Search found 4753 matches

by jake75
Sat Jun 16, 2018 9:36 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Sirus XM Offer
Replies: 6
Views: 2394

Re: Sirus XM Offer

I never had any subscription, let alone a lifetime subscription. The 3 years for $99 seemed to finally be what it is worth to me, but didn’t want it on my Vibe which is now our least used vehicle, wanted it on my Equinox. I can understand the logic re a lifetime deal, a person could stretch that for...
by jake75
Fri Jun 15, 2018 8:09 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Sirus XM Offer
Replies: 6
Views: 2394

Sirus XM Offer

Got an email offering 3 years for $99 to activate XM on my Vibe. I called them and asked if I could use that offer on my Equinox as that is my primary vehicle. Talked to 3 people. The first two never heard of that offer. The third says I could not use it to activate service on the XM radio in my Equ...
by jake75
Thu Apr 05, 2018 7:34 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: GenVibe's 16th birthday April 1, 2018
Replies: 8
Views: 2430

Re: GenVibe's 16th birthday April 1, 2018

It is the people here that make all the difference.
by jake75
Tue Apr 03, 2018 9:53 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: GenVibe's 16th birthday April 1, 2018
Replies: 8
Views: 2430

Re: GenVibe's 16th birthday April 1, 2018

I have been here since 2/9/2003; I was a mere 60 years old at that time. This site has saved me both a lot of time and money. My 2009 only has 46,800 miles and I just changed coolant and transmission fluid. [Now a backup to our 2017 Equinox.] Only issues (aside from the dealer fail on the last oil c...
by jake75
Mon Apr 02, 2018 9:52 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail
Replies: 5
Views: 2314

Re: GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail

Please award me the Dummy of the Month trophy. In another post I was informed that the odometer reset button also is the dimmer control for the dash board, How or why it got turned downstairs the dealer is still a mystery.
by jake75
Mon Apr 02, 2018 9:46 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Very dim instrument panel light
Replies: 7
Views: 2056

Re: Very dim instrument panel light

If there wasi a Dummy of the Month Award, I’d be a winner! That worked. How or why it got turned down is a mystery. All’s well that ends well thanks to you, ColonelPanic.
by jake75
Sun Apr 01, 2018 12:56 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Very dim instrument panel light
Replies: 7
Views: 2056

Re: Very dim instrument panel light

My T&C Van had that control, didn’t know the ‘09 Vibe did.

Where is it?
by jake75
Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:13 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail
Replies: 5
Views: 2314

Re: GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail

Picked up the Vibe yesterday. Engine sounds fine. I will check oil often. However now the instrument panel light is so dim I can hardly see the speedometer, gas gauge etc.
Posted this issue under “problems”. Had the airbag recall done and apparently they disconnected the battery to do do that.
by jake75
Sat Mar 31, 2018 11:04 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Very dim instrument panel light
Replies: 7
Views: 2056

Very dim instrument panel light

I just got the airbag recall done. But now the instrument panel is so dim that I can hardly see the speedometer. Anyone know What could that be? Also at 9 years and almost 47,000 miles had the transmission fluid and antifreeze changed. Since the Chevy dealer had to get the AT fluid from the Toyota d...
by jake75
Mon Mar 26, 2018 12:40 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail
Replies: 5
Views: 2314

GM Dealer Oil CHange Fail

Mostly been driving our new Equinox since getting it at the the end March 2017.. At end of November 2017 did the LOF bit on the '09 Vibe at the dealer. Had only put about 2,000 miles since prior oil change but that was 12/7/16 so I thought it was time to change. Went for the full synthetic this time...
by jake75
Sat Feb 10, 2018 9:09 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Hatch lift supports
Replies: 8
Views: 3513

Re: Hatch lift supports

Perhaps the cold weather is a factor. (I refrained from making a politically incorrect comparison.)
by jake75
Wed Feb 07, 2018 7:31 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WeatherTech floor mats for '09 Vibe
Replies: 6
Views: 1700

Re: WeatherTech floor mats for '09 Vibe

This is Jake75 in Columbus, OH. I have a 2009 Vibe with 48,000 miles. For some reason it just began dripping fluids onto my driveway. I need to get it to the dealer. If that is not a major repair I think I am interested. 4 inches of wet snow last night. This is our non-garaged second car so it may b...
by jake75
Sat Jan 27, 2018 8:41 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Possible Oil/libe/gas leaks
Replies: 3
Views: 1514

Possible Oil/libe/gas leaks

Our 2009 Vibe with about 48,000 miles is not used very often. Sits ungaraged. Had it serviced at the end of November. Today I drove it and noticed a lot of crap on my driveway under the spot where the engine sits. I am guessing oil, gasoline etc. Put it back with a sheet of cardboard underneath to s...
by jake75
Tue Jan 09, 2018 4:14 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Latest Recall - March 2017
Replies: 50
Views: 12322

Re: Latest Recall - March 2017

Update - Vibe Air Bag Recall: I got a postcard saying that the parts were in and I should get this done, also a warning that no one should ride in the front passenger seat until this is done. But when I had my Equinox serviced today at my Chevy (former Pontiac) GM dealer (Columbus, OH) they told me ...
by jake75
Mon Jul 24, 2017 6:18 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 not start
Replies: 7
Views: 2475

Re: 2003 not start

So the advantage of a timing chain is that it rarely breaks, but the advantage of a belt is that if it breaks there is no serious engine damage. I am not sure the latter is 100% accurate. But if the engine ran o.k. when last started, and now it just won't start, maybe there is not serious engine dam...
by jake75
Mon Jul 24, 2017 3:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pre Vibe were you a Toyota or GM person? (Or neither?)
Replies: 40
Views: 13057

Re: Pre Vibe were you a Toyota or GM person? (Or neither?)

Not a loyalist. Leased a NEW 1994 Camry and a 1996 Corolla for 3 years each with no problems, but that isn't much of a test. Bought a new 1977 Buick Estate Wagon. Ate up starter motors and ignition modules from the beginning. Only 12 month warranty in those days. Dealer couldn't find cause. Sent a l...
by jake75
Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:24 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Equinox LT - New Ride
Replies: 3
Views: 3384

Re: Equinox LT - New Ride

Just an update - for what it's worth. Nine weeks and 1,100 miles in and I am happy to report that I am very happy with my new 2017 AWD Equinox. Of course this was not a Vibe replacement, but a downsize from our T&C. The 2009 Vibe 1.8L AT remains as part of our 2 car fleet and with less than 50,0...
by jake75
Sun Jun 11, 2017 9:10 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2010 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8 no power, no start
Replies: 8
Views: 2572

Re: 2010 Pontiac Vibe Base 1.8 no power, no start

Just when you fear the worst - a relatively simple grounding issue. Whew!!
by jake75
Mon Apr 03, 2017 7:02 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Equinox LT - New Ride
Replies: 3
Views: 3384

Re: Equinox LT - New Ride

Ordered Weathertech floor protectors, front and back, today. $179.90 plus $18 shipping. For another $109.95 didn't get the one for the cargo area. So far I have been happy with the Equinox, and learning new things about it every day. Ohio law requires you to have lights on when ever you are using th...
by jake75
Tue Mar 28, 2017 8:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Latest Recall - March 2017
Replies: 50
Views: 12322

Re: Latest Recall - March 2017

Sitting in the back seat would avoid the problem, but realistically I think the chances of a dangerous misfire are about the same as being hit by a tornado. But by giving this warning they might be able to avoid liability. As a lawyer that's my take.
by jake75
Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:51 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member 2003 Vibe
Replies: 18
Views: 3817

Re: New Member 2003 Vibe

I am a believer that miles are everything. I don't think $4,900 is unreasonable for for a 2003 Vibe with 63,000 miles.
by jake75
Mon Mar 27, 2017 7:39 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Equinox LT - New Ride
Replies: 3
Views: 3384

Equinox LT - New Ride

My son's 2001Honda Odyssey seems to have serious transmission issues at about 185,000 miles so I am passing on to him my 2007 SWB T&C. We are keeping the 2009 Vibe with 48,000 miles, but to replace the T&C wanted something mid-size for comfort/safety on longer trips. Plenty of choices but if...
by jake75
Mon Mar 13, 2017 12:26 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Latest Recall - March 2017
Replies: 50
Views: 12322

Latest Recall - March 2017

Air bag deflator - due to moisture intrusion could create excessive internal pressure when bag is deployed causing the deflator to rupture. Metal fragments could then pass through the airbag cushion material striking the vehicle occupants and cause serious injuries or death. Parts not currently avai...
by jake75
Sat Feb 25, 2017 5:35 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Honda CRV 2WD Scarce
Replies: 4
Views: 2845

Honda CRV 2WD Scarce

Seems that the vast majority in stock are AWD. Only 1 mpg difference but (1) don't think I need that in Columbus, OH; (2) adds $1,250 to the cost, and (3) something else to go wrong. Am I missing some advantage to AWD?
by jake75
Wed Dec 07, 2016 5:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Toyotoa LOF Visit Report
Replies: 3
Views: 3056

Toyotoa LOF Visit Report

My Pontiac dealer no longer has their loss leader LOF deals, so I got a Groupon for a LOF for $16.80 at a nearby Toyota dealer. They said I need to replace the engine and cabin filters, $80. I changed the cabin filter about 20,000 miles ago. Also change out coolant, $140. Said it was a bit "dir...
by jake75
Mon Oct 24, 2016 7:00 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gasoline vs E85
Replies: 23
Views: 6522

Re: Gasoline vs E85

Mandated ethanol usage means most gasoline will have 10% ethanol - It's all feel good politics. Most of us cannot even find 100% gasoline. Next thing you know the govt will mandate a certain amount of corn oil to be added to butter - and then let them still call it "butter". Then they will...
by jake75
Thu Sep 22, 2016 8:58 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Fixed my 2009 Gt broken radio knob!
Replies: 101
Views: 142959

Re: (Gadabout)

Six months left on my 3/36 warranty - only 11,700 miles in 2,5 years. If (or when) my knob breaks I think I will opt for a different aftermarket radio. Don't drive that much, and often don't even listen to the radio so maybe I will not face this issue. In the meantime I will try to take it easy on ...
by jake75
Thu Sep 15, 2016 8:24 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Fold-Down Passenger Seat. Use it?
Replies: 65
Views: 21801

Re: Fold-Down Passenger Seat. Use it?

Had that on my base 1.8L 2003 Vibe. Sold the 2003 and got a 2009 at a GM fire sale in January 2009. By that time they had decontented the Vibe and eliminated that on the base 1.8L. Wish i had it for the few times it would have been useful - like hauling a long ladder. Fortunately I have my 2004 SWB ...
by jake75
Thu Sep 15, 2016 3:44 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 'O9 Radio Knob defect finally got me
Replies: 3
Views: 2311

'O9 Radio Knob defect finally got me

I can still turn it on/off, and adjust the volume. But I bet it will soon totally break. Need to search how others have fixed this, or just have BEst Buy put in an aftermarket one.
by jake75
Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:07 pm
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: 2009 GT FOR SALE IN OHIO - $6988
Replies: 5
Views: 2307

Re: 2009 GT FOR SALE IN OHIO - $6988

I have a 2009 1.8L. The AT is 4 speed. I was not aware that the GT had a 5 speed AT.
Not that it makes any difference - for me a 4 speed 1.8L makes sense, especially since I only drive about 6,000 miles a year.
by jake75
Mon Aug 29, 2016 7:01 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: Floor liners?
Replies: 8
Views: 3677

Re: Floor liners?

The next new car I buy will have the Weathertech liners. Someone here sent me a passenger side Weathertech for my 2009 Vibe for just the shipping cost. I am convinced they are worth the money. But I am old, oversaved for my retirement, and no longer need to pinch pennies.
by jake75
Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:10 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Might buy this 2010 GT Auto...might
Replies: 29
Views: 7019

Re: Might buy this 2010 GT Auto...might

I like my 2009 1.8L base Vibe; and I liked my 2003 1.8L base Vibe before that. But unlike my wife of 48 years I would not hesitate to get something different. Time marches on, and there is a lot to be said for something 6 or 7 years newer. A new car with 3 years warranty will cost you almost nothing...
by jake75
Sat Jul 09, 2016 9:09 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Stock Tire Question
Replies: 4
Views: 2281

Re: Stock Tire Question

On my 09 Vibe a year ago I had one bad tire as well. While the other 3 were ok as only 33,000 miles I decided to replace them all as those will likely last me until I finally sell or trade in the Vibe. After some research I bought Yokohama tires and am happy with them. They are less noises than the ...
by jake75
Fri Jul 08, 2016 8:05 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Taller tires on Vibe
Replies: 9
Views: 4852

Re: Taller tires on Vibe

I assume that if the speedo is affected due to a different tire size, the odometer is also affected. On my 2009 the speedo is pretty accurate but the odometer is off - for every 100 miles on the odometer I have actually gone about 102.5 miles. Therefore my mpg calculation based on the odometer readi...
by jake75
Fri Jul 08, 2016 7:49 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Low Fuel Light
Replies: 9
Views: 6799

Re: Low Fuel Light

Typically when my fuel light comes on it will go on and off for awhile. At that point there is usually at least 2.5 gal in the tank. When it comes on I usually get gas at my earliest convenience. Running out of gas is no fun. I am 73 and I do not remember ever running out of gas - or even telling a ...
by jake75
Fri Jul 08, 2016 7:43 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Thinking of buying newer vibe
Replies: 4
Views: 1299

Re: Thinking of buying newer vibe

I have an '09 that I bought in Jan 2009 new for a bargain price (about 35% off MSRP) after rebates, dealer discount, GM dealer incentive, and GM Card earnings. Cost me about $3,500 over what I got for my 2003 Vibe in a private sale. If you can find a 2009-10 Vibe with reasonable miles for a decent p...
by jake75
Sun May 01, 2016 2:15 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Buick Cascada ragtop panned
Replies: 6
Views: 3660

Buick Cascada ragtop panned

See Wall Street Journal, April 30, 2016, Rumble Seat: Dan Neil, page D12. Buick Cascada: Getting Lost in a Time Warp. Target audience said must be old people in Arizona and Florida. He calls them retirement village Lamborghinis.
by jake75
Thu Apr 28, 2016 10:46 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3545

Re: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

To Caretaker: I am pretty sure they used Dexcool to top it off. I will ask but based on my experience at this dealer with a 2003 Vibe the dealer will just believe the GM information that the OEM is Dexcool. From what I read Dexcool is also now "pink". [didn't Dexcool used to be "orang...
by jake75
Wed Apr 27, 2016 7:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3545

Re: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

Just got back from a dealer LOF and the total backlog of recall repairs. I don't know if my 12 month 5,000 mile oil change is adequate but that is what it was this past year. I suspect we only drive it 4 days out of 7. The dealer no longer is the bargain it once was. LOF is now $35. An AAA auto serv...
by jake75
Wed Apr 20, 2016 7:15 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3545

Re: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

At 10 years I will probably be at about 55,000 miles. So if I am still alive, and if I have this 2009 Vibe in early 2019 I guess I will have those fluids changed. I think I will head to a Toyota dealer to have that done. But I will pull the transmission dip stick and see what the color of the fluid ...
by jake75
Tue Apr 19, 2016 8:30 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3545

Re: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

FYI - this is at a Chevy (formerly Pontiac) dealership that is close to where I live.
by jake75
Tue Apr 19, 2016 8:29 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3545

GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

Time for a LOF. The service advisor always hounds me that I need to (1) change the coolant, and (2) change the transmission fluid. My Vibe is a 2009 bought in Jan. 2009 so it is 7.5 years old and has only 40,000 miles. It has a Toyota engine and transmission. I think Toyota says that they use a long...
by jake75
Mon Apr 04, 2016 6:38 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Costco deal on Bridgestone Tires
Replies: 0
Views: 5713

Costco deal on Bridgestone Tires

Got an email today on a repeat of a deal Costco ran last November that I took advantage of.
$70 off a set of 4 tires plus $60 off the installation package. (Essentially free install, hazard warranty etc.)
email me at schindlerjerome@gmail.com and I will forward the email I got to you.
by jake75
Sun Mar 13, 2016 11:08 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Why is my car squeaking?
Replies: 16
Views: 3535

Re: Why is my car squeaking?

Funny thing, as I got older the squeaks in my Vibe lessened. But the speakers on my tv must be getting worn out as i now have to turn the volume higher.
by jake75
Fri Feb 26, 2016 1:19 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Fiat 500L: Glad I'm not the Guy...
Replies: 26
Views: 8572

Re: Fiat 500L: Glad I'm not the Guy...

I scored my 2009 Vibe msrp $19,480 for a little over $12,000 plus tax in January 2009 thanks to dealer incentive, rebates and reg + bonus GM Card points. The buy of a lifetime.
by jake75
Thu Feb 25, 2016 1:44 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Buick made in China
Replies: 13
Views: 5933

Re: Buick made in China

Received an email today that the 2016 Envision would be available in the US this summer. I would think hey would introduce that as a 2017 model.
by jake75
Mon Feb 08, 2016 6:06 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread
Replies: 1661
Views: 1532434

Re: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread

Costco near Easton Town Center in Columbus, OH was $1.349 today, 2/8/16.
by jake75
Sun Feb 07, 2016 12:07 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: GM Card Offer up to $1,500 in bonus earnings
Replies: 2
Views: 2372

GM Card Offer up to $1,500 in bonus earnings

I don't know if got this because I have not used my GM Card in over a year or if was a general mailing to all cardholders. Deal is spend at least $250, $500, $750 by 3/31/16 and get a respective $500, $1,000 or $1,500 in bonus earnings that must be used between 4/1/16 and 6/30/16. You can combine wi...
by jake75
Sun Jan 31, 2016 1:57 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: 2016 Honda Civic Hatchback - Cruze killer?
Replies: 12
Views: 5819

Re: 2016 Honda Civic Hatchback - Cruze killer?

Nice review of the 2016 Mazda CX-3 AWD in yesterday's Wall Street Journal.
by jake75
Sun Jan 31, 2016 1:51 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: THIS is how to buy tires (if you have lots of free time)
Replies: 4
Views: 2729

Re: THIS is how to buy tires (if you have lots of free time)

At Costco 4 Goodyear tires for my T&C were $359.96 less $70 rebate plus $27 sales tax, total $316.96 Had a Thanksgiving weekend deal for Executive Members - free install, including lifetime balancing and road hazard. Costco's install including tire disposal, lifetime balancing and road hazard is...