Search found 481 matches

by andrewclaus
Wed Mar 13, 2024 9:26 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 3rd brake light , question=--
Replies: 3
Views: 47

Re: 3rd brake light , question=--

For my 2007, it would be this part: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~socket~and~wire~license~plate~lamp~90075-60037.html For other years, check at this site: https://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/ I know the part says "License plate lamp," but here's the catalog page: https://www....
by andrewclaus
Sun Mar 10, 2024 5:51 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New converter, new mounts followed by Vibrration, Oil leak...
Replies: 2
Views: 48

Re: New converter, new mounts followed by Vibrration, Oil leak...

I may have an answer for a small part of the problem. I replaced the exhaust system aft of the cat because a joint broke, and the new resonator sounds different than the original. I can hear exhaust noise that sound like small explosions/pinging when accelerating. It sounds fine otherwise. Without t...
by andrewclaus
Fri Mar 08, 2024 4:46 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Does it make sense to park a 2003 Vibe for 3 years?
Replies: 2
Views: 45

Re: Does it make sense to park a 2003 Vibe for 3 years?

I agree with the above. Compare the cost to keep it street legal to the sales price now minus the cost of another used car in three years. My other car is 26 years old and though it's mechanically sound, some age issues are popping up. Plastic parts are failing. Parts are harder to find. Fewer peopl...
by andrewclaus
Thu Feb 22, 2024 5:44 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: finding replacent Right Front CV axle
Replies: 5
Views: 152

Re: finding replacent Right Front CV axle

I use this Toyota parts site: http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/200 ... ft/1#43410 and it agrees with the above.
by andrewclaus
Fri Feb 09, 2024 6:34 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Starter Issue?
Replies: 16
Views: 1428

Re: Starter Issue?

If your mechanic buys starters that only last two years, it may be time for a different mechanic. I always buy used cars that have at least 150K miles, keep them for ten years and run them well past 200K, and starter failures are very rare for me. The Vibe is the first one this century, at 215K mile...
by andrewclaus
Tue Feb 06, 2024 5:11 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Starter Issue?
Replies: 16
Views: 1428

Re: Starter Issue?

Did you get a remanufactured starter? Did you check for warranty? Do you know how it failed? Solenoid? Motor? I just replaced mine a couple of months ago and bought the best one available at the parts store. I didn't want to trust the reliability of the inexpensive reman units. We make a lot of star...
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 31, 2024 5:23 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Noise/Vibraation, Failure
Replies: 4
Views: 189

Re: Noise/Vibraation, Failure

This happened to me once, on my first car. I neglected to properly torque the lug nuts after one of my first mechanic projects on the car. I caught it before the wheel actually came off on the highway. Three of bolts had sheared off. It was a rear wheel, so handling felt different than what you expe...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jan 18, 2024 5:21 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Frigid Weather Ignition Lock Seems to be Frozen, Literally
Replies: 3
Views: 372

Re: Frigid Weather Ignition Lock Seems to be Frozen, Literally

The alcohol sounds like a good idea. I was stumped by your problem.

I hope it's fine now. Thanks for reporting back.
by andrewclaus
Sun Jan 14, 2024 6:19 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Exhaust smell in the cabin on idle with heater/AC fan on
Replies: 10
Views: 577

Re: Exhaust smell in the cabin on idle with heater/AC fan on

How many miles/kms are on your car? I've replaced two of those spherical joint gaskets on two separate old cars in the past two years. Neither one had an exhaust odor I could detect in the cabin--the only symptom was noise, and I didn't do before/after leak tests. On the Vibe, it was the rear joint,...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jan 04, 2024 5:42 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Strange noise when key moves from Acc to Start
Replies: 3
Views: 1715

Re: Strange noise when key moves from Acc to Start

The noise has me stumped. If it were my car, I'd look at the IG1 relay in the junction block under the dash. And then I'd try pulling the 10 Amp GAUGE fuse while turning the car to IG, see if that makes the noise go away. To address the hesitant start, you might want to replace the starter relay whi...
by andrewclaus
Thu Nov 23, 2023 5:23 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Help with Part No
Replies: 2
Views: 917

Re: Help with Part No

I use this site: http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/ for Toyota engine parts.
by andrewclaus
Mon Nov 20, 2023 5:27 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Change the whole starter or Just the solenoid?
Replies: 1
Views: 595

Re: Change the whole starter or Just the solenoid?

There's something wrong with the voltage. At 11.6 resting, the battery is essentially discharged. It should be closer to 12.8 for a new battery fully charged, and over 14 when charging. Get that fixed first. I just replaced my starter. I had the money for a new one so I didn't hesitate. The usual dr...
by andrewclaus
Fri Nov 17, 2023 12:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: stereo installation question
Replies: 1
Views: 438

Re: stereo installation question

Most probably not, unless it's the same brand and maybe same model replacement radio. Even then, features can change over a decade. When I replaced my Vibe radio, I bought it from Crutchfield, and got a plug adapter that made connection easy. It was money well spent. I used to use a pigtail and spli...
by andrewclaus
Fri Nov 10, 2023 6:07 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: New starter
Replies: 1
Views: 874

New starter

My wife complained about an intermittent problem with the starter, and once she heard a grinding noise, so I put a new one in. I bought the best one available at the local O'Reilly's, about $200. I don't want to see her stranded somewhere--she takes the car on long trips in rural areas, and makes a ...
by andrewclaus
Fri Oct 06, 2023 4:21 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 05 Vibe GT 2ZZGE - crank pulley out of alignment?
Replies: 4
Views: 922

Re: 05 Vibe GT 2ZZGE - crank pulley out of alignment?

The pulley is also a vibration damper. Perhaps it has failed, though it wouldn't be visible like that. I replaced the pulley on my 1ZZ last year due to a crankshaft seal failure and oil leak, and it was pretty easy and relatively inexpensive. I would try that right away. Maybe something else will be...
by andrewclaus
Mon Sep 25, 2023 4:44 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Heater Control Backlight needs fix
Replies: 4
Views: 609

Re: Heater Control Backlight needs fix

I just saw I left out a step:
Screenshot 2023-09-25 064258.jpg
Screenshot 2023-09-25 064258.jpg (43.58 KiB) Viewed 596 times
by andrewclaus
Mon Sep 25, 2023 4:40 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Heater Control Backlight needs fix
Replies: 4
Views: 609

Re: Heater Control Backlight needs fix

Here it is. I need to do the same thing soon. Mine works again with a rap but that won't last forever.
Screenshot 2023-09-25 063621.jpg
Screenshot 2023-09-25 063621.jpg (66.49 KiB) Viewed 596 times
by andrewclaus
Sat Sep 23, 2023 6:35 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibration? around 65 mph
Replies: 2
Views: 473

Re: Vibration? around 65 mph

I caught mine from doing that just in time last year. I was going to replace the gasket but the flange was nearly rusted off. I replaced the pipe from the cat converter to the muffler, which includes the resonator. Mine sounded a little different, from the aftermarket resonator, but drives the same....
by andrewclaus
Thu Sep 07, 2023 4:59 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Blower Motor wires are hot
Replies: 1
Views: 407

Re: Blower Motor wires are hot

The blower is a fairly large load, so some resistance heating makes sense, especially at a connector. (I notice a warm plug when I put the house vacuum cleaner away, for instance. But I've never checked the Vibe blower motor, and probably never will.) If you can feel a spot heat source, investigate ...
by andrewclaus
Mon Aug 28, 2023 7:30 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Engine misfire Code now what? What else to try? Bad idle at start up/cold
Replies: 9
Views: 1693

Re: Engine misfire Code now what? What else to try? Bad idle at start up/cold

Don't rule out a mechanical problem. It's easy enough to do an engine compression or bleed-down test on this engine.
by andrewclaus
Mon Aug 28, 2023 7:27 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Intermittent, Crank no start when fuel is full
Replies: 2
Views: 605

Re: Intermittent, Crank no start when fuel is full

It may be a combination of an evap system input fighting a plugged exhaust. Just a guess, I've never seen it or heard of it. If you deal with the CAT, it might get fixed.
by andrewclaus
Wed Aug 23, 2023 6:39 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Looking for engine cover bezel attaching parts for 2007 1.8
Replies: 4
Views: 1182

Re: Looking for engine cover bezel attaching parts for 2007 1.8

They're M6 x 1 thread. I installed some Allen head cap screws. As it turns out, bicycle caliper mounting bolts are the right thread and length. I volunteer at a non-profit bike shop and we throw those away every day. So if a bike shop is closer than the hardware store, go there.
by andrewclaus
Mon Aug 21, 2023 5:01 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Wiped arms not resetting
Replies: 1
Views: 494

Re: Wiped arms not resetting

There is a wiper park switch in the motor assembly that may have failed. I've never worked on that, so I don't know if it's serviceable.
by andrewclaus
Thu Aug 10, 2023 7:02 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What Model/Year Should I Get?
Replies: 9
Views: 2598

Re: What Model/Year Should I Get?

Carcomplaints.com is a tool I like to use when shopping for a used car.
by andrewclaus
Sun Aug 06, 2023 4:18 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Replaced alternator now all kinds of electrical issues
Replies: 6
Views: 1328

Re: Replaced alternator now all kinds of electrical issues

With such a wide system power problem, the issue is probably not individual fuses, but as noted above, possibly a missed ground connection, or a fusible link. To troubleshoot this yourself, you'll need a good wiring diagram and a multimeter. The wiring diagram I use is for a 2004 Toyota Corolla and ...
by andrewclaus
Thu Aug 03, 2023 3:34 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Gear shift freely moves, will not engage
Replies: 13
Views: 1229

Re: Gear shift freely moves, will not engage

This page shows the parts breakdown for a 2007 Matrix: http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/2007/corolla-matrix-nap/zze132l-dhpdka/3_155450_005_/powertrain-chassis/3312_shift-lever-retainer/2 Pontiac may have different trim. It doesn't show any fasteners available. Is salvage an option where you live?
by andrewclaus
Mon Jul 31, 2023 3:28 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Gear shift freely moves, will not engage
Replies: 13
Views: 1229

Re: Gear shift freely moves, will not engage

Here's what the cable looks like, at least for my 2007: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toy ... 01050.html. Hope that's it.
by andrewclaus
Mon Jul 24, 2023 3:55 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Adding USB port to 2010 Vibe near rearview mirror?
Replies: 7
Views: 1222

Re: Adding USB port to 2010 Vibe near rearview mirror?

...because I don't want to get lashed in the face by wire should the A-pillar airbag ever go off.... Sorry, no good ideas here, but congratulations on thinking of this. It took me years to keep my wife from putting her feet up on the passenger side airbag when I drove, and I'm still working on her ...
by andrewclaus
Sun Jul 09, 2023 9:27 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New owner. 07 with 158k
Replies: 6
Views: 1143

Re: New owner. 07 with 158k

Ditto all the above. I got my Vibe under much the same circumstances, except I was pretty sure the ATF had never been changed. I drained and dropped the pan, replaced screen and gasket (count the bolt holes to get the right gasket), and added fluid. Then did the fluid again roughly as described abov...
by andrewclaus
Wed Jun 28, 2023 3:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Headlight Problem
Replies: 12
Views: 1350

Re: Headlight Problem

Lacking a wiring diagram I would set up a test rig (carefully, with insulated alligator clips) to apply battery voltage to the two elements to find the brighter one, then test for voltage at the leads when high beams are on. Or if one side works right, note the positions of those leads and copy it.
by andrewclaus
Sat Jun 24, 2023 4:03 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Parking brake cables for 2009 Vibe AWD
Replies: 2
Views: 521

Re: Parking brake cables for 2009 Vibe AWD

I use this Toyota parts website: http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/ If you can figure out the right frame code and characteristic for the Matrix equivalent to your Vibe, it's a pretty powerful tool for part numbers.
by andrewclaus
Sat Jun 24, 2023 3:59 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 07 Vibe
Replies: 1
Views: 549

Re: 07 Vibe

There's probably no way around pulling off the interior panel and taking a look at the control cables. I'm not sure how it can be done without opening the door, and you'll probably break some plastic connectors doing it. (I've used pan head sheet metal screws to reattach panels, since I'm not too wo...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jun 01, 2023 5:28 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: AC relay location
Replies: 2
Views: 629

Re: AC relay location

The wiring diagram I use is from a Corolla, and it says it's named the "MG/CLT" relay. It looks the same as the horn relay, so a swap should work out.
by andrewclaus
Thu May 18, 2023 3:49 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Killing AM radios in cars
Replies: 4
Views: 817

Re: Killing AM radios in cars

I can't remember the last time I tried listening to AM. It was a long time ago, before there were smartphones and podcasts. And before that there were books on tape.

My '98 Subaru still has a cassette deck. It's not dead yet. (It also has a weather band radio, which still broadcasts.)
by andrewclaus
Thu May 18, 2023 3:44 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: where to buy= harmonic b pulley and kit=--
Replies: 1
Views: 575

Re: where to buy= harmonic b pulley and kit=--

I replaced mine last year. I got the seal from the Toyota dealer, but then realized the pulley was bad too (groove too deep) and bought a new one from eBay. It's been working fine. I use this site for part numbers: http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/ Someone wrote you can sand the groove out, and I...
by andrewclaus
Thu May 04, 2023 4:28 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: 2010 1.8l manual trans.. not starting and need help
Replies: 4
Views: 746

Re: 2010 1.8l manual trans.. not starting and need help

Have you checked fuses in the junction block under the hood? I'm going off my '04 wiring diagram--EF1 provides power to the ECU. You may need to hunt down the factory wiring diagram for the '10 and start checking voltage at pins, and bench test relays. And check the ignition switch too. If you have ...
by andrewclaus
Mon Apr 03, 2023 1:58 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Battery Light On, But Wait There Is More.
Replies: 5
Views: 650

Re: Battery Light On, But Wait There Is More.

<12.0 volts while driving is way too low--the battery's not charging. I agree, check and clean grounds. Also check and clean connections at the alternator. Then replace the alternator. It could be an intermittent regulator circuit.
by andrewclaus
Thu Mar 23, 2023 8:11 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 2003 vibe electric issues
Replies: 5
Views: 712

Re: 2003 vibe electric issues

A blown fuse should not cause the meter behavior. The meters are getting a voltage surge on start-up. That's a normal check for some cars. Do the meters work normally when driving? If the car is drivable, the important fuses are okay. Not all fuse failures are visible. They should be electrically te...
by andrewclaus
Thu Mar 23, 2023 6:58 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 2003 vibe electric issues
Replies: 5
Views: 712

Re: 2003 vibe electric issues

"Fuses seem fine" sounds vague. They have to be pulled and tested with an ohmmeter or continuity tester.
by andrewclaus
Fri Mar 03, 2023 9:46 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Rough Shift after battery replacement
Replies: 5
Views: 849

Re: 2009 Rough Shift after battery replacement

If the starter motor cranks and the engine runs, it's hard to think the battery could be the issue. The transmission draws almost no current compared to the starter and ignition, headlights, etc. From what I could find, it looks like 26 is a suitable replacement for the 35, with a smaller case and d...
by andrewclaus
Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gen 1 front wheel bearing replacement
Replies: 2
Views: 773

Re: Gen 1 front wheel bearing replacement

Remove the steering knuckle and carry it to a nearby machine shop. Call around for a place that has a large enough press. The auto parts stores in my area no longer have the press--I had to take it to a transmission shop. They charged me $20.
by andrewclaus
Sat Jan 28, 2023 6:44 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2007 Cranks but no start
Replies: 13
Views: 1367

Re: 2007 Cranks but no start

That code does not indicate a timing fault, rather a position sensor low input. If you trust the sensor and the harness and the ECM, the only thing left is the reluctor ring on the intake camshaft. I'd remove the valve cover and check that out before giving up.
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Acceleration after starting
Replies: 5
Views: 894

Re: Acceleration after starting

If you can "reboot" it after it warms up and it runs fine, I don't see fuel being the problem. Unfortunately, there's no test port.

Will your scanner give you pending and past codes?

Maybe a vacuum leak that seals up with a warm manifold? Do you have a vacuum gauge?
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:44 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Acceleration after starting
Replies: 5
Views: 894

Re: Acceleration after starting

Worn throttle body?

Did you have the same symptoms before changing the TPS?
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:30 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2010 Vibe, 1.8L : Oil Pan Replacement Questions
Replies: 4
Views: 768

Re: 2010 Vibe, 1.8L : Oil Pan Replacement Questions

Oil leaks can be hard to track down. Be sure to clean well above the pan on the engine block and rule out other sources. A common oil leak on these engines is from the timing chain tensioner, pretty much right above your towel. There are a few discussions on that on this forum. If it ends up being f...
by andrewclaus
Tue Jan 17, 2023 5:53 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Melted fuel tank!
Replies: 1
Views: 675

Re: Melted fuel tank!

I just worked on the section of pipe in front of the tail pipe, and from what I saw there's no way the right part installed correctly would contact the fuel tank. If it had been, you probably would have heard it. It's possible that the heat shield was lost some time ago and not noticed by someone wo...
by andrewclaus
Sat Jan 14, 2023 5:30 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Should I replace my battery?
Replies: 4
Views: 838

Re: Should I replace my battery?

In addition to temperature, it's also a matter of how many charge cycles and how deep. I kept a battery working for 13 years in my old Subaru. I don't drive it much, it's a manual transmission and I usually park on a hill, so I seldom use the starter motor. If you have a security system or keyless e...
by andrewclaus
Fri Jan 13, 2023 6:25 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Boot Cover
Replies: 3
Views: 1122

Re: Boot Cover

That's not the CV joint, it's the strut shock absorber. It's probably best to replace the shock absorber, probably the whole strut assembly, rather than just the boot. Have a shop check them for a professional opinion. Strut replacement greatly improved the handling of my Vibe. It probably still had...
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:40 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pontiac Vibe Key
Replies: 6
Views: 1223

Re: Pontiac Vibe Key

I've never had to deal with it personally, but a GM dealer will be able to get the key code from the VIN. It'll be expensive, hundreds of dollars. My '07 thankfully doesn't have the feature. When I got dupes made, the key guy had to scan the original for a chip, the first time I've run into that. It...