWA
Thu Nov 24, 2016 10:28 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My midlife crisis Vibe: 2009 GT. A few questions...
Replies: 15
Views: 4894

Re: My midlife crisis Vibe: 2009 GT. A few questions...

Be very careful trying to install a hitch yourself. On my 03 without a lot of rust, I was able to tap out 3 of the holes, but the one under the end of the tail pipe got cross threaded or something. If you didn't angle the tap just right, it would screw up. I ended up paying a lot of money to a shop ...
by BenWA
Wed Nov 23, 2016 4:55 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack
Replies: 17
Views: 8617

Re: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack

And that's a crazy little cheap jack/jackstands combo. Don't know if I'd trust it for anything larger than the Vibe, but should work fine there and as you mentioned, far better than the stock scissor jack. Which I've had fail on me on two separate occasions (not the Vibe's, but two other one's in t...
by BenWA
Sun Nov 20, 2016 6:35 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Re: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

I going to run 10 or 12 gauge wire from the battery to the back so I can wire in this thing I ordered: http://www.ebay.com/itm/121746630793?_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649&ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT I also bought some switches so I can turn on/off each function as needed: http://www.ebay.com/itm...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 19, 2016 5:45 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack
Replies: 17
Views: 8617

Re: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack

Ah. A thread from earlier this year and the images already don't work. I could imagine a thread 5+ years old, but... Would love to figure out how to store my actual floor jack in the car without it sliding around. From memory, the pictures showed the passenger side of the tool liner in the spare ti...
by BenWA
Sat Nov 19, 2016 5:20 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35
Replies: 8
Views: 3456

Ordered an Optima Yellowtop D35

In just under 3 weeks, I'll be hitting the road living out of my Vibe, with a roof box and big cargo hitch box. When wiring up the Hopkins circuit-protect powered tail light converter (the hitch box has trailer lights since it covers the car's rear lights) I noticed that the battery is starting to l...
by BenWA
Mon Nov 14, 2016 12:50 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Had the pleasure of replacing the cig lighter fuse....!
Replies: 4
Views: 3036

Re: Had the pleasure of replacing the cig lighter fuse....!

In old 70s-90s Dodge vans, the fuse panel is under the glove box door, which up on top of the dash. It couldn't be any easier.

http://www.realityoneradio.com/ztek/stu ... OVEBOX.JPG
by BenWA
Sun Nov 13, 2016 9:20 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Local Police Chase Ends Abruptly - Video
Replies: 4
Views: 4697

Re: Local Police Chase Ends Abruptly - Video

Eh, they did it to themselves. Stolen car, trying to steal cart loads of stuff with fake credit cards, fleeing police at 100mph. Good riddance to bad rubbish. Thankfully they didn't take anyone else out with them.
by BenWA
Sat Nov 12, 2016 12:11 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Ticking noise from the engine
Replies: 9
Views: 4517

Re: Ticking noise from the engine

petervivian wrote:So I just pulled the bent baffle up.
Presumably it solved the problem?
by BenWA
Wed Nov 09, 2016 11:44 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Cruise control is real buggy
Replies: 9
Views: 4143

Re: Cruise control is real buggy

I would stop using it until you get it checked. There has been causes, at least in past decades, where cruise control fails and hitting the brake doesn't stop it. A doctor my mom had in the 90s had that happen to her, and they were in a pretty serious wreck from it. Hitting the brake and turning off...
by BenWA
Wed Nov 09, 2016 9:48 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Ticking noise from the engine
Replies: 9
Views: 4517

Re: Ticking noise from the engine

Mine is probably going to need a serpentine tensioner sooner or later. The Toyota dealer that did my coolant flush noted that it was making noise. It's just a little noisy at idle, but nothing too bad yet. But it foes have 150k miles on it. I'll have to keep an eye on it, and keep in mind that I may...
by BenWA
Wed Nov 09, 2016 8:49 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread
Replies: 634
Views: 925439

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

I meant a 1/4 of 1 mpg or something, not 1-2. Hm, I should check my tire pressures again. It's been a while. Plus I just had them rotated. I'll probably run my front and rear at higher PSI when I hit the road next month. I'm going to have the Yakima roof box loaded with lighter weight camping gear a...
by BenWA
Wed Nov 09, 2016 10:22 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Do your fog lights suck?
Replies: 19
Views: 7211

Re: Do your fog lights suck?

Look into the Xtravisions. They are brighter than standard but last longer than Silverstar/SS Ultras. Plus they are cheap online, $15 for two.
by BenWA
Wed Nov 09, 2016 8:46 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread
Replies: 634
Views: 925439

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

I'd say I get about 25-27 depending on the day (go through about a tank a day) It's mostly highway miles but it's AWD with steel wheels. I can for sure get 300 miles before the light comes on if it's 100% highway cruise control Do the steel wheels really make that much of a difference? Beyond a fra...
by BenWA
Tue Nov 08, 2016 12:31 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 300,000 for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe
Replies: 10
Views: 3441

Re: 300,000 for the 2003 Pontiac Vibe

ramenboy... wrote:wowza!! congrats! my o4 is closing in, with 289k right now.

what are your plans to fix the odometer? i think a few have done it, but its all over the place in terms of who can do it, and for how much
Easiest solution is to reset one of the two trip odometers and add that number to 299,999.
by BenWA
Mon Nov 07, 2016 10:31 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?
Replies: 8
Views: 2649

Re: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?

Yeah I am in the PNW where they are highly sought after. I considered one myself but they were a bit outside my budget. Just as well, I like my Vibe.
by BenWA
Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:47 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?
Replies: 8
Views: 2649

Re: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?

When I was debating what shop to take my Vibe to for a coolant flush (decided on a highly Yelp rated Toyota dealer 22 miles away, going Monday morning), I realized how many indie Subaru-only repair shops there are within 20 miles of me. They must be overly complex for an Asian make.
by BenWA
Sat Nov 05, 2016 2:44 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "What's Your Gas Mileage?" Thread
Replies: 634
Views: 925439

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

I'm getting about 24-25mpg (A/T, mixed city/hwy) with the Yakima roof rack and roof rack on my 03. The rack's cross bars are extra wide (I hit my head on it sometimes, ouch!) but I like them that way, since I'd like to add a kayak carrier some day. That will probably further kill my MPG, but oh well.
by BenWA
Fri Nov 04, 2016 2:16 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!
Replies: 13
Views: 3499

Re: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!

Unless I am badly mistaken, it's only a seat belt reminder sensor. The dash light just says "Passenger" with a seatbelt icon. From the 2003 manual: When the key is turned to ON or START, this light will come on as a reminder for the right front passenger to fasten the safety belt. The safe...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:49 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!
Replies: 13
Views: 3499

Re: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!

Yow, a Vibe to Sonic Hatchback conversion. :o I was thinking the exact same thing :P Some of these subcomacts on the road now have very little if any protection in the rear due to the wheels actually extending out so far that they just may end up being the bumper in a rear collision. Yeah, especial...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 31, 2016 10:37 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Supercharged 04 Vibe for sale, parts thread
Replies: 102
Views: 22905

Re: Bob's for sale/part pickin' thread

I can get one. What I did is exactly what your 2nd option is. I mounted mine in one of the dash blanks, ran the wires up through the dash. Easy fix. I used the tire switch that came in the tpms system. I have another switch if you wanna go that way. Either way, I can get what you need. I will also ...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 31, 2016 6:23 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Supercharged 04 Vibe for sale, parts thread
Replies: 102
Views: 22905

Re: Bob's for sale/part pickin' thread

Do you have an O/D button to fit an 03? I don't care if the wires are cut instead of properly removed from way down below in the shifter assembly, since I'll be splicing/soldering it in up near the top of the shifter anyway to save gobs of time vs pulling the plastic trim, routing the wires, blahbla...
by BenWA
Sun Oct 30, 2016 3:49 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!
Replies: 13
Views: 3499

Re: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!

Bad rear impact indeed. It is no surprise that the air bags did no t deploy. The impact sensors are in the front and the front is undamaged. Quite possible the driver and front passenger may have walked away from this. It makes me reconsider riding my dog in the back seat. :shock: The airbag would ...
by BenWA
Sun Oct 30, 2016 2:23 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!
Replies: 13
Views: 3499

Badly rear ended Vibe on ebay, no airbag deployment!!

Check this out, an ebay listing for the rear view mirror on a 2010 Vibe that looks like it was rear ended by a tank (or maybe a semi). But check out the interior shots, neither airbag deployed! :shock:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/2010-Pontiac-Vi ... 1744405020
by BenWA
Tue Oct 25, 2016 5:34 pm
Forum: Humor
Topic: Design for dreaming!
Replies: 0
Views: 6174

Design for dreaming!

1950s GM promo film showing a bunch of concept cars... set to music and dancing... WITH MST3k riffing! :mrgreen:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M9nHxwzw-2o
by BenWA
Tue Oct 25, 2016 1:23 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 03 AWD Accident Help
Replies: 13
Views: 3275

Re: 03 AWD Accident Help

Take a photo of it and show it to a local salvage yard and ask what they typically pay for cars in that condition. That'll be your answer. If the car is otherwise good but you don't want to junk it just yet, you can always keep it for parts and junk it later yourself.
by BenWA
Mon Oct 24, 2016 6:19 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 03 AWD Accident Help
Replies: 13
Views: 3275

Re: 03 AWD Accident Help

Salsa Guy wrote:OK here's the direction for you.

Price 03-05 AWD Vibe/Matrix on Autotrader with same miles and options.
Price on KBB RETAIL.

Submit to Insurance what the value of your car is.
That's not how it works, in my experience. Maybe IF they low ball you, but I'd wait and see what their offer is first.
by BenWA
Mon Oct 24, 2016 2:07 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 03 AWD Accident Help
Replies: 13
Views: 3275

Re: 03 AWD Accident Help

Mine had less damage, it sounds like. It had no axle damage. It got clipped at very low speed in a parking lot from an angle by a Ford Taurus. p_00017.jpg Back in 1994, that same car got hit HARD right on the front fender on that same side, by some 1970s boat of a car, and was ALMOST totaled back th...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:53 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 03 AWD Accident Help
Replies: 13
Views: 3275

Re: 03 AWD Accident Help

Don't go by KBB. It's not always right. Find out the exact amount they'll pay if you keep the car vs if you don't keep it. The value they pay should be based on the condition BEFORE the accident, not after. I'd accept no less than around $3,000 depending on the condition before the wreck. $1400 is c...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 24, 2016 11:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?
Replies: 8
Views: 2649

Re: How does a Subaru AWD differ then a Vibe AWD?

The 4cyls in the late 90s-early 2000s have head gasket problems, at least on the Outback. They blow no matter what, it seems. It's super expensive to repair, too. The 6cyls don't have that problem. I considered a 6cyl Outback before I found the Matrix/Vibe.
by BenWA
Mon Oct 24, 2016 8:51 am
Forum: Humor
Topic: Car of tomorrow!
Replies: 1
Views: 2162

Car of tomorrow!

Classic 1951 Tex Avery cartoon..

https://vimeo.com/133634112
by BenWA
Sun Oct 23, 2016 10:51 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: starting issue
Replies: 2
Views: 730

Re: starting issue

How's the battery? Take it out and get it checked. Cars can sound horrible when trying to start with a low battery. They can make awful grinding sounds due to the starter not engaging properly. It could also the be starter itself. This video is a Buick, but all cars are pretty much the same in how t...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 17, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: A couple of questions from new Vibe driver
Replies: 8
Views: 1887

Re: A couple of questions from new Vibe driver

What you can expect from the first generation Vibe is a good amount of engine noise and road noise in the cabin. There are lots of reports of loose heat shields that will also produce what sounds like engine noise. There also is a good amount of tappet from the valves in the VVTi engine (Corolla) w...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 17, 2016 2:56 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Trip vibes
Replies: 10
Views: 2493

Re: Trip vibes

......and then there are all variants lumped together including AWD and the bigger engines and extended bodies. I had a '94 XLT, extended body. Stay with the Vibe, though. Right, Fuelly does lump them all together. Yeah, it's in too good condition to get rid of for an older van. If it gets totaled ...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 17, 2016 1:41 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Trip vibes
Replies: 10
Views: 2493

Re: Trip vibes

Oh, I was going by Fuelly. Although, most people show 15mpg. That's possibly due to mostly city, and maybe they are lead foots. There's no telling. I see that some, according to the EPA fuel economy site, some are rated as high as 22mpg with the 3.0 L, 6 cyl, Automatic 4-spd. I might end up with mid...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 17, 2016 1:33 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Trip vibes
Replies: 10
Views: 2493

Re: Trip vibes

A small van like an Aerostar or Astro (without a roof box) would be more roomy, but the MPG would be much lower too. Not really. The Aerostar with the the Vulcan engine would rival the mpg you are getting. Even my 4L powered Aerostar gave about 24 mpg on long runs. The Prius have been doing much be...
by BenWA
Mon Oct 17, 2016 12:26 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Ben's Salsa & Chips (2003 Vibe base)
Replies: 17
Views: 6986

Re: Ben's Salsa & Chips (2003 Vibe base)

Today I put in a set of Sylvania Xtravision 9003s (main headlights). Heck, it turns out that's exactly what it had in it already! I hope they were just very dim, since they didn't feel like they had much brightness on the road at ALL except in complete darkness... even with the fog lights on too. Th...