Search found 1020 matches

by Flip-Side
Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:19 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Coolant System Maintenance Question
Replies: 6
Views: 3908

Re: Coolant System Maintenance Question

I'd rather do it now preventatively than have to do it later and spend more on the coolant again. I'm also going to do the reverse flush with compressed air on the heater core while I'm in there. The car is my wife's primary vehicle and the peace of mind it will add far exceeds the cost of the part...
by Flip-Side
Wed Sep 03, 2014 8:06 pm
Forum: Washing, Waxing, Cleaning
Topic: Easy way to remove badge residue?
Replies: 7
Views: 3528

Re: Easy way to remove badge residue?

Car Wax. Pour it on a cloth. Rub. Repeat. Done. I do all my badge removals this way.

Also, no harsh chemicals to worry about buying.
by Flip-Side
Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:28 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Re: Matrix XRS Totaled

The oil pump issues with the GT or XRS cars normally only occurs due to over-revving due to miss shift. The oil issues due to ring wear was never witnessed by myself, and my ex-wife was absolutely awful to that poor base vibe. It really was a champ, and never lost any appreciable amount of oil. I ha...
by Flip-Side
Thu Aug 28, 2014 9:07 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: The axle enigma
Replies: 7
Views: 1222

Re: The axle enigma

The 6 speed is really best suited to the 2zzge engine. The 1zzfe has all the low end torque a 5 speed needs, which the 2zzge lacks. It really is a torque-less wonder, but a banshee at high rpm. You will be perfectly fine though, since you can just skip gears with the better torque the base 1.8L has....
by Flip-Side
Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Re: Matrix XRS Totaled

2003 Vibe/Matrix were what I owned. 2003 Base Vibe w/Automatic 2003 Matrix XRS w/6-speed 2003 Vibe GT w/6-speed Many of the items I mentioned are the same through 2003-2008 I would think, though I am not positive since you can see the model years I have owned. I stuck with 2003 because they were alw...
by Flip-Side
Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:18 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: The axle enigma
Replies: 7
Views: 1222

Re: The axle enigma

Simply put, you can use a base or gt axle on the on the driver's side. Only a GT axle will work on the passenger side on a real GT. I am unsure if this is needed on your car since it is technically a base vibe. The XRS/GT cars have a carrier bearing on the passenger axle. A tip: If the axle is stuck...
by Flip-Side
Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:50 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: I Need to Replace My Radiator,Which is The Best Replacement?
Replies: 19
Views: 5048

Re: I Need to Replace My Radiator,Which is The Best Replacem

Denso and koyo both make great radiators for these cars. There is a performance difference in aftermarket radiators, though I used a duralast for a few years without a problem. Also, if the thermostat needs replacing, only use a toyota branded part. The autozone/advanced auto/large chains carry infe...
by Flip-Side
Wed Aug 20, 2014 6:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New 2003 Vibe GT Owner
Replies: 21
Views: 3941

Re: New 2003 Vibe GT Owner

Thanks folks for you kind replies. There are a few issues with the car but minor. The drivers door window run needs to be replaced. There was a recall for bad rivets on the drivers side door. It caused the window to tilt and jam, which did sometimes damage the guides. To be blunt, go to a gm dealer...
by Flip-Side
Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:10 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Finally a good Fix! (Window Bezel)
Replies: 46
Views: 28933

Re: Finally a good Fix! (Window Bezel)

Much better than the tongue depressor and glue that I used. And I get to drink all the Five Alive I can handle!
by Flip-Side
Tue Aug 19, 2014 9:00 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Make your own Cargo Liner (Mat)
Replies: 66
Views: 24396

Re: Make your own Cargo Liner (Mat)

This was one of my first threads from when I first joined in 2002. The anti-fatigue mat was one of the best investments I made, and I still have the mat I made from back then. Some lowes do still have this mat in stock, but usually only small rolls of it so I'm bummed. Glad you were able to find som...
by Flip-Side
Mon Aug 18, 2014 8:11 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Re: Matrix XRS Totaled

Excellent, Flip-Side! The thing that makes me the happiest about these cars is how freaking easy they are to work on. Like, every day I have to work on something with a difficult design, I feel completely smitten by my car again. :) Thanks all, good to be back! You are very right Lannvouire. It is ...
by Flip-Side
Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:59 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Re: Matrix XRS Totaled

I know the thread is old, but just to update I bought another 03 vibe GT again about 6 months ago. This will be my third 2003 Vibe/Matrix car. Just have too many spare parts laying around now I guess. The usual issues were present in this 2zge powered beast: The sparkplugs were bosch platinums which...
by Flip-Side
Thu Aug 14, 2014 8:30 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Reverse grind...
Replies: 4
Views: 1236

Re: Reverse grind...

Gear damage possibly, but can be many things including a clutch that needs to be bled. Toss in some Redline MT-90 gear oil if you don't plan to fix it. I had bad reverse grinding in my xrs, and the new fluid did help a bit. If you have never changed the fluid before, then I would highly suggest you ...
by Flip-Side
Tue Oct 15, 2013 7:41 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Re: Matrix XRS Totaled

Thanks for the advice bud. I'm just worried about the added work converting a base to a GT. I'm not positive if the wiring or other details are exactly the same from 03-05 manual trans cars and finding the exact model year is a long shot. I am capable, so it is always an option. Is there much of a d...
by Flip-Side
Tue Oct 15, 2013 7:20 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Matrix XRS Totaled
Replies: 22
Views: 8199

Matrix XRS Totaled

So, I've been a long-time vibe and matrix owner. Joined this forum over 10 years ago. Had a base vibe from 2002 to 2012. Traded for a Hyundai Tiburon, and dumped it in 5 months. Bought a 03 Matrix Xrs with broken trans and replaced it with a new factory trans in 2012. I had just finished the majorit...
by Flip-Side
Mon Jul 01, 2013 6:51 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: A/C compressor clutch swap
Replies: 22
Views: 46650

Re: A/C compressor clutch swap

I completed the clutch swap as depicted above on my 03 Matrix Xrs. The snap ring on the coil did not hold the coil in place properly due to corrosion in the groove and it came loose while driving. The coil was destroyed. I removed the clutch, pulley, and coil again. I cleaned the snap ring grooves, ...
by Flip-Side
Thu May 09, 2013 7:34 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: A/C compressor clutch swap
Replies: 22
Views: 46650

Re: A/C compressor clutch swap

Thank you for the input. Getting the clutch ordered and we'll see what happens.
by Flip-Side
Wed May 08, 2013 5:28 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: A/C compressor clutch swap
Replies: 22
Views: 46650

Re: A/C compressor clutch swap

My 03 vibe had the ac clutch go bad years ago and I had someone else replace it. Lasted another 30k before the compressor died and was replaced. Now I need to do the same thing on my 03 XRS I got last year. A/C is dead, and I have power going to the compressor clutch but no engagement, and Freon pre...
by Flip-Side
Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:54 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2003 vibe gt thermostat issues
Replies: 1
Views: 697

Re: 2003 vibe gt thermostat issues

You were smart to use a toyota dealer thermastat. The 2z engine has issues with cheap ones like murray or duralast. They die faster than fast, and the oem one is the only one I would ever use on this car.
by Flip-Side
Sun Mar 10, 2013 2:50 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2004 Vibe heater issues...
Replies: 10
Views: 1898

Re: 2004 Vibe heater issues...

Go to a toyota dealer and ask that they meet the "trademotion" price of a gallon of coolant. Dealer "at cost" price is about $18 for a jug of new SLLC. Expect to pay about $20-22. They will do it if you ask. Dealer standard price near me was over $30 for a gallon. Ask them if the...
by Flip-Side
Wed Feb 27, 2013 8:52 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2004 Vibe heater issues...
Replies: 10
Views: 1898

Re: 2004 Vibe heater issues...

John O is spot on.
I agree that a flashlight is the only way to check the res properly. Just shine it on the side of the tank. Do not wait, as the 1z and 2z engines can be sensitive to air bubbles due to low coolant. This leads to larger issues.
by Flip-Side
Tue Feb 26, 2013 3:30 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2004 Vibe heater issues...
Replies: 10
Views: 1898

Re: 2004 Vibe heater issues...

First off, it sounds like your blower is toast which lends to the sound. Second, fill your coolant or at least make sure it is topped off. Low coolant will lend to little or no heat in the vibe/matrix. Third, have your water pump checked out if you are good on coolant and the problem persists. It is...
by Flip-Side
Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:07 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Driver window screech 03 base
Replies: 3
Views: 702

Re: Driver window screech 03 base

There was a recall for exactly this problem for your model year. Eventually, the rivets they used will fail, your window will break, and then you will be as mad as I was back in 2004 before the recall was issued. I had to pay to fix it the first time. The last time was fixed by the recall.
by Flip-Side
Mon Jan 28, 2013 3:03 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: another coolant question
Replies: 9
Views: 3295

Re: another coolant question

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.
by Flip-Side
Mon Jan 28, 2013 2:55 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Maybe selling Trans.
Replies: 9
Views: 1580

Re: Maybe selling Trans.

Not sure bud. I picked up a stock trans for under $2000. I wanted one with LSD but I will not be doing any trans work for a while as I will be moving soon...no more garage. I would make a post on matrixowners as well and see what people offer. Dont forget shipping, which will cost an arm and a leg.
by Flip-Side
Fri Jan 18, 2013 3:02 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Maybe selling Trans.
Replies: 9
Views: 1580

Re: Maybe selling Trans.

Sounds like it is time for an E153 swap bud. The gears are huge by comparison. The toyota c60 is just plain too weak IMO. Final drive is too weak and third gear was problematic on my old trans as well.
by Flip-Side
Wed Dec 19, 2012 8:54 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: please recommand gearbox oil
Replies: 28
Views: 9175

Re: please recommand gearbox oil

Redline MT-90 GL4 is what I use, 2 bottles. DO NOT PUT A GL5 FLUID IN YOUR TRANSMISSION, IT WILL GRIND. Brake fluid: Unless you have a leak, flush the system when you change your brake pads. I'm using a gl-5 fluid (Mobile 75w-90 synthetic) in my 05 base... haven't noticed any grinding after changin...
by Flip-Side
Wed Dec 12, 2012 9:05 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: engine surging
Replies: 27
Views: 5602

Re: engine surging

thats interesting stuff about the vtech, and the lift and stuff. i never knew i had that. i just bought the only used Vibe on the lot and it happened to be a GT. that being said, now that I know the clutches aren't designed to handle the engine i still dont know if i'll pull that out of the bag too...
by Flip-Side
Sat Dec 08, 2012 6:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: quick fix door sound deading
Replies: 3
Views: 974

Re: quick fix door sound deading

That stuff smells while it cures and it can take a while when laid on thick. It really will not make much of a difference.

Something cheap that works...Reflectix.
by Flip-Side
Thu Nov 29, 2012 8:43 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: '06 ABS kicks in, Check Engine, Battery and Oil lights on
Replies: 11
Views: 1292

Re: '06 ABS kicks in, Check Engine, Battery and Oil lights o

Dollars to donuts has me believing that you locked up the drive wheels without fully depressing the clutch and briefly stalled the motor which then refired when you let off the brake. I still agree with Star. You locked up the wheels without the use of the clutch, stalled during a roll, and jump st...
by Flip-Side
Thu Nov 29, 2012 8:32 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Mystery wiring harness. 2003 gt.
Replies: 5
Views: 1424

Re: Mystery wiring harness. 2003 gt.

That code is almost exclusively o2 sensors or the cat. You will see a ridiculous number of posts on it because people are hesitant to drop several hundred dollars to replace the cat. Everyone wants a magic fix, and we try everything first, but what it usually comes down to is a blown out catalytic c...
by Flip-Side
Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:19 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2003 Vibe/ELECTRICAL ISSUES HELP!
Replies: 4
Views: 1242

Re: 2003 Vibe/ELECTRICAL ISSUES HELP!

Check the ground connection from battery to car. Usually corroded on these older models and need to be cleaned or replaced.
by Flip-Side
Wed Nov 28, 2012 7:15 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: engine surging
Replies: 27
Views: 5602

Re: engine surging

Just stay around 3k rpms or less during break-in. Stop and go is your friend, freeways should be avoided when possible, and absolutely no lift engagement unless you want to replace it again.

I am wishing i had gone with a stage 1 clutch now, but the standard exedy is decent in my eyes.
by Flip-Side
Tue Nov 27, 2012 4:23 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Any new mods for oil filter on 1.8 engines???
Replies: 16
Views: 5515

Re: Any new mods for oil filter on 1.8 engines???

The 1.8 is extremely sensitive to low oil conditions. Should someone tighten the oil filter improperly there would be leakage. Other than that...no clue. I only go as tight as my hands allow.
by Flip-Side
Wed Nov 21, 2012 8:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Easy Thermostat Change Trick
Replies: 7
Views: 9902

Re: Easy Thermostat Change Trick

I completely disagree with the Vibe manual that says Dex-Cool is ok. I just changed a thermostat for my Mom's CR-V today as well. It had a mixture of Honda blue and Prestone Universal in the system, and the thermo was caked with a hardened green slime. Not sure it's the 2-hea, but given the history...
by Flip-Side
Thu Nov 15, 2012 4:58 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: is "universal" coolant okay to use?
Replies: 2
Views: 1005

Re: is "universal" coolant okay to use?

Other extended life antifreezes tend to be okay, but I lean heavily toward "Toyota SLLC". It is, after all, what our cars are suppose to use and is not prone to deposits. As i have found from the matrix forums, it has molybdenum added in which no other coolant I know of uses. It is also so...
by Flip-Side
Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:13 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2004 Roof Leak
Replies: 7
Views: 2898

Re: 2004 Roof Leak

I had the same problem after a new windshield was installed. Took it back and after they resealed it the leak stopped.
by Flip-Side
Wed Nov 14, 2012 7:09 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New Clutch Install Nightmare - Epic Saga
Replies: 17
Views: 3436

Re: New Clutch Install Nightmare - Epic Saga

The 6 speed toyota c60 is fairly solid at stock power levels. If gears begin to grind, or shifting is sluggish in cold weather i suggest changing the gear oil. I went with the very highly recommended Redline MT-90. Shifting did become smoother, and performance when cold is a night and day improvement.
by Flip-Side
Mon Nov 12, 2012 6:50 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: ATF: To change or not to change...
Replies: 6
Views: 1651

Re: ATF: To change or not to change...

At that mileage...definitely change it. At 160,000 or over I would say no. I was doing flush fills at the oil change place...i won't do that again. They never changed the filter, and at 190k the bands were worn and codes showed up for the trans. I think this is one of the few things I now only trust...
by Flip-Side
Fri Nov 09, 2012 11:46 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Roof Rack
Replies: 26
Views: 5708

Re: Roof Rack

Hey! I see one of my old posts up there...when i was very drunk on Alize I believe. Ahhh, good times. After this post was made ages ago, a few people attempted removals and were disappointed to find that the act of removal was damaging to the roof. It was not a simple "unbolt" and then rem...
by Flip-Side
Sun Nov 04, 2012 11:50 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: hard to get in reverse 6-spped vibe 04
Replies: 5
Views: 940

Re: hard to get in reverse 6-spped vibe 04

The stock bushings are rubber with metal inserts. Lubing them actually can hurt shift feel, i don't do it. Shift feel improves with solid brass/aluminum bushings, which i like a lot, but getting into reverse has little to do with this.
by Flip-Side
Sun Nov 04, 2012 1:40 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: hard to get in reverse 6-spped vibe 04
Replies: 5
Views: 940

Re: hard to get in reverse 6-spped vibe 04

Don't slam! Push stick left evenly Feel butterfly gate contact Press past butterfly gate Push stick forward to set the gear New manual drivers also need to get use to the fact reverse is rarely synchronized. Basically, be gentle. Shift into first, then shift into reverse. If you dont like that and y...
by Flip-Side
Tue Oct 30, 2012 7:49 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: How to change rear side rotors and pads
Replies: 4
Views: 2249

Re: How to change rear side rotors and pads

Or you grab some needle nose pliers in a pinch. I actually find it easier than the "pandoras box". Stuff them in place and twist until you bottom the caliper out.
by Flip-Side
Mon Oct 29, 2012 5:08 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Newbie with 04 base with a 6-speed swap
Replies: 20
Views: 3549

Re: Newbie with 04 base with a 6-speed swap

What "surging idle when cold" issue is everyone talking about? Do rpms drop and then increase again?

I know the 1zfe runs up over 1k rpm when cold to warm up, and then drops once the temp gauge starts to move. Other than that I am fairly in-the-dark.
by Flip-Side
Mon Oct 29, 2012 1:08 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: in a rut
Replies: 37
Views: 10364

Re: in a rut (joatmon)

Yep, been back for a while but the wife had the vibe and I had several other vehicles that I liked less. ;)

Been nice seeing a lot of the original genvibe crew after years gone. I drive a matrix now, but hey...deer do not discriminate right?
by Flip-Side
Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:33 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: in a rut
Replies: 37
Views: 10364

Re: in a rut (joatmon)

This time, however, I didn't hit the deer, it hit me. I was going 50 mph,and the thing hit the side of my Vibe, the leading edge of the rear passenger wheel well. Sucker had to have timed it just right. As far as I can tell, no damage to the Vibe. My wife just got t-boned by a deer in her brand new...
by Flip-Side
Sat Oct 27, 2012 6:31 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Proud new 03 Vibe gt owner !
Replies: 24
Views: 4139

Re: Proud new 03 Vibe gt owner !

lol, if you don't like revving past 6000rpm, you bought the wrong car... Expecting low end torque out of a short stroke, high rev engine, is like saying you want to tow a boat with your crotch rocket. You really do have to get use to punching it to get to the powerband, and simply enjoy the great g...
by Flip-Side
Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:14 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2003 vibe gt clutch when starting
Replies: 5
Views: 1631

Re: 2003 vibe gt clutch when starting

Completely normal on the 2003 Vibe GT and Matrix XRS. The interlock is pretty much at the point of bottoming out.
by Flip-Side
Tue Oct 23, 2012 6:05 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New Clutch Install Nightmare - Epic Saga
Replies: 17
Views: 3436

Re: New Clutch Install Nightmare - Epic Saga

I am glad it worked out for you! See, this is exactly why I do not touch the flywheel unless it is turned by a machinest or I replace it completely. If you can tell the old one is that uneven, just by feel, it is definately wrong. Just remember to go easy on it for a 500 mile break in period. Stop a...
by Flip-Side
Thu Oct 18, 2012 6:22 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: Bad Vibe Partouts, doors, side and hatch glass rear bumper, ecus, 1zz intake mani, 1zz turbo, ps tail and more! LI NY
Replies: 474
Views: 156716

Re: 03 Vibe GT + Complete 04 Base Partout LI NY - Updated

Do you have the Vibe GT shift knob? Need a replacement for my screw-up.