Search found 131 matches

by dragon64
Sat Feb 16, 2019 5:53 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 Clutch Pedal Slow to Come Up Last Few Inches
Replies: 17
Views: 3399

Re: 2009 Clutch Pedal Slow to Come Up Last Few Inches

I had this problem a few months ago. Turned out to be the throw on the slave Cylinder pushrod had slowly changed. I had to loosen the jam nut on the rod at the firewall then pulling the clip out of the pin on the clevse at the clutch pedal. After sliding the pin out I turned the rod until the all th...
by dragon64
Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:25 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 base 1.8l
Replies: 8
Views: 2288

Re: 2009 base 1.8l

The noise you hear is from the hydraulic cam gear actuators in the variable valve timing system. The noise goes away as soon as the oil pressure builds up after starting the engine.
by dragon64
Sun Mar 13, 2016 7:19 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: C59 Manual Vibes. What grade of Gear Oil do you use?
Replies: 3
Views: 4359

Re: C59 Manual Vibes. What grade of Gear Oil do you use?

I've been using Redline almost since my 09 was new. I also drive in similar weather and road conditions as you.
by dragon64
Mon Jan 04, 2016 6:24 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: 2006 TPMS
Replies: 5
Views: 6142

Re: 2006 TPMS

This answer is a little late. There is a non replaceable battery in most TPMS sensors. They normally last 7 to 10 year before you have to replace the sensor.
by dragon64
Mon Jan 04, 2016 6:02 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Dashboard lights blinking for x-mas
Replies: 5
Views: 3295

Re: Dashboard lights blinking for x-mas

I had a similar issue a while back on my '09. Same flashing light except no throttle response at all but engine ran and idled fine. It was related to the DBW motorized TPS. My work involves dealing directly with Toyota's factory techs. It seems that there is a glitch that can occur with the TPS used...
by dragon64
Sun Jul 12, 2015 1:18 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2nd Gen: Anyone Replaced Coil Packs and Plugs Yet?
Replies: 15
Views: 4644

Re: 2nd Gen: Anyone Replaced Coil Packs and Plugs Yet?

I was hoping that Accell would make a aftermarket performance coil for the 2ZR like they have for the 1gen engines but don't think that will happen now that MSD bought the company.
by dragon64
Sat Jul 11, 2015 11:11 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Custom exhaust parts
Replies: 12
Views: 2255

Re: Custom exhaust parts

I built a custom exhaust for my '09 1.8L. I used a Moroso stainless steel bullet style muffler for a resonator. I went with a Flowmaster series 50 muffer with a Borla intercooled tip. The 2.25" straight and J-U bends S.S pipe came from Yonaka Motorsport. On the '09 the stock resonator is welded...
by dragon64
Thu Jun 11, 2015 7:12 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Okay I am very confused here.
Replies: 4
Views: 2449

Re: Okay I am very confused here.

No I got them directly for the manufactures rep. At the time they weren't even in there product catalogs
by dragon64
Thu Jun 11, 2015 6:56 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Okay I am very confused here.
Replies: 4
Views: 2449

Re: Okay I am very confused here.

For the reverse lights I went with 15W HID kit. Not sure about the first gen car but on my '09 lighting pattern is like having small head lights or fog lights on the back of the car. It is a PnP kit HID lamp has a silicon rubber base that snaps in place of the OE lamp holder Power to the ballast is ...
by dragon64
Sun Jun 07, 2015 9:25 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.
Replies: 10
Views: 1994

Re: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.

Forgot got to mention I got a reply from a Melinda Hancock in customer service at Cequent (Tow Ready). She has refered me to contact there tech support dept. Don't know why she didn't just forward my email to them herself. I have worked in manufacturing and customer relations for years and would hav...
by dragon64
Sun Jun 07, 2015 8:20 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.
Replies: 10
Views: 1994

Re: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.

Here we go. Module grew an appendage. You can also see that tar like potting compound is starting to come out around the wiring in addition to the melted plastic. http://i613.photobucket.com/albums/tt215/vtnishimura/11265107_10155551458525065_2142912802966320732_n.jpg http://i613.photobucket.com/alb...
by dragon64
Thu Jun 04, 2015 6:55 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.
Replies: 10
Views: 1994

Re: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.

Baltovibe wrote:Can you show us pictures of this module?
How do you post photos to this forum?
by dragon64
Wed Jun 03, 2015 7:51 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.
Replies: 10
Views: 1994

Re: Tow Ready ModuLite when up in smoke.

I already ripped the unit and wiring completely out of the car mostly because it made the car smell of a electical transformer fire and didn't want the smell to impregnated deep into the interior. As it is, it still took a shampoo of the seats and keeping the window and hatch open for a couple days ...
by dragon64
Tue Jun 02, 2015 4:27 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.
Replies: 10
Views: 1994

Tow Ready ModuLite when upin smoke.

Last weekend I made a quick trip to the corner store and came out about 20 minutes later to the smell of an electrical fire. At first I didn't realize it was coming from my car until I got closer to my car and could see smoke inside through the windows. I installed a Tow Ready T-One Connector ModuLi...
by dragon64
Tue Apr 07, 2015 3:14 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Looking to go with slightly wider tires
Replies: 8
Views: 2184

Re: Looking to go with slightly wider tires

I gone to 225-50-16" exact same diameter as a 205-55-16"
by dragon64
Fri Mar 06, 2015 9:04 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: need some inexpensive performance upgrades for 2009 base
Replies: 4
Views: 2120

Re: need some inexpensive performance upgrades for 2009 base

Also being a base '09 owner there are no inexpensive upgrades and nothing that is 100% bolt-on that is of any real value. To get rid of the throttle lag I installed a P'n'P DBW signal modifier to removed the digital lag in the electronic pedal assy. Thottle is more linear like an old school cable li...
by dragon64
Tue Sep 23, 2014 2:51 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: 205 60 16 blizzak snow tires fit ?
Replies: 6
Views: 1882

Re: 205 60 16 blizzak snow tires fit ?

There shouldn't be any problem. You will just have to remember that the speedo will be off.
by dragon64
Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:18 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Finally Getting around to building a new exhaust
Replies: 2
Views: 829

Re: Finally Getting around to building a new exhaust

Forgot to post this earlier. Did a baseline Dyno run on a friends dyno before chopping out the stock exhaust. My 1.8L/ 5speed my average pulling was a little over 118 whp. We were looking through his database of other cars he has tested and looked up a '12 Scion TC with a 2.4L / Auto and a '10 Corol...
by dragon64
Mon Aug 25, 2014 6:02 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: '09 GT Reduction of Power
Replies: 6
Views: 1443

Re: '09 GT Reduction of Power

I have an '09 GT Vibe that's been frustrating me. I recently moved from flat Iowa to Colorado Springs (elevation over 6k). With the change in elevation the car has lost its GT pep. I searched online about this and found mixed opinions. Has anyone driven their Vibe at higher elevations? Is there any...
by dragon64
Wed Aug 20, 2014 9:13 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension
Replies: 11
Views: 3820

Re: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension

The Falken are a semi performance tire so tire wear is going to be high but does have great wet traction and generally have tread wear as long as you remember that it is a prefomance tire and not a touring tire. The ZE-950 225/50-16 is a 96XL My 225/50-16" are the same diameter as a 205/55-16&q...
by dragon64
Sat Aug 16, 2014 1:03 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension
Replies: 11
Views: 3820

Re: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension

Unfortunately, being in Canada limits a lot my options in obtaining these donuts. And I have no contact in the industry. Ask me about a computer part and I can help however. ;) The Coil SumoSprings looks a lot like what you are describing. I'll check how hard they can be to obtain. Can't find any s...
by dragon64
Fri Aug 15, 2014 7:53 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Do all 6.5" speakers fit the front door?
Replies: 5
Views: 1753

Re: Do all 6.5" speakers fit the front door?

In addition to the magnet depth. Some large basket 6.5" and 6.75" Also the metal in the door may need to be trimmed to fit. I remeber ther is a set of higher end Alpine componants where this need to be done. Other 6.5" are closer to being a 5.25" and may need an adaptor ring.
by dragon64
Fri Aug 15, 2014 7:34 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension
Replies: 11
Views: 3820

Re: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension

Duro= Durometer is a unit of hardness for any polymers and rubbers. The material I used is solid uerthane not a bonded rubber/ urethane composite. I work on contract for automotive aftermarket manufactures. Having friends in the industry that manufacture OE/aftermarket parts I can have gets parts ma...
by dragon64
Wed Aug 06, 2014 9:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Finally Getting around to building a new exhaust
Replies: 2
Views: 829

Finally Getting around to building a new exhaust

Finally have some time in the shop to fabricate a new exhaust for my car and I just bought a new tool a pipe expander. Actually I'm make 2 different set-ups.The stock 1.8L exhaust doesn't have a short extension between the 2nd cat and the resonator like the 2.4L cars so a slip joint is not possible ...
by dragon64
Wed Aug 06, 2014 7:23 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: '09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade
Replies: 4
Views: 1323

Re: '09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade

One caliper sprung a leak. Just found out that calipers have larger 1.75" bore pistons not 1.5" pistons the original kit should have had. Now have to more parts and return others. Was kind of wondering why I seem to have so much additional braking force over OE brakes.
by dragon64
Sat Jul 19, 2014 5:05 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: '09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade
Replies: 4
Views: 1323

Re: '09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade

The used LS400 hood lift failed on my so designed my own kit using one off the shelf Stabilus gas spring and brackets instead of the 2 from the Lexus.
by dragon64
Wed Jul 09, 2014 6:42 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: '09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade
Replies: 4
Views: 1323

'09 1.8L Wilwood 4 piston brake upgrade

A friend gave me a used Wilwood brake kit for a Cavailier that was used on a show car years ago. Amazing how close of a fit it is on my '09 Vibe. The hats had to be faced "0.040 on the bolt face. Fortunately I have some scrap 7075 Aluminum kicking around the shop. because I had to mill new cali...
by dragon64
Thu Sep 05, 2013 4:31 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: New Rotors and Pads '09 Vibe
Replies: 18
Views: 5825

Re: New Rotors an Pads '09 Vibe

Premature wear of the brakes on the 09-10 Vibe is the new reallity of modern car with traction control/ stability control. It is also not that unusual to have the rear brake wear out before the front because the TC/ SC system is applying the rear brake to keep the car in a straight line. Have to do ...
by dragon64
Fri Aug 30, 2013 3:36 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Rear coil spacer
Replies: 1
Views: 748

Re: Rear coil spacer

I have 70 duro urethane coil spacers on my car. increased the rear spring rate by about 30% without lifting the car. Did it for handling but car remains pretty level with a trailer hitched up.
by dragon64
Sun Jun 30, 2013 7:50 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibration at highway speeds
Replies: 6
Views: 2007

Re: Vibration at highway speeds

I'm a contract wheel and tire product developement tech for a aftermarket wheel manufacture/ importer. If you feel the car body shake but are not feeling the steering wheel shake it is more likely that the issue is in the rear end of the car. Without going for a test drive I can't really say for sur...
by dragon64
Thu Jun 27, 2013 6:42 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Squeak from clutch slave cylinder
Replies: 2
Views: 843

Re: Squeak from clutch slave cylinder

Had a similar issue on my 09. Had the car at the Dealer for the window switch recall and had them look a squeeling clutch throwout bearing sound. They cleaned and lubed the slave cylinder assy. under warranty as it was also the cause of the throwout bearing noise as well. Mind you they had my car fo...
by dragon64
Fri Jun 07, 2013 6:51 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Bad Clutch throwout bearing sound But not the bearing
Replies: 1
Views: 711

Bad Clutch throwout bearing sound But not the bearing

Took my 09' 1.8L into the dealer for the widow switch recall. At the sametime I had some warranty work done. I had been getting a whirring bearing noise when the clutch was engaged but went away when the clutch is out. Turned out that it wasn't the bearing itself but the throwout actuator sticking c...
by dragon64
Fri Feb 22, 2013 4:03 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Broken dipstick tube '09 1.8L
Replies: 7
Views: 4588

Broken dipstick tube '09 1.8L

Anybody else ever have the dipstip tube break just under the intake manifold. Went to check the oil and half the tube came up with the dipstick. Only have 60K km on the car. Looks like it is metal fatigue. I can see were it has cracked 3/4 of the way around the edge of the crack has weathered and wo...
by dragon64
Mon Dec 17, 2012 5:38 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Front rotors stuck. lol
Replies: 9
Views: 3346

Re: Front rotors stuck. lol

Try tapping the disc between the studs with a steel hammer a few times often this will loosen the disc from the hub.
by dragon64
Wed Dec 05, 2012 8:36 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Clutch or Transmission or other?
Replies: 5
Views: 968

Re: Clutch or Transmission or other?

I would look at the hydraulic hose to the clutch slave cylinder first. It could be just a pressure leak not allowing the throw out fork to fully disengage the clutch. It's fairly common once the car get to be +10 years.
by dragon64
Tue Dec 04, 2012 5:49 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: konig tires - can't get them off
Replies: 6
Views: 4930

Re: konig tires - can't get them off

Your local retailers in Edmonton should have been able to order a spline key for you from a Canadian supplier such as Fast Wheels or Robert Thibert for the one you have shown. There is an off chance that it is the spline key distributed by DAI that has a slightly larger diameter and spline shape. If...
by dragon64
Sat Nov 10, 2012 6:20 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Adjusting air pressure based on load rating
Replies: 1
Views: 800

Adjusting air pressure based on load rating

Put my snow tires on the other day and the tires would chirp with very light throttle input on dry pavement and a little greasy in the wet. Thinking about it I've never had traction issues with Toyo tire in the last 20+ years but the GO-2 was not available in a 205-55-16 so was the first time runnin...
by dragon64
Fri Nov 09, 2012 5:42 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Kelly Explorer Plus sloppy handling?
Replies: 5
Views: 1913

Re: Kelly Explorer Plus sloppy handling?

What is the load rating of your tires? It will be a 2 digit number like 89 following the tire size. Depending on load rating you may have to increase or decrease the air pressure in your tires. Also look at the sidewall construction Could a difference in the construction like 1 ply polyester, 2 ply ...
by dragon64
Thu Nov 08, 2012 8:32 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 18 MPG?!?!
Replies: 14
Views: 5047

Re: 18 MPG?!?!

I would recommend looking at your O2 sensors. I have found that once they get past 80K km (50k miles) they start to read slow and after 160K km (100K miles) are reely slow but not enough to trip a code. I've had several cars jump up by at least 5-7mpg just by replacing the O2's
by dragon64
Sat Sep 29, 2012 11:18 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: TPMS sensors and aftermarket wheels
Replies: 19
Views: 4603

Re: TPMS sensors and aftermarket wheels

Sorry I did forget to memtion that you would need to scan the ESN of the existing sensors and write then to the clone-ables. Most wheel and tire shops will clone the TPMS as part of the mounting and balancing package wth a set of new tires and wheels when they put them on your car. Mail order packag...
by dragon64
Sat Sep 29, 2012 11:00 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Tires always out of balance
Replies: 9
Views: 2171

Re: Tires always out of balance

My background is for the manufacturing and training side of the industry. Even if a wheel and tire is perfectly balanced doesn't mean it is 100% round. I could put a oval shaped object on a tire balancer and put enough weight on it to spin balance on the machine but will it be round on the car.. No....
by dragon64
Sat Sep 22, 2012 5:29 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension
Replies: 11
Views: 3820

Re: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension

I am ASSUMING the awd coils are longer but do not know for sure. I am basing this off of the fact awd models sit 2-3" taller. 8-) Stiffer springs don't necessarily mean that they have to be longer. There are 3 parameters to determine the spring rate. The diameter of the wire, the number of act...
by dragon64
Fri Sep 21, 2012 5:26 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: TPMS sensors and aftermarket wheels
Replies: 19
Views: 4603

Re: TPMS sensors and aftermarket wheels

The sensors are part of the valve stem. I believe there are different types for steels and alloys (different valve stem angle). When I got my winter wheels, I decided against the TPMS because of the cost of the sensors themselves and the twice-annual dealership programming cost. I have a programmer...
by dragon64
Sun Sep 09, 2012 7:29 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Serius Antenna and Trailer wiring, 2009 Vibe GT
Replies: 26
Views: 7988

Re: Serius Antenna and Trailer wiring, 2009 Vibe GT

Passing a wire through thr firewall on a '09 is that bad. If you look at the rubber grommet to the wiring harness there is a nipple that sticks out toward the engine depending on the gage of wire being passed either poke a soild fish wire (coat hanger wire) or cut the end off first for like a 4-8ga ...
by dragon64
Sun Sep 09, 2012 7:15 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Who makes sway bars for 09/10MY Vibe
Replies: 3
Views: 1372

Re: Who makes sway bars for 09/10MY Vibe

Being in the industry I had a friend at one of the spring manufacture custom make a 22mm solid rear anti-roll bar for me. I've bench tested the OE '09 and TRD Anti roll bar on a spring dyno found very little difference in spring rate between the two. Actually this doesn't surprise me that much becau...
by dragon64
Sat Aug 25, 2012 2:45 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Flap of loose rubber on sidewall - serious?
Replies: 13
Views: 4765

Re: Flap of loose rubber on sidewall - serious?

I've worked as an aftermarket wheel and tire product developement tech and also in a high end specialty wheel and tire shop. Any cut in the sidewall ofa tire is dangerous. The sidewall of a passenger car tire is only one or maybe two plys of nylon or polyester cloth and a thin layer of rubber on eac...
by dragon64
Sun Aug 19, 2012 5:54 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Steering Wheel Cover
Replies: 13
Views: 5664

Re: Steering Wheel Cover

ponta2147 wrote:I currently have a Wheelskin on my '09 and love it.
I have one on my '09 as well. Like the additional thickness it adds to the rim and additional grip in with gloves in the winter Wipe it down with leather conditioner on a regular basis and it won't dry-out of crack.
by dragon64
Wed Aug 15, 2012 6:53 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: I want to be low.
Replies: 8
Views: 1859

Re: I want to be low.

I can tell you how to lower the rear, hitch a trailer on to it. :D My interests go the other way, I would like to be able to keep the original height while towing. I honestly don't know why anyone would want to lower a car that has 6" clearance when new. To each their own though. Good luck. Ac...
by dragon64
Mon Aug 13, 2012 6:26 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Rear Brakes Seized 2009
Replies: 5
Views: 1423

Re: Rear Brakes Seized 2009

I recommend you get a second opinion even go back to the dealership for brake check is better than trust the CT people. I am pretty sure the tech from CT don't know how to handle our special type of rear brake that need to turn the piston using a special tool instead squeezing it using a channel lo...
by dragon64
Fri Apr 20, 2012 3:17 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: TPMS on 09 Vibe (GM or Toyota Technology?)
Replies: 11
Views: 3600

Re: TPMS on 09 Vibe (GM or Toyota Technology?)

You could just spend a few extra buck per sensor to buy a set of "clone-able" Schrader TPMS sensors. These are a newer rubber stem GM style sensor so no problems with somebody accidentely putting a brass valve core into an aluminum stem sensor or putting a not plastic cap on the alum. valv...