Search found 528 matches

by prathman
Mon Sep 14, 2009 5:02 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 1st Generation Vibe Cargo Cover?
Replies: 4
Views: 2990

First thing is to check whether you might already have one. Check in the wide but short storage compartment directly behind the back seats (it's just visible in the 1st picture you posted).Otherwise any dealer should be able to get one, but you can probably find someone here who'll sell you one for ...
by prathman
Thu May 07, 2009 6:29 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibe Milage
Replies: 5
Views: 1636

Re: (Digger)

Quote, originally posted by Digger »I remember a guy who posted 399,999 mile before the clock quit counting. If that's so then he got 100,000 more than anyone else has been able to before the odometer quit.
by prathman
Tue May 05, 2009 5:36 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: map lights not coming on when the door opened
Replies: 5
Views: 1447

The map lights in the mirror of our '06 also don't come on when the doors are open - and never have. The door switch does control the center dome light and the one in the hatch.
by prathman
Fri May 01, 2009 12:19 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: How long did your original Goodyear tires last?
Replies: 31
Views: 11301

Re: How long did your original Goodyear tires last? (HawaiiPontiacLover)

The older of our Vibes has a little over 40K on the original tires. They still look decent but I was planning on replacing them before the next winter (that Vibe lives in WI so it does see a real winter).
by prathman
Fri May 01, 2009 6:05 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Friends 2009 Corolla 1.8l wont start
Replies: 13
Views: 5793

Re: (northvibe)

Quote, originally posted by northvibe »the new cars, I hear gm's does it to, the ecu can tell if the engine isnt being supplied with enough of the goods it wont start and throws a error.Even if it did have that feature, the engine would have to turn over in order for the ECU to have any data about ...
by prathman
Sun Apr 05, 2009 12:54 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: '09 Vibe vs '09 G3, '10 Vibe
Replies: 26
Views: 7202

Re: '09 Vibe vs '09 G3, '10 Vibe (zathrak)

The Matrix has always had significantly better resale value than the Vibe - presumably based on the brandname since the cars and measured reliability have been essentially the same. But actual selling price of the Vibe has also usually been lower, so if you keep the car for quite awhile the Vibe is ...
by prathman
Thu Apr 02, 2009 2:50 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Proud new 09 Vibe AWD owner
Replies: 14
Views: 2597

Re: Proud new 09 Vibe AWD owner (blackphoenix)

Welcome to the family! Hope the car continues to live up to your expectations. We've been happy with our two '06 Vibes and also with our first NUMMI product - a Chevy Nova we bought new in '87 and still have.
by prathman
Wed Apr 01, 2009 7:56 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Would you buy a Detroit 3 product?
Replies: 24
Views: 5277

Re: Would you buy a Detroit 3 product? (michaelgt)

All four of our cars at the moment are Toyotas - but three of them have GM nameplates (two Vibes and a Nova). But I do think GM and Ford have closed most of the previous quality gap and wouldn't hesitate to consider one of their products if it seemed to offer the best value for our needs. Haven't be...
by prathman
Sat Mar 28, 2009 1:48 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: K&N vs. AMSOIL Ea Air Filters
Replies: 21
Views: 5541

Re: (THE VIBERATOR)

Quote, originally posted by THE VIBERATOR »whats wrong with going filterless?You might start by considering that all car makers consider it an excellent idea to include an air filter in their products even though this adds cost and has a slight effect in decreasing performance and economy. Since th...
by prathman
Sat Mar 28, 2009 12:16 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2009 Vibe production cut-off
Replies: 2
Views: 1105

Re: 2009 Vibe production cut-off (j42.snyder)

When we took the public factory tour of NUMMI, one of the employees took us aside afterwards (I had indicated that we owned some of their products), gave us some Pontiac Vibe T-shirts and asked if we had the VIN numbers. Later she emailed us 'birth certificates' for the cars that indicated the exact...
by prathman
Thu Mar 26, 2009 12:30 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Strange Shimmy @ speed - comes and goes?
Replies: 6
Views: 1855

Re: Strange Shimmy @ speed - comes and goes? (llebcire)

Quote, originally posted by llebcire »The weird thing is that it repeats this cycle of coming and going every 1-3 minutes on the highway - that's what has me baffled! Bent/balance wheels, slipped belt, bad suspension/steering components or bent drive shafts should either be there all the time or no...
by prathman
Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:03 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Free Quiznos Sub.
Replies: 26
Views: 5884

Re: Free Quiznos Sub

No problem here either. I didn't really want the small size so I asked if I could order a large and just pay the difference ($2.50). The first guy didn't think so but asked the manager and he said fine.Sorry I hadn't seen Kari's note before about the Tuna Melt with 2000 kcals - I got the Classic Ita...
by prathman
Wed Feb 25, 2009 2:15 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: More new Camaros
Replies: 27
Views: 4298

Re: (Merzbow)

Quote, originally posted by Merzbow »Most people that park like that fora real reason park in the back anyways so it's not like they are taking up any valuable spots up front to make all of the other people have to walk an extra 10 feet! (removed)...I would love to park my car like that everywhere ...
by prathman
Mon Feb 23, 2009 11:50 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: google earth found me
Replies: 36
Views: 7735

Re: google earth found me (Herb)

Yes, I've seen their cars driving down the street a few times. There's a slender pyramid-shaped thing on a roof rack with a little dome on top for the GPS antenna and a 360-degree turret underneath that for the panoramic camera. Snaps a picture every 100' or so as it goes down each street.
by prathman
Sun Feb 22, 2009 5:41 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pontiac may go, where does it leave us?
Replies: 45
Views: 6279

Re: (NascarXprt)

Quote, originally posted by NascarXprt »wasnt that a Geo prism? And its predecessor which I still have, the Chevy Nova.
by prathman
Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:58 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pontiac may go, where does it leave us?
Replies: 45
Views: 6279

Re: (jake75)

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »For what it's worth - article in today's Wall St. Jrl. said Pontriac "would be reduced to just one or two models."The plan is to reduce the number of GM models to 36 from 48 by 2012. Models slated for elimination said to include the Cobalt and Saab 9-5....
by prathman
Thu Feb 12, 2009 12:15 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: what oil brand/weight is everyone using?
Replies: 49
Views: 12239

Agreed. The manufacturer has to show reasonable cause to believe that the failure was due to the actions of the customer in order to deny a warranty claim. Motorcraft and Toyota oils meet the normal industry standards (API cert.) and I can't see that any court would accept that use of these products...
by prathman
Sat Feb 07, 2009 12:42 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Anyone use Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend oil?
Replies: 23
Views: 8496

Re: (Digger)

Quote, originally posted by Digger »I am getting a Smart car. It comes from the factory and calls for 0w-40 every 10,000 mile. My wife will be driving the vibe for the most part. If I change the vibe to synthetic oil I will most likely extend the miles in between changes.So why not use the lower vi...
by prathman
Sat Feb 07, 2009 6:31 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Transmission Question - Help Needed!!
Replies: 9
Views: 1901

Re: Transmission Question - Help Needed!! (spidercharm)

Quote, originally posted by spidercharm »I also never had break/transmission fluid refilled after I purchased it at 29k miles.I have been doing regular oil changes and replaced air filter once. Do I need to do anything else until 60k?Should be fine. You might check the cabin air filter for the heat...
by prathman
Thu Feb 05, 2009 6:33 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: DIY: A/C Insulation for even colder air!
Replies: 84
Views: 38465

Re: (djb383)

Quote, originally posted by djb383 ».............but again, how is insulating the freon line that EXITS the passenger compartment going to lower the vent temp inside the passenger compartment???????I don't think the effect would be very large, but if the heat content of the freon in that line is lo...
by prathman
Wed Feb 04, 2009 11:03 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: DIY: A/C Insulation for even colder air!
Replies: 84
Views: 38465

Re: (djb383)

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »OK, maybe it works for some but definitely not for me.That may well be the case. In your car the air temperature put out by the AC was already about as cold as possible without having the coils freeze up. Any improvement in efficiency would therefore just result ...
by prathman
Wed Feb 04, 2009 5:57 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: How many miles on your Goodyear RSA's?
Replies: 7
Views: 2350

Re: How many miles on your Goodyear RSA's? (2002sportside)

A little over 40,000 so far. Not sure what I'll get to replace them eventually.
by prathman
Tue Feb 03, 2009 1:24 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Anyone use Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend oil?
Replies: 23
Views: 8496

Re: (Digger)

Quote, originally posted by Digger »I am thinking of going 0w40 Synthetic for 10,000 Mile.Why the higher viscosity (40) rather than the Toyota recommendation for 20 or 30 weight?
by prathman
Tue Feb 03, 2009 12:21 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: On top of everything, now this...
Replies: 36
Views: 4255

Re: (ajflan)

Civil court (incl. small claims) is based on the 'preponderence of the evidence' rather than the much stricter 'beyond reasonable doubt' standard of criminal court. If photos of the ramps show a good match to the spacing of the marks on your broken parts that would be pretty good evidence in your fa...
by prathman
Mon Feb 02, 2009 1:00 am
Forum: US - North Central
Topic: 09 Vibe Mileage versus Canadian Mileage
Replies: 3
Views: 1523

Re: 09 Vibe Mileage versus Canadian Mileage (mikes09vibe)

The test cycles used by the governments in the two countries are different. The US EPA was criticized for having mileage figures that were too optimistic for many drivers and they revised their tests a couple years ago which lowered their figures. I had found the previous EPA numbers to be a little ...
by prathman
Sun Feb 01, 2009 7:58 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Anyone use Motorcraft 5w20 synthetic blend oil?
Replies: 23
Views: 8496

Re: (djb383)

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »I believe Honda and Ford have recommended 5W20 for several years now.......and probably would prefer you use 0WXX since 0W is only availabe in synthetic.Toyota has also issued a notice that 5W20 is fine for the 1.8 l engines used in the older Vibes (and Corollas,...
by prathman
Thu Jan 29, 2009 11:45 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Free Garmin GPS with Purchases
Replies: 2
Views: 1010

The 205 is a very nice model, and is part of a newer series than the 200 or 200W with some nice feature improvements. Personally I'd opt to move up to the 255 for a few more dollars. That one speaks the name of the actual street where you should turn rather than just giving the distance; i.e. "...
by prathman
Wed Jan 28, 2009 12:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Signs of a slipping clutch?
Replies: 33
Views: 8147

Re: (Celtic_Curse)

Quote, originally posted by Celtic_Curse »Sounds like it is slipping just want the expert opinions.Yes, when the clutch is engaged (foot off the pedal) it should form a solid mechanical link so any increase in engine speed would lead directly to a corresponding increase in wheel speed. If that's no...
by prathman
Tue Jan 27, 2009 3:10 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: RE: Roaring tires
Replies: 25
Views: 7634

Re: Roaring tires (vibolista)

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »Could be structure differences between the Vibe and Corolla. The trunk is more isolated in the Corolla, so it could deaden the sound coming from the rear tires. Open wagon interiors like the Vibe's are usually less quiet than a sedan. And the Corolla I tried o...
by prathman
Mon Jan 26, 2009 2:47 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: RE: Roaring tires
Replies: 25
Views: 7634

Re: Roaring tires (jake75)

Since it was making the noise since new and also with a set of replacement tires, then it clearly isn't an issue of cupped tires, worn struts, etc.But the comment about the Vibe being similar to a Corolla is correct. They are made on the same assembly line of the same parts, so soundproofing will be...
by prathman
Mon Jan 26, 2009 8:36 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: New O2 sensors flatlined
Replies: 33
Views: 9045

Re: New O2 sensors flatlined (danielg9)

Quote, originally posted by danielg9 »03 1.8, auto Vibe. Any ideas why two new Bosch O2 sensors type 1 and 2 only lasted a week. The check engine light wasout for about a week then came on. Put the car on a scope and it showed both sensors flatlined.Are you sure the sensors were working correctly i...
by prathman
Sat Jan 24, 2009 8:41 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Camry 2010 - 2.5L
Replies: 29
Views: 6759

Re: (ColonelPanic)

Quote, originally posted by ColonelPanic »All I was saying was you don't have to have this much power (and to keep adding more every year) to still have a functional car. It wasn't too long ago that 150 HP in a family sedan was a screamer, now people laugh at that figure. I think the car rags are t...
by prathman
Fri Jan 23, 2009 12:49 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2.4L mpg, 4th vs. 5th gear (Difference of 4.5 mpg)
Replies: 4
Views: 1255

Re: 2.4L mpg, 4th vs. 5th gear (ned23)

I was expecting to see something similar with our '87 Chevy Nova (Corolla clone - also a NUMMI product) when it lost 5th gear about 60 kmiles ago.But surprisingly I noticed no decrease in mileage at all. Still got just over 45 mpg on long highway trips, same as earlier when 5th gear still worked. Bu...
by prathman
Fri Jan 23, 2009 10:16 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: So, apparently Pontiac doesn't want to promote the Vibe...
Replies: 44
Views: 6291

Re: So, apparently Pontiac doesn't want to promote the Vibe... (vibolista)

Quote, originally posted by vibolista »In Germany years ago, I saw (old school) Beetles used as police cars. Of course, you can stuff a small Porsche engine in one of those things. A little tough on the owners psyche, having their BMW or Mercedes chased down and pulled over by a cop in a Beetle.Don...
by prathman
Fri Jan 23, 2009 3:17 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Anyone have crankshaft sensor replacement instructions?
Replies: 12
Views: 7708

Re: (Herb)

I wouldn't have expected any fuel issue to have thrown that code. Also possible that condensation in a sensor froze and caused a temporary problem.Good to hear that the car's running again - hope it stays that way.
by prathman
Thu Jan 22, 2009 5:54 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Fiat / Chrysler / Yugo, etc.
Replies: 7
Views: 1408

Re: Fiat / Chrysler / Yugo, etc. (ned23)

Yes, the Yugo was built in a plant designed and equipped by FIAT. In addition FIAT also did something similar with Russia where they made the Lada.FIATs were always known as fun-to-drive vehicles but with less than a sterling reputation for reliability and longevity. But a friend of mine still has t...
by prathman
Tue Jan 20, 2009 1:32 pm
Forum: Humor
Topic: Man Claims He Doesn't Need Driver's License
Replies: 18
Views: 5381

Re: (dakotancj)

Quote, originally posted by dakotancj » Did anyone happen to read what i copied and pasted?This whole thing is about being able to travel at your own free will.You still have to take the competency test and you still have to follow the public safety laws so as not to endanger someone elses safety.B...
by prathman
Tue Jan 20, 2009 10:54 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: So, apparently Pontiac doesn't want to promote the Vibe...
Replies: 44
Views: 6291

Re: (tnpartsguy)

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy »Can you imagine the next "Neon" being based on Fiat's very successful and safe 500?I take it this is a very different model from the FIAT 500 I remember from the '60s:It was a tiny car with a 500 cc motor and a top speed of about 50 mph. Kind of app...
by prathman
Tue Jan 20, 2009 7:01 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Battery
Replies: 9
Views: 2394

Re: (ou.grizzly)

Quote, originally posted by ou.grizzly »If the battery fits, has good CCA, and your Vibe starts, leave it.Agreed. When I get a replacement battery I first measure the space available and then try to get the biggest size that'll physically fit and has the terminals in the right place. The price is u...
by prathman
Tue Jan 20, 2009 5:59 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: So, apparently Pontiac doesn't want to promote the Vibe...
Replies: 44
Views: 6291

Re: (ned23)

Quote, originally posted by ned23 »I was under the impression that NUMMI was non-union.When I took the factory tour a couple years ago they emphasized that they were UAW and gave the local number. But they also indicated that management/union relations were very different than they had been under G...
by prathman
Mon Jan 19, 2009 10:14 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 Base 5spd shifting issue: Advice needed!
Replies: 7
Views: 1391

Re: 2003 Base 5spd shifting issue: Advice needed! (NaviJen)

Quote, originally posted by NaviJen »What is causing this grinding noise (because don't failing clutches make that same noise)?Usually clutches fail by starting to slip, not by causing grinding noises when you shift. However, a clutch that isn't disengaging fully could cause the noises you're heari...
by prathman
Mon Jan 19, 2009 12:27 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Must maintenance be done at the dealership?
Replies: 9
Views: 2108

Re: Must maintenance be done at the dealership? (musicmanmu)

Yes, you can have maintenance work done anywhere, or do it yourself as long as you keep reasonable records and receipts. Warranties can only be denied if it can be shown that the failure is a consequence of not following the required maintenance schedule.
by prathman
Sat Jan 17, 2009 2:09 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Catalytic Converter Clogged? Cobalt 2005
Replies: 12
Views: 2763

Re: Catalytic Converter Clogged? Cobalt 2005 (Davisthabeast)

Cheapest would be to get rid of the car and use some other method to get to work (bicycle/scooter/vanpool/bus/etc.). I know lots of people (incl. myself) with good jobs who do not rely on a car to commute.Other options depend on whether you live in an area that requires emission testing.
by prathman
Fri Jan 16, 2009 12:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Buying Used Vibe
Replies: 6
Views: 1219

Re: Buying Used Vibe (Chuck)

Quote, originally posted by Chuck »Does the paint chip off the painted lower belt so much that I should avoid a monochromatic model?How can I tell whether or not a used Vibe has ABS (aside from taking the seller's word)? (or Monsoon speakers).Haven't had a paint chipping problem yet in that area on...
by prathman
Wed Jan 14, 2009 2:27 pm
Forum: Canada - Ontario
Topic: FOR SALE... 352 month 58mths 2009 VIBE
Replies: 25
Views: 4262

Re: (barvibe)

Quote, originally posted by barvibe »wow... price is $352 month for 58months. Or if you would prefer $20416 in a lump sum.If you pay in a lump sum you would be borrowing money at a high interest rate to do so. In other words, there isn't a point in doing that.If someone wanted to pay in a lump sum ...
by prathman
Wed Jan 14, 2009 10:09 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: It's back!!!!
Replies: 8
Views: 1716

Yes, definitely observe a break-in period for at least 500 miles. Don't push it too hard and try to drive at varying speeds if possible.
by prathman
Tue Jan 13, 2009 1:06 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Why does my new car starter have such poor range?
Replies: 8
Views: 2541

Re: (dragon64)

Quote, originally posted by dragon64 »A trick from the R&D engineers at Autostart. Hold the remote under your chin and face directly toward the car works especially well in built up urban area were RF and building interfere with the signal from the remote. You're basically using your body as a ...
by prathman
Fri Jan 09, 2009 6:04 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Frozen Vibe!
Replies: 21
Views: 3197

Re: (Herb)

Quote, originally posted by Herb »I pulled the code as P0335 and a quick search on the web shows it as: "Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit"Not sure, but I'd think it would be related to how the engine does its timing. I.e. when the crankshaft is in a certain...
by prathman
Fri Jan 09, 2009 1:52 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Tire pressure monitor - interesting story
Replies: 5
Views: 1625

Re: Tire pressure monitor - interesting story (13Vibe03)

Quote, originally posted by 13Vibe03 »I deliver mail as a USPS letter carrier and you'd be surprised how many notes I've left for people that have dangerously low tire pressures and/or missing lug nuts.Thank you. I was once hit by a loose car wheel while on a bicycle ride so I appreciate your effor...
by prathman
Thu Jan 08, 2009 11:19 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Adding +12V socket to 2005 Center Console
Replies: 65
Views: 47761

Re: (ou.grizzly)

Or you can head over to Radio Shack and get a 12V outlet for about $8. Their's needs a touch of filing to make it fit the opening in the bottom of the console. But that only takes a minute and then its a perfect fit and comes with a connector that clamps to the +12 wire that's already under the cons...