Search found 80 matches

by bigdoug
Mon Oct 29, 2018 3:25 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Radio Interference from LED lights.
Replies: 2
Views: 1034

Radio Interference from LED lights.

Back when I had my factory radio in the car, I noticed that when I plugged in my phone to charge into one of the jacks, it would interfere with the radio. The radio's ability to pick up stations would be compromised. Far away stations I could pick up would suddenly become fuzzy. I've noticed this is...
by bigdoug
Tue Oct 23, 2018 5:23 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Well, I bought a set of brand new Blizzak winter tires for an amazing $100 that I thought were 215/60/16... misread them, they were actually 225/60/16. Oops. I've read a thread here that says they're a bit too big, 7% too big... do they rub against the wheel well or suspension? Would offsets help? O...
by bigdoug
Sat Oct 20, 2018 2:03 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base
Replies: 7
Views: 4418

Re: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base

So my exhaust broke... at the rear flange. What do? tail pipe_zpsrq4ff5hh.jpg First off, I was able to get the old flange bolts out using penetrant, a torch, and a breaker bar, which was amazing. Getting the old flange gasket out, however, required more penetrant, heat, and chiseling it out with chi...
by bigdoug
Sat Oct 20, 2018 1:48 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base
Replies: 7
Views: 4418

Re: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base

fog light_zps747eeqio.jpg Fog lights won't stay in properly so I took a washer and a screw, and drilled a small hole into the black caps and then put the screw in. I only needed them for the inside of the fog lights. I made sure to drill in the very center of the black cap, because there's a small ...
by bigdoug
Sat Oct 20, 2018 12:58 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Subwoofer replacement and wiring.
Replies: 3
Views: 1581

Re: Subwoofer replacement and wiring.

I've done some research now on subwoofers and I'm a bit stuck on which one to get. Powered bass tubes are the cheapest option. Under-seat powered sub box is the next cheapest. Separate sub, amp is the most expensive unless I got a cheap Boss sub or something. So, having never actually tried any of t...
by bigdoug
Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:45 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Transmission fluid vs change
Replies: 6
Views: 1865

Re: Transmission fluid vs change

This post is a few .on the old, but I've been researching transmission fluid changes versus flushing. I'm waiting for a co-workers Vibe to become available and a transmission service is on the list when it is finally in my possession. I was leaning towards a flush after doing a filter/fluid change,...
by bigdoug
Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:37 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base
Replies: 7
Views: 4418

Re: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base

Enjoying reading the progress you are making on this Vibe. It's turning out to be a very nice example, and hopefully you can avoid some of those extreme potholes (craters) this coming winter. I actually plan to redo this thread and have it be a listing of all the mods I've done to the car and how t...
by bigdoug
Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:23 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Ordered Timken bearing, got something else
Replies: 4
Views: 1243

Re: Ordered Timken bearing, got something else

A quick update. Koyo is the OEM bearing. It had the same part number on the old bearing as well. Also, since I replaced both bearings, I bought the AC Delco bearing off Amazon which I think was $10-15 cheaper for the other side. It too was a Koyo OEM bearing with the same part number stamped on it. ...
by bigdoug
Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:18 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 04 Speedometer not quite right
Replies: 3
Views: 1005

04 Speedometer not quite right

I have been checking the speedometer lately to make sure it's calibrated properly. I use Torque Pro and a obd2 bluetooth reader, as well as a GPS speedometer as well. For some odd reason, the needle seems to be almost right on the dot when it comes to around 40-50mph. Around 30, and the speed will b...
by bigdoug
Sun Sep 23, 2018 5:12 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Subwoofer replacement and wiring.
Replies: 3
Views: 1581

Subwoofer replacement and wiring.

So I finally bit the bullet and installed the factory subwoofer into my 04 vibe, and although it doesn't blow the rear door off, I am impressed that it does seem to fill in the low notes. However, the rubber ring around the speaker has a small crack in it. So I've considered throwing in a cheap afte...
by bigdoug
Mon Sep 03, 2018 6:35 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

But wait, there's more! (Since it seems you can only upload 5 pics per post, I'll just use an imgur account) First off, I remember that someone was selling some kind of vinyl to turn your yellow taillights red. Does that person still do that, or does anyone know where I can get a small amount of vin...
by bigdoug
Mon Sep 03, 2018 5:18 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Matrixowners down?
Replies: 45
Views: 18063

Re: Matrixowners down?

Hmm, maybe them and this site should have merged. It's easier to run a site with more resources and people behind it. It's the same car just with different exterior (and some interior) differences. Could have had a Matrix and a Vibe section and then a combined section for things that both cars share.
by bigdoug
Thu Aug 30, 2018 5:52 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Wow, haven't posted in this forum in a while. Didn't do much to my car besides regular maintenance during the winter, when late spring came I started fixing things on it again. Because summer is almost over I'm trying to finish doing all the cosmetic stuff before it gets cold. Found (and fixed) the ...
by bigdoug
Mon Mar 12, 2018 6:03 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Ordered Timken bearing, got something else
Replies: 4
Views: 1243

Re: Ordered Timken bearing, got something else

If it is the proper Koyo bearing I'll probably just end up using it. Doesn't seem Koyo's website has any way to search their bearings by application. BTW is there a trick to removing the indentation on the axle spindle nut, so I don't maul up my spindle as well? Don't need to add an axle to my expen...
by bigdoug
Sun Mar 11, 2018 3:29 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Ordered Timken bearing, got something else
Replies: 4
Views: 1243

Ordered Timken bearing, got something else

So I ordered a Timken wheel bearing from Amazon. Wasn't available at the local O'riley, Autozone, or Advanced (all 3 sold a National bearing with the same part number). When it arrived, it looked fine, but I noticed it had Koyo stamped on the bearing. Is this a problem? I've heard the Koyo is the OE...
by bigdoug
Wed Mar 07, 2018 2:38 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: STRUTS AND SHOCKS. WHAT BRANDS AVAIL. FOR VIBE
Replies: 5
Views: 2401

Re: STRUTS AND SHOCKS. WHAT BRANDS AVAIL. FOR VIBE

I hit some pretty nasty potholes and have both front struts leaking now. Since the KYB (kill your bilsteins?) have a rebate that makes them about the same as monroes, price is not an issue. But, from everything I've read, the KYBs are stiffer and harder than the Monroes, which mean better handling b...
by bigdoug
Wed Feb 07, 2018 7:00 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Auto transmission fluid color
Replies: 4
Views: 1578

Auto transmission fluid color

I checked the transmission fluid lately, and noticed it look darker than normal. Last time I checked it, a month ago or so, it looked a darker red but not this bad. The left one is with the engine cold, the right is with it hot. cold.jpg hot.jpg The last time I changed it was after I bought the car,...
by bigdoug
Mon Nov 27, 2017 7:01 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Holes in rocker panels
Replies: 7
Views: 4357

Holes in rocker panels

So, a week ago the rocker panel cover on the passenger side fell off. Oops. Before slapping it back on, I decided to go ahead and examine the panel for any rust spots and clean them up and re-paint them. That is, until I found a squishy spot in the back near the rear wheel. Some prying and poking la...
by bigdoug
Wed Nov 08, 2017 6:28 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Which coolant is fine in my 2004 gen1 1zz?
Replies: 7
Views: 2099

Which coolant is fine in my 2004 gen1 1zz?

So, I'm planning on doing a full coolant flush and drain and get any of that damn Dexcrap out of the engine. I've decided not to deal with it anymore. From everything I've heard the car originally should have came with red or pink anyway, so the dex shouldn't be in there anyway. Good thing I'm chang...
by bigdoug
Wed Oct 04, 2017 5:54 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Control arm bushings, should I go poly?
Replies: 3
Views: 2150

Control arm bushings, should I go poly?

When inspecting my 2004's front end to find a rattle (the rattle ended up being a loose bolt that just needed tightening again), I found that the rear bushings for my control arms were moving more than they should and the left one looked cracked. IMG_20171004_215829.jpg https://youtu.be/jKDZ6SbLfpM ...
by bigdoug
Thu Aug 10, 2017 6:41 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: photos
Replies: 7
Views: 2390

Re: photos

Most pictures on this forum are hosted at photobucket.com. In the past, photobucket had a limit to how much a picture could be shared off site, once you reached that limit, you would get an image like that. However, recently (apparently over a month ago, but I only heard about it this past week), Ph...
by bigdoug
Wed Aug 09, 2017 4:46 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Lightbulb types for dashboard controls Gen 1
Replies: 1
Views: 1993

Lightbulb types for dashboard controls Gen 1

I have the center panels off the dashboard in order to replace the bulbs behind the climate controls, and I've decided to replace all of them. There is no official list of bulb types for the Gen 1 Vibe on this site, so it was some trial and error to figure out what bulbs are used for each. So, I dec...
by bigdoug
Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:35 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Places to hard wire interior LED setups
Replies: 2
Views: 1157

Re: Places to hard wire interior LED setups

That's actually a great idea. According to the wiring diagram that I have for the two power sockets, the 15v fuse for the dashboard jack (labeled CIG) goes through the ignition, so would probably only be on when the key is in run or acc. The other socket has a fuse labeled P/POINT that is before the...
by bigdoug
Tue Aug 08, 2017 6:33 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pre Vibe were you a Toyota or GM person? (Or neither?)
Replies: 40
Views: 12585

Re: Pre Vibe were you a Toyota or GM person? (Or neither?)

Saturn, Cavalier, Escort, Focus. So a GM and Ford person.

I have no brand loyalty. I just want something that runs well.
by bigdoug
Wed Aug 02, 2017 6:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Places to hard wire interior LED setups
Replies: 2
Views: 1157

Places to hard wire interior LED setups

So, while my dash is semi-disassembled, I'm considering using the opportunity to wire in some interior LEDs for lighting. I'm wondering where a good place to hardwire them would be. I have considered using the dash 12v cigarette lighter jack wires. However, that means there would have to be a key in...
by bigdoug
Sat Jul 22, 2017 4:56 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Finally a good Fix! (Window Bezel)
Replies: 46
Views: 28825

Re: Finally a good Fix! (Window Bezel)

Well, I tried to fix this like the instructions above say, but found out it wasn't the clip on the bezel that was broken. Instead, it was the armrest itself. http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/deadlylee/Car%20pictures/broken%20armrest_zpsovfzfyja.jpg Halp! I'm going to try something similar usin...
by bigdoug
Sat Jul 22, 2017 4:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Drove 300 miles from Detroit are to Pittsburg and 300 back. Longest I've driven with this car, and the ride was smooth. Filled up before I left and filled when I left Pittsburg, took about 1.5 tanks of gas total. Things done recently: Replaced brake rotors and that broken stud. http://i54.photobucke...
by bigdoug
Sat Jul 22, 2017 3:56 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Rear Defroster button sticky
Replies: 1
Views: 826

Rear Defroster button sticky

I have noticed ever since I purchased my car, the rear defroster button above my radio has been a bit sticky. If I push it in, it sticks in the depressed position often. (Occasionally it pops back out again). If it does this, I usually have to push it again, or sometimes get a tiny screwdriver to wi...
by bigdoug
Wed May 31, 2017 4:13 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 05-08 Factory monsoon sub, should I get?
Replies: 14
Views: 6909

Re: 05-08 Factory monsoon sub, should I get?

Anyone ever modify the 09-10 stock subwoofer? Stock it seems to be 8", I'm wondering if you could do similar to what the other guy did with the first gen subwoofer box, where he converted it to 8". I am wondering if you can convert it to 10" and stick it in a first gen vibe. I found o...
by bigdoug
Wed May 31, 2017 3:56 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: How to: Replace the front bumper rubber tipped screws with hardware parts
Replies: 4
Views: 5307

Re: How to: Replace the front bumper rubber tipped screws with hardware parts

Once you are ready to screw them into the car, I found it much easier to install the screw and the 3/16" washer first into the rubber cap before screwing the screw into the bumper. Place the 3/16" washer (the bigger of the two small washers) on the screw all the way. Then push both the scr...
by bigdoug
Wed May 31, 2017 3:52 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: How to: Replace the front bumper rubber tipped screws with hardware parts
Replies: 4
Views: 5307

How to: Replace the front bumper rubber tipped screws with hardware parts

On my 04 vibe, when I went to remove the two philips head screws on the top of the front bumper, the ones next to the headlights that have the rubber caps on top of them, they were so rusted in that I stripped the philips head and had to notch them to get them out with a flat head. busted screw.jpg ...
by bigdoug
Wed May 31, 2017 3:28 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Bulbs for center console climate control dials
Replies: 3
Views: 1868

Re: Bulbs for center console climate control dials

If I'm going to have the center of the dash board pulled apart I figured I'd go ahead and replace some of the other lights as well. I was in a junk yard and practicing pulling it all apart before I try it on my own car. I can see how difficult it will be to change the bulbs especially the left one. ...
by bigdoug
Wed May 31, 2017 3:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Was coming around a corner on a dirt road a little too fast. My car lost traction on the loose stone, I started to "drift" sideways down the road with my bumper pointing into the corner. If I knew how to drift properly maybe I could have corrected it, instead I went into the side of the ro...
by bigdoug
Wed May 24, 2017 5:05 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

As I mentioned I recently tried using this 3M cream that my mother had on my own headlights. I think at best it removed the dust on the headlights. I hand rubbed it in, so maybe using power tools would have been more efficient? Here's the headlights during the day. Clear and brand new, right? kindac...
by bigdoug
Tue May 23, 2017 5:56 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Bulbs for center console climate control dials
Replies: 3
Views: 1868

Bulbs for center console climate control dials

This is a stupid question, because I know I saw this answered a while ago, but I can't find it. Does anyone know what the lightbulbs are for the center console ac/heater dials? I have a bunch of stuff I'm planning on ordering from superbrightleds.com and I'm just waiting on figuring out which ones a...
by bigdoug
Sat May 20, 2017 11:13 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Brake rotor vibration
Replies: 6
Views: 1991

Re: Brake rotor vibration

Do any of you guys know the size of the small holes in the rotor where you can stick bolts to get the rotor unstuck from the hub?
by bigdoug
Wed May 17, 2017 1:59 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base
Replies: 7
Views: 4418

Re: BigDoug's 2004 Satellite silver base

I haven't updated this in a while, so I'll list what I've done with it since then, maybe add some photos. http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/deadlylee/Car%20pictures/trim-tape_zpsesvttsq6.jpg The Toyota Corolla window run seals, with new 3M tape. http://i54.photobucket.com/albums/g103/deadlylee/...
by bigdoug
Wed May 17, 2017 1:45 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Random acts of Vibe love
Replies: 613
Views: 163686

Re: Random acts of Vibe love

Saw this vibe in a hospital parking lot. Has both spoilers, looks like they're the stock ones. Nice. I'm not a fan of the lower spoiler but I do think the top one is an improvement. Plus, custom wheels. nicevibe.jpg Plus, was at a local U-pull and lifted up the hood to an old vibe and a pigeon flew ...
by bigdoug
Wed May 17, 2017 1:31 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 5556198

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I had this strange, very very slow coolant leak since not long after I bought the car. So far I've put over a gallon of new coolant over the span of nearly a year, but couldn't track it down. I did notice that it seemed to get worse when it was cold. Eventually I saw a bit dripping from around the d...
by bigdoug
Fri May 05, 2017 12:53 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Aftermarket fog lights
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Re: Aftermarket fog lights

Problem I have with those is I'm not exactly sure how the fox lights would fit in the stock hole in the bumper without mods, especially with those tabs on either side of the light. Plus, $170? Ech. Some of the ones I was looking at included: this , but has some bad reviews. these , but a bit on the ...
by bigdoug
Fri May 05, 2017 12:25 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Brake rotor vibration
Replies: 6
Views: 1991

Re: Brake rotor vibration

I think I have a reason for the rotor vibration. Back in Feb I bought a pair of tires from Walmart, then bought another pair again. $350 for cheap but decent tires. It wasn't the tires that were the problem though. When trying to remove the front wheels in the past couple weeks I noticed the lugnuts...
by bigdoug
Fri May 05, 2017 12:13 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Broken bolts
Replies: 4
Views: 1289

Re: Broken bolts

Good news is I was able to get the metal screws out of the top of the bumper with some grinding and a wrench. So, when I have a moment I'll pull the bumper off and fix it all up again.
by bigdoug
Thu May 04, 2017 4:33 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Big Repair Bill! Need Help
Replies: 9
Views: 2150

Re: Big Repair Bill! Need Help

This issue is probably already resolved, but I thought I'd throw in my own experience. I've had shops that have thrown the book at me in terms of repairs needed. They'll tell me that I need A,B,C,D, and E done. And then I take it down to another shop, and they'll say that all I need is sway bar link...
by bigdoug
Thu May 04, 2017 4:18 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Lug nuts
Replies: 3
Views: 1519

Re: Lug nuts

I actually have a problem with the seriously distorted ones. For those I use a 22mm socket, which works but is a bit loose. They will all be replaced once I order some new lug nuts.
by bigdoug
Thu May 04, 2017 4:16 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Window weather stripping.
Replies: 5
Views: 3045

Re: Window weather stripping.

You didn't specify which gen of Vibe you had.

If you have the 03-08 model, I just pulled off a pair of the weather strips off a 2004 Toyota Corolla in a junkyard and they fit perfectly. I even laid them side by side with my old Vibe strips, and they were an exact match. I'd say get some of the same.
by bigdoug
Sat Apr 15, 2017 1:57 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Broken bolts
Replies: 4
Views: 1289

Broken bolts

For those who have the 03-08 vibes, I believe all of them have this vertical bar/support below the hood latch that goes to the lower radiator support. It also holds the hood latch. Mine was broken, and my hood would lightly bounce at highway speeds, not to mention the hood didn't seem to want to clo...
by bigdoug
Sat Apr 15, 2017 1:48 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Brake rotor vibration
Replies: 6
Views: 1991

Brake rotor vibration

I'm going to post two threads because I have two separate issues. Along with many others that I'm dealing with. I've had this problem in the past. I step on the brakes, usually at higher speeds, and the steering wheel vibrates. It's probably brake rotors. I had the same problem with my Focus. I alwa...
by bigdoug
Wed Mar 22, 2017 5:46 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Aftermarket fog lights
Replies: 3
Views: 1932

Aftermarket fog lights

When I bought my vibe last year I noticed the fog lights didn't seem to work, and one of them had a hole in the glass lens (BTW, glass lenses? I've never seen fogs in a modern car with glass, unless it's a projector). Turns out one of them did work, it was just the one with the hole that didn't. But...
by bigdoug
Wed Dec 14, 2016 6:57 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Transmission fluid for automatic 03-08
Replies: 3
Views: 3049

Transmission fluid for automatic 03-08

I'm going to try to change my transmission fluid in the next week or so, it needs it quite a bit. I've talked to about 5 different transmission shops so far. All of them have said the same thing: Don't get a trans flush. The reason seemed to be the same over and over. Basically, since you're adding ...
by bigdoug
Fri Nov 25, 2016 5:55 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Burnt out headlight
Replies: 6
Views: 2683

Burnt out headlight

It finally happened. A headlight bulb burned out. Now, I am trying to figure out what to replace it with. OEM will just be as good as it was before, which wasn't much. I do a lot of night driving and also there's the DRLs. This makes the higher brands, like the silverstar and silverstar ultra, worth...