Search found 96 matches

by ihaveavibe
Sun Oct 01, 2023 9:42 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Heater Control Backlight needs fix
Replies: 4
Views: 625

Re: Heater Control Backlight needs fix

Thanks. Will try one of these days...
by ihaveavibe
Sun Sep 24, 2023 10:49 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Heater Control Backlight needs fix
Replies: 4
Views: 625

Heater Control Backlight needs fix

Hi All, For a while now I've had this issue with my 2003 base Vibe that just half the backlight to the heat control switches intermittently goes off. Could someone point me to why this is or how to fix it? I figure it might be a dash bulb but why it's intermittent is a mystery. Some instructions on ...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Oct 12, 2022 6:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Shocks, bushings, Rust
Replies: 0
Views: 633

Shocks, bushings, Rust

Folks, Got an 03 base Vibe here, about 105k miles, used in the northeast. Looking at it the other day, trying to find the source of the brake pedal pulsation, I noticed a few things and have a few questions.. How much rust is too much? I'm seeing quite a bit, some flaking on the control arms (pictur...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Apr 13, 2022 3:51 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe
Replies: 24
Views: 9734

Re: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe

I get it, you're basically using the water pump to push the old stuff out. Just wondering when you pull the top hose from the radiator what you do with that radiator port... leave it open? Or plug it somehow? Or attach the flush kit T some whay? If you only use the T as a reducer there's still one u...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Dec 15, 2021 6:40 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1415982

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

That's the kind of picture I would take. Yep, all the segments work! :D And 88k on an '03 - amazing! I realized after putting that up that it's probably LCD not LED. Oh well. 89k is still 5.5k/yr-ish, so not super low. It's in use every single day, mostly around town to shuttle kids to/from school,...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Nov 30, 2020 7:53 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Intake port grime, gasket oil normal?
Replies: 2
Views: 790

Re: Intake port grime, gasket oil normal?

Any suggestions for what to clean with? I was going to use throttle body cleaner and a paper towel. Or maybe a tooth brush... i suspect it will drip down/in.

Also, is the oil on the gasket a concern? How did it even get there?

thanks
by ihaveavibe
Sun Nov 29, 2020 9:59 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Intake port grime, gasket oil normal?
Replies: 2
Views: 790

Intake port grime, gasket oil normal?

Folks, Wondering whether some nasty looking residue on the intake is normal and what looks like oil around the gasket surface. Also tips on how to clean it and would need fixing would be welcome. I took the manifold off and the photos show (poorly) what I see. Details: -2003 base Vibe, around 95k mi...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Nov 23, 2020 8:38 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe
Replies: 24
Views: 9734

Re: What is the OEM Spark Plug for a 2009 1.8 Vibe

IF you do a hot drain, you don't have to flush it twice. The short is this - pull loose the top hose on the radiator. Extend that out with a plug and a hose to either a collection bucket or to the grass. Hi, I'm about to try to do a radiator flush on a '03 base Vibe and I'm wondering about this plu...
by ihaveavibe
Thu Mar 19, 2020 1:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: ***FIXED*** Gas smell under hood
Replies: 23
Views: 4932

Re: ***FIXED*** Gas smell under hood

Thanks. I'm talking about first gen (2003). I wasn't about to cut the fuel line. The instructions here seem to indicate the connector comes out of the tube ("take out the fuel tube connector from its tube"): fuel connector.JPG And the tube they want you to buy is this fuel tube.JPG And the...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Mar 10, 2020 4:09 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: ***FIXED*** Gas smell under hood
Replies: 23
Views: 4932

Re: Gas smell under hood

You can hook up a fuel pressure gauge to the fuel line to watch the pressure over time once the car is turned off. The problem with the Vibe is that Toyota never put a schrader valve in the fuel line so there is no place to hook up a test gauge. I have posted on here before about the setup that is ...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Feb 17, 2020 4:43 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: sound system issues
Replies: 8
Views: 2097

Re: sound system issues

This project has been on the back burner, but the other day I finally took off the door panel and sure enough, the foam around the speaker cone has rotted out. Does anyone have a rec for a re-foam kit? (I'm guessing a new set of speakers is the way to go, but just in case.) Anyone have a rec for wha...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Oct 22, 2019 8:15 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: sound system issues
Replies: 8
Views: 2097

Re: sound system issues

Yup, thought of this (Or just wiring the right speaker leads to the left and vice versa with patch speaker wires inside the cabin). The big question here is whether the speaker connectors / leads are exposed or if rivet drilling is needed (which would have to be done anyway if the speakers are at fa...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Oct 21, 2019 6:53 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: sound system issues
Replies: 8
Views: 2097

Re: sound system issues

I think it happened over the course of a few months... I just noticed it one day (I'm not the primary user and I often have the sound off) and it's surprising how deceptive even one speaker was from the drivers position. Anyway, I saw some posts of folks who had speaker issues and some videos on You...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Oct 16, 2019 9:55 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: sound system issues
Replies: 8
Views: 2097

Re: sound system issues

Although it's possible that three of four speakers are suddenly all exhibiting the same type of failure, I doubt it. I much rather suspect an electric or electronic issue. Does anyone have the wiring diagram for moon and tunes or is familiar with the difference between base sound and moon and tunes?...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Oct 15, 2019 1:39 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: sound system issues
Replies: 8
Views: 2097

sound system issues

Hi all, I have an ‘03 base vibe with moon and tunes. The radio works but the bass only comes from the front right door speaker. If I turn the balance to the left, the tweeter and the the door speaker both work but the sound is really just the high frequencies and not very loud. Fade to the back also...
by ihaveavibe
Tue May 07, 2019 4:31 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Engine idle vibration -- How much is too much?
Replies: 13
Views: 3548

Re: Engine idle vibration -- How much is too much?

Not that I know of. This type of test could or can cause damage to other systems in the car like the catalytic convertor. Power balance test seems to be fairly standard, it's in at least two technician training books I've looked at and likely a shop would do it if I took it in. Having said that, ye...
by ihaveavibe
Mon May 06, 2019 8:14 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Engine idle vibration -- How much is too much?
Replies: 13
Views: 3548

Re: Engine idle vibration -- How much is too much?

I'm still checking on some of the possibilities of idle vibration on the 03 base Vibe (I know, it's been a year, I'm in no rush) -- didn't find vacuum leak with the spray method, cleaned the TB as much as possible without taking it off (maybe I'll take it off if/when I change coolant, and do intake ...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Apr 30, 2019 9:02 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: A246E diagnostics
Replies: 3
Views: 977

Re: A246E diagnostics

Thanks. My tranny doesn't look anything like that graphic though. I think the tap is really under the battery holder area, probably better accessible by removing the driver's side splash shield. I saw something with a mirror but couldn't take a photo. Will try again when I get underneath. Yeah, I kn...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Apr 29, 2019 12:42 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: A246E diagnostics
Replies: 3
Views: 977

A246E diagnostics

Hi I have an 03 base auto Vibe which I believe means I've got an A246E transmission. I've been tracking down poor fuel economy, suspecting slippage in low gears, etc., so I'm thinking of doing some diagnostics, basically a stall test and a hydraulic test. For the latter I need to locate the pressure...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Apr 15, 2019 7:09 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Radiator Filler Cap specs
Replies: 2
Views: 1157

Re: Radiator Filler Cap specs

I would definitely order a Toyota cap if I need a new one. I rented a pressure tester to check for leaks, and since it had a cap adapter, tested that too. My understanding is that you pump it up and it should start leaking air when it reaches its rating. Question was, what is this rating? I remember...
by ihaveavibe
Sun Apr 14, 2019 7:00 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Radiator Filler Cap specs
Replies: 2
Views: 1157

Radiator Filler Cap specs

I have a 2003 Base Vibe and was looking at pressure testing the coolant system. Radiator cap says it's 88 kPA and has 0.9 bar imprinted, which is consistent. But the Vibe manual on page 6-34 says "Your radiator cap is a 15 psi (105 kPa) pressure-type cap ". Does anyone know why this incons...
by ihaveavibe
Sun Mar 24, 2019 2:33 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Oil Leak at 350,000+ miles
Replies: 8
Views: 1963

Re: Oil Leak at 350,000+ miles

Instead of using card board to catch the 3 or 4 drops, you could put a baby diaper on the bottom to catch the leaking oil. Naturally I meant the cardboard for the driveway, not the car, i.e. do nothing. But high mileage oil sounds cool, though some seal conditioners apparently reduce the seal. (How...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Mar 23, 2019 11:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Oil Leak at 350,000+ miles
Replies: 8
Views: 1963

Re: Oil Leak at 350,000+ miles

A bit surprised nobody chimed in yet. My personal solution would be based simple economics: I'd put a cardboard under it or a catch pan and keep checking the oil level, filling as needed until a bigger problem develops. (2nd option, I'd try to do it myself, 3rd, I'd price out a full engine refurbish...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Mar 19, 2019 1:35 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: That feeling you get when you see an old "girlfriend"
Replies: 7
Views: 1535

Re: That feeling you get when you see an old "girlfriend"

I looked at the craigslist post(s) and they say: "title status:clean". It seems like they should say "salvaged" or something. That, plus the fact that the dealer is re-posting it every 2 or 3 days, are probably against craigslist policy and makes this seller completely untrustwor...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Mar 19, 2019 1:27 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: You Are Now Equipped With: LED HEADLIGHTS & FOGLIGHTS
Replies: 19
Views: 4595

Re: You Are Now Equipped With: LED HEADLIGHTS & FOGLIGHTS

Haynes repair manual for Matrix/Vibe has the headlight adjustment procedure on page 12-12. I don't know how good it is, but better than nothing.

One of my peeves though is people driving with fog lights on when there is no fog... just causes more glare, no particular need.
by ihaveavibe
Sat Mar 09, 2019 8:19 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pre Vibe were you a Toyota or GM person? (Or neither?)
Replies: 40
Views: 13060

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

I was not brand loyal but pretty convinced of Toyota now. I came to the Vibe through my wife who bought it brand new. Her knowledge of cars was so minimal that I’m not sure the did *any* maintenance on it for the first few years. She basically thought you fill it up with gasoline and go... so given ...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Mar 09, 2019 7:32 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley
Replies: 9
Views: 2236

Re: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley

I was watching a video on youtube of a tech taking apart an audi 2.0 engine and at the point where he takes the tensioner pulley off, he taps a hex or torx bit in with a hammer prior to attaching the wrench. Obviously engine was out of the car.
by ihaveavibe
Thu Feb 28, 2019 4:55 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley
Replies: 9
Views: 2236

Re: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley

I vote for removing the whole tensioner : ) Slightly unrelated, but I have one of these Crafstman Max access sets folks are talking about, but it didn’t come with an adapter to put a standard bit into. I searched online and see that some sets come with one.. but I can’t find the part on its own. Any...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Feb 25, 2019 5:03 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley
Replies: 9
Views: 2236

Re: help! -- torx bolt removal on belt tensioner pulley

was it meant to come apart at all? you could remove the entire tensioner assembly and work on it in a vice. or if you lift the engine a little (which you would need to do anyway to get the tensioner out) you might get better purchase on it.
by ihaveavibe
Tue Feb 19, 2019 11:29 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Anyone Ever Have Snow Caked in Wheels Cause High Speed Vibration?
Replies: 11
Views: 2954

Re: Anyone Ever Have Snow Caked in Wheels Cause High Speed Vibration?

Late to this thread, but yeah, this happened to me as well. Not knowing anything, I took the car to the shop where I bought the tires and they just blew the snow out with compressed air and thankfully didn't charge anything for it.
by ihaveavibe
Wed Feb 06, 2019 11:09 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1415982

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

That's the kind of picture I would take. Yep, all the segments work! :D And 88k on an '03 - amazing! I realized after putting that up that it's probably LCD not LED. Oh well. 89k is still 5.5k/yr-ish, so not super low. It's in use every single day, mostly around town to shuttle kids to/from school,...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Feb 02, 2019 3:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1415982

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

Base '03
Looks like all LED segments work for the fist 5 digits :)
odo 88888.JPG
odo 88888.JPG (12.42 KiB) Viewed 104355 times
by ihaveavibe
Sun Jan 27, 2019 2:35 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: clicking sound from engine bay when idling
Replies: 11
Views: 2623

Re: clicking sound from engine bay when idling

Ok, I followed up on a few items, some still pending. First the spark plugs. Yes, anything I touched in the past is suspect! :) However, I found nothng wrong, torqued to spec (18 ft lb), and noted they all tended be in pretty clean environments. See photo. spark plug clean.JPG However, I did note th...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Jan 22, 2019 3:26 pm
Forum: GenVibe Announcements
Topic: Forum Software Updated
Replies: 12
Views: 4374

Re: Forum Software Updated

This new software doesn't work as well on my iPad with Safari. I have drop down menus not going away for example.

Also, it seems I can no longer attach photos to posts.
by ihaveavibe
Fri Jan 18, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: clicking sound from engine bay when idling
Replies: 11
Views: 2623

Re: clicking sound from engine bay when idling

Double checking the spark plugs being torqued down makes sense.. will do that. I took some PCM readings with Torque and it seems the second/downstream O2 sensor is reading high when ilding, around 0.75-0.8V. I also have high-ish short term (4-7%) and long term fuel trim (4%). Not sure how to interpr...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Jan 16, 2019 4:36 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: clicking sound from engine bay when idling
Replies: 11
Views: 2623

Re: clicking sound from engine bay when idling

Thanks for the suggestions. Definitely gives me some things to try out. Hogdoctor, how were you able to locate the leak in the exhaust? Also, yes, I did use iridium NGK plugs, and got the mpg from actual miles and actual gallons. (Miles/tank is still useful now that I have range anxiety, especially ...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Jan 15, 2019 10:59 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: clicking sound from engine bay when idling
Replies: 11
Views: 2623

Re: clicking sound from engine bay when idling

I'll try to locate a hose or get a stethoscope. Meantime, this is what it sounds like on video: https://photos.app.goo.gl/c3rXLqK1dBMpoVgq5 Regarding the idle, I have an automatic, and it seemed that 650-700 rpm is normal, what it's always been. Here's an early discussion where the last post seems t...
by ihaveavibe
Mon Jan 14, 2019 3:52 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: clicking sound from engine bay when idling
Replies: 11
Views: 2623

clicking sound from engine bay when idling

Hi all, Some of you may have seen my other posts about my 2003 base Vibe -- I've been trying to identify the cause of bad gas mileage (19.5mpg mixed), oil sprayed under the engine cover, etc. One other issue I have is a lot of vibration when the car is idling around 600-700 rpm. In addition, today I...
by ihaveavibe
Thu Dec 27, 2018 4:16 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: How-To: Replace Belt Tensioner & Broken Bolt (1ZZ)
Replies: 11
Views: 6516

Re: How-To: Replace Belt Tensioner & Broken Bolt (1ZZ)

This is a great writeup. I replaced the original tensioner on an '03 base the other day. Thankfully my bolt wasn't broken, but I wanted to add just one point here Step 2) ... • Undo the 12mm bolt holding the hydraulic onto the back of the engine. (See Image 1) On mine the 12mm holding the tensioner ...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:43 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: how much oil seepage near tensioner?
Replies: 6
Views: 1400

Re: how much oil seepage near tensioner?

I have a similar leak and posted it here back in May ............. http://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=46475&p=521527#p521527 Only difference is mine is an 04GT and I believe yours it an 03 base. Did you resolve the source of the leak? I got a new chain tensioner at a Toyo...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:31 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: how much oil seepage near tensioner?
Replies: 6
Views: 1400

Re: how much oil seepage near tensioner?

Thanks, this was a good view. She makes it look easy...
by ihaveavibe
Sat Dec 22, 2018 9:27 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Is something missing here?
Replies: 7
Views: 1415

Re: Is something missing here?

ihaveavibe wrote: - there is one on the edge of the valve cover above the fuel rail between the rightmost and the next cylinder
Ok, I think this is where the engine cover attaches.... so nevermind!
by ihaveavibe
Sat Dec 22, 2018 7:25 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Is something missing here?
Replies: 7
Views: 1415

Re: Is something missing here?

Thanks for the answers! I ask on this forum to limit the possibilities to Vibes since as hogdoctor mentions there could be uses on other vehicles. I've got a separate thread on the oil around my fillcap. I found two more unused holes - there is one on the edge of the valve cover above the fuel rail ...
by ihaveavibe
Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:56 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: how much oil seepage near tensioner?
Replies: 6
Views: 1400

how much oil seepage near tensioner?

I was about to replace my accessory belt tensioner when I read about the timing chain tensioner and the oil leaks. Problem is, I don't think I've come across any photos or videos of these leaks. This guy changing his tensioner here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IDPFq-9jnXE seems to have a totally ...
by ihaveavibe
Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:06 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Oil Residue on engine
Replies: 3
Views: 986

Re: Oil Residue on engine

Anyone know if brake cleaner is OK to get this caked on oil off? would it react with the hoses?

Any better ideas?

thx
by ihaveavibe
Thu Dec 20, 2018 1:02 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Is something missing here?
Replies: 7
Views: 1415

Re: Is something missing here?

Bottom line is its normal, no worries Thanks for confirming. Today I was looking at for oil leaks and saw another unused threaded hole in the back of the engine next to the PCV valve. Is something missing here? I think I saw something attached on a youtube DIY video. (BTW, where might the oil be co...
by ihaveavibe
Thu Dec 20, 2018 9:44 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall
Replies: 17
Views: 2608

Re: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall

I put in our '03 VIN in the GM site and says no applicable recalls. The info on the campaign seems to indicate Vibes built between Jan 18 '02 and sometime in June '07. Is this a phased recall?
by ihaveavibe
Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:22 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?
Replies: 22
Views: 6855

Re: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?

Here is the updated pocket friendly list by tirereviewsandmore: https://tirereviewsandmore.com/10-most-pocket-friendly-tires-in-2018/ Interestingly the Cooper CS3 is no longer present. Cooper's Starfire RS-C 2.0 is listed now. Good to know (the latest version of) my Pirelli P4's made #3 on the list...
by ihaveavibe
Wed Dec 19, 2018 10:13 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Oil Residue on engine
Replies: 3
Views: 986

Re: Oil Residue on engine

I think you and whomever may have done oil changes on this car in the past simply "missed the bowl." I frequently put oil on the sides as I hastily added oil directly from the bottle to keep my oil consuming Toyota Vibes full. I thought about that but the came to the conclusion that the r...
by ihaveavibe
Tue Dec 18, 2018 6:04 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Is something missing here?
Replies: 7
Views: 1415

Is something missing here?

On a base 2003 model I noticed something weird near a connector that I'm not quite sure about - it's right next to the MAF connector. It looks like a circular washer or ground connector with a missing bolt.

Is a screw or something missing here? What is this?

Thanks
near MAF.JPG
near MAF.JPG (97.89 KiB) Viewed 1415 times