GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Gandalf

I tried fighting with Geico over the value of the cars, but I only had a rental for 30 days. They had the upper hand and knew it. They f**ked me over, and laughed about it. I bought a new Toyota Corolla Hatchback to replace my Vibe. No sunroof and the stereo really sucks. I had the 200W 7 speaker sy...

Gandalf

My garage burned almost completely, taking my 2005 Vibe, with only about 52K miles on it. I also lost my 1988 Toyota Celica, with only about 66K miles on it. Both cars were in near mint condition. I bought both cars new, and paid cash for both of them. The bright red Toyota was never, ever driven in...

Gandalf

The lights on our Vibe's radio display have been down for a couple years. The radio wouldn't receive AM stations either. I did the bulb swap which helped, but it still wasn't illuminating the complete display. So after the bulb swap with mediocre results and the lack of AM I decided to swap radios....

Gandalf

Here's a vote for replacing w/ an aftermarket unit, very easy. Only gotcha w/ a moons/tunes car is that you need to add a 'line output converter' in order to make it play nice w/ the in-car amplifier. I used one made by scosche on a friends car and it sounds great. Order from crutchfield, they'll i...

Gandalf

As much as I'd like to throw a dealership under the bus, these radios do not have a great track record for longevity in regards to their lighting. All of this is illuminated with tiny incandescent bulbs that will fail at any given moment. It could have just been their time to go. See here for a gre...

Gandalf

Well, you just found yet another place where they just use an impact wrench to 'torque' lugnuts. It's really common. I don't let anybody rotate tires, or 'inspect brakes anymore, because of this. I will put marks on the lugnuts with a Sharpie, and if the sharpie marks are scratched, I make them hand...

Gandalf

To make a long story short, the &*$^*#@! IDIOTS at the local GM stealership managed to burn out/disconnect/destroy the illumination for the display on my radio/CD player, somehow. I didn't find this until the next day, as the sun was shining brightly when I picked up the car, making the display ...

Gandalf

Wow. You parents are sure NICE to you! Congrats on the 'new' car.

I have an '05 white base Vibe. Nicest car I've ever owned, by far. So much room inside!

Gandalf

Welcome to GenVibe. I have a Frosty '05 that I bought new.

And I'm curious about the rims, too. Much nicer than the factory alloys, IMHO.

Gandalf

My 05 Vibe is my first car with an automatic transmission, ( 7 prior cars with MT) and I'm glad I bought an automatic. I have to drive in rush hour traffic on the freeway, frequently, and I'm sure not getting any younger. I still have a 5 speed '88 Toyota Celica, (that I bought new...) but I drive i...

Gandalf

The Aztek did run well but odd things were starting to go wrong with it that I suspected had to do with the BCM, nothing that was crucial but it was a bit of a pain. I disclosed it all to the buyer, included about $500 worth of spare parts and got $100 less than I wanted. BUT to make up for the $10...

Gandalf

Simply put, never use GM Dexcool in toyota powerplants, which are in all Vibes. Only use toyota SLLC. The moly additives in it keeps your water pump lubricated, and you wont get precipitate buildup like dexcool or standard prestone extended tend to create. My 2003 Vibe owners manual says "use ...

Gandalf

How long has it been since the brake fluid has been changed? I do mine every two years, and bleed them on the years I don't change the fluid. It's amazing how much better the brakes feel, with all new brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and old fluid can damage your master cylinder, calipers an...

Gandalf

Hmmm. My Vibe has an automatic transmission, so it's never been revved to 6000RPM.

My mileage ALREADY sucks at 26 MPG, so with gas at $3.60 a gallon, I see no reason to do ANYTHING to make it suck even worse than it already is.

Gandalf

I wanted to do it because it hasn't been done, and I couldn't find a schedule for replacement.I haven't had any trouble...I just prefer to do more maintenance, and less repair.It's hard to believe that a fuel filter will last as long as the vehicle....but I'm sure not up for removing the gas tank, t...

Gandalf

I want to replace the fuel filter on my 05 Base Vibe.Where is it located, and are there any tricks to doing the job?I'm hoping it's not inside the gas tank...but i don't see it inside the engine compartment, as I hoped.Generally, for things like this, i have been buying Toyota parts....because they ...

Gandalf

There is no such thing as a 'free' oil change.They expect to find 'something' else that needs repair.And given the level of 'honesty' I've found at most dealerships, if they DON'T 'find' something.... they will still 'FIND something'.Whether it REALLY needs fixing or not....or they will make SURE it...

Gandalf

My Vibe is a base 2005, and the part number on the PCM is 89661-01132 BTW: Hey: how do you 'quote' the question you are answering?

Gandalf

Thanks for the information, VinlandrI need to spend more time here, obviously.And my ECM DOES need to be replaced, unfortunately. Well, at least now I know for sure. Many thanks!

Gandalf

I'm doing my part: I've never had a speeding ticket in my life.And, I tend to drive my Vibe pretty easy, given the price of gasoline...It is just POSSIBLE, that many, MANY years ago, I hit a little over 125 MPH in a Toyota Celica....but I was young and foolish, back then (over 20 years, now).I doubt...

Gandalf

So, I finally got the recall letter from GM...and the local dealer has the parts.I got curious, and looked up where the powertrain control module is located: it is under the fan, you can see it under the glove box, on the passenger side.Well, mine has a big TOYOTA sticker on it.I thought ALL Vibes, ...

Gandalf

Mine is an '05 base FWD automatic.DEFINITELY 'in' the recall.I just want to get it fixed BEFORE the PCU craps out on me when I'm on the freeway doing 60 MPH.

Gandalf

Yes, but it's still a LOT better than the earlier Vibe paint jobs, before the 08'; ESPECIALLY the '05's Consumer reports DOESN'T list 'paint and trim' as a problem on ANY of the models (except the 04 and 05 Matrix); so really, aside from some isolated bad cars, Toyota's paint is FAR better than ANY ...

Gandalf

Because I KNOW that I sure can't: GM claims there isn't 'really' an 'actual' recall on my car, so they don't have to replace the PCU.Yet, Toyota is actively following their 'actual recall', and replacing those defective POC Delphi PCU's.I have come to the conclusion that GM is ACTIVELY trying to AVO...

Gandalf

Why in the WORLD would you WANT to make your Vibe so that the taillights and turn signals are SO MUCH harder to see in bright light (think: sunshine) and at dusk, when ALL cars are harder to see, because your eyes aren't dark adapted.You are one dangerously INSANE MoFo!! If you get rear ended by ano...

Gandalf

AWD would be better in the winter. But, if you live in a metro area where the streets are well plowed, you may find you never need it.I'm in Minnesota, I have an '05 FWD, and I've only wished I had AWD about twice.I have the auto transmission. You won't come CLOSE to 40 MPG with EITHER car if it's a...

Gandalf

My local newspaper, nor the local news even MENTIONED that the Pontiac Vibes were included.But, they did mention in the newspaper, but not the TV news, that the part was MADE IN THE USA by Delphi(sp?) and NOT a TOYOTA partI don't know why Toyota doesn't make this fact more well known, just the gas p...

Gandalf

Definition of irony: at the bottom of the page for this thread, which includes links to articles about how Toyota repeated LIED about the on-going problems, is a banner advertisement: * Loading... * Toyota Recall Toyota takes care of its customers Read the FAQs at Toyota.com Toyota.com/Recall

Gandalf

Has anyone heard from ToolGuy recently?

Gandalf

I bought a set for my 2005 Vibe, and I lost the Driver's side cover.I would love to buy a replacement.Please E-mail me attrc(at)iphouse.comThank you.

Gandalf

Higher tire pressure = better mileage. I keep mine at 40 PSI in the summer. I keep them at 32 in the winter, because softer tires do marginally better in the snow.

Gandalf

A piece of black electrical tape to cover that pesky TPM idiot light, is the best permanent cure.Mine will come on EVERY time I drive for more than 25 miles nonstop on the freeway. I just got tired of resetting it, only to have it come back on in a week.With all the 'false warnings', it's useless, a...

Gandalf

I bought an '05 new, and I haven't received a letter.It does get down to -20 here, but I haven't had any problems.I've changed the brake fluid 3X, and I bleed the brakes every year; it's amazing how much better the brakes feel after I change the fluid.Considering what the idiots at GM have done to m...

Gandalf

The oil changes are pretty easy....as long as you have a cap filter wrench. I just run my 05 Vibe onto a set of plastic ramps, to change the oil.ATF fluid change is extremely easy. Obvious drain plug, fill with a funnel into the ATF dipstick tube.Instead of paying the dealership to do a flush at 60K...

Gandalf

Go to Walmart. The key blank is #35. I had a bunch made off my factory original keys. (I have an '05, too) Getting keys made is pretty cheap at Walmart, and I never had a single problem. They have a machine that does the key cutting, so it's as idiot proof as possible.If you need/want an extra keyle...

Gandalf

If that 'low tire pressure' warning light keeps coming on, like mine did: DON'T take it to the dealership.That's how my 2005 Vibe got all screwed up.GM uses 'refurbished' parts. When they were trying to fix the tire light, some brain dead idiot fried the outside temperature gauge.They put in 4 diffe...

Gandalf

The Pontiac dealer I bough my Vibe from effed up my Vibe so bad, UNDER WARRANTY, it still isn't right.The last time I was buying some Toyota ATF, at the local Toyota dealership, I asked the parts guy about working on Vibes. He said 'We get a fair number of them here. Usually after a GM dealership ha...

Gandalf

My '05 Vibe has an engine block heater (frost plug), an oil pan heater (flat patch attached to the bottom of the oil pan) and a 1500 watt space heater that I use to warm the interior.The car is garaged, and I can turn everything on from inside my house.I LOVE getting into a warm car, in the morning....

Gandalf

My '05 Vibe has an engine block heater (frost plug), an oil pan heater (flat patch attached to the bottom of the oil pan) and a 1500watt space heater that I use to warm the interior.The car is garaged, and I can turn everything on from inside my house.I LOVE getting into a warm car, in the morning.W...

Gandalf

My last car was a 1988 Civic Wagon, with the 5 speed. At 80MPH, the tach read 4000RPM! Talk about noisy!My Vibe seems REALLY quiet, by comparison!

Gandalf

I have an '05 Vibe, with the well known crappy GM paint I decided it might be a good idea to stock up on touch up paint, while it's still available. I don't have any rust on my car, but I live in the rust belt, so it's only a matter of time. Especially with the crappy GM paint job. This is where I b...

Gandalf

i learned you are FAR better off buying a 20" x 20" filter.The OEM filter is about 8 1/8"So, if you buy a 16" wide filter, as I did, you won't have enough filter to make another 'set' of three, You only have enough filter to make 3 filters from a 16" by 24 or 25" filter...

Gandalf

I've seen a few on ebay....probably your best bet would be to check every few days.

Gandalf

I have a 2005. I have NEVER used my fog lights, beyond turning them on, and seeing how dim they are. They light up about 10 feet in front of the car; just about as useless as the back-up lights.

Gandalf

I have an '05 base auto. I do about 60% city/40%freeway driving. Broke it in correctly. Changed the oil/filter at 1000 miles. Proper tire inflation, etc.Best mileage I get, in the summer, is about 26mpg. Been that way since the car was new. In the winter I'm getting 21 to 24 mpg. Due to the crappy m...

Gandalf

I need to replace the rear wiper insert on my Vibe.I remember when I first joined GenVibe, I saw a thread about where to order two inserts, pretty cheap, and how to do it.I bookmarked the thread, but the computer it was on has since bitten the dust. And a search doesn't seem to find it.Anyone rememb...

Gandalf

Nobody EVER gave me a car. I bought my first car, in my last semster of my last year in college. An air cooled VW Beetle. I had to sell all of the camera equipment I had saved my own money and bought in all through high School.I was so happy just to have four wheels and an engine (which I had to reb...

Gandalf

I bought my Vibe on July 12th, 2005. Your basic Auto trans. model.It now has almost 9300 miles on it. No, not 93K miles; 9300.The mileage sucks so bad, (compared to what I was expecting, at least; and what the lying b@stard salesman promised me...) I either don't drive it, unless I HAVE to, or I dri...

Gandalf

I should have posted this *before* my 'WTB set of steel wheels post'.I don't know what is a fair price for a set of ( I assume) good/excellent set of 4 steel wheels w/ hubcaps and lugnuts.Can you advise me on what a fair offer would be? I haven't seen a set sell here, so I don't have a good idea. I ...

Gandalf

"i believe you just need to make sure the wheel diameter is correct. no different from buying steelies for winter time..."Umm...yeah, thanks. That's my question exactly....

Search found 72 matches

Re: My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica

My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

Re: Lug nut torque: potential problem?

Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

Re: New Vibe Owner!

Re: New member

Re: A manual transmission should be classified as an 'anti-t

Re: New Vibe Owner! 3rd GM Car

Re: another coolant question

Re: 100K Checkup

Re: I need Help - I'm Addicted... to LIFT!!!!!!!!

Fuel filter replacement on an 05 Base model?

Re: (rAERRK)

Re: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included? (micbarric)

Re: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included? (Vinlandr)

Re: Vibe Among Top 10 Least Likely to be Ticketed! (AllWheelVibe)

Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included?

Re: As if we didn't already know that Toyota paintjobs are horrible... (J_TO_ENVY)

Has ANYONE gotten their PCM replaced under GM's half arsed 'recall'?

Re: New Project (Amtron)

Re: tire pressure Monitor - ON ! (jake75)

Re: Vibe/Matrix Brake Line Freeze Recall (jake75)

Re: New to Vibe's and looking at an 05 soon (nittanydoug)

Re: Does the 05 key have a transponder/transmitter chip? (nittanydoug)

Re: Low tire pressure (toycar)

Re: vibe at a toyota mechanic?! (Ronnie)

Re: Warmin' Up The Vibe! (09vGT)

Re: Warmin' Up The Vibe! (09vGT)

Stock up on touch up paint for the Vibe...

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (fredfreedom)

My crappy mileage, and dealership rant.

Rear wiper replacement

Re: How many miles on your Vibes? (03Vibe5speed)

Need advice on pricing.....