Search found 425 matches

by sideshowalan
Thu Feb 16, 2017 12:55 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Tight fitting brake pads
Replies: 2
Views: 1535

Re: Tight fitting brake pads

I've run into this a few times on different cars.
Take a metal file or grinding wheel and take the 'wings' on each side of the pad down a little bit. It should fit in the caliper bracket snugly but easily. Can't be too tight or they won't self adjust when wearing down.
by sideshowalan
Mon Jan 09, 2017 8:56 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: HID light blew and don't know where to get a bulb!!!
Replies: 4
Views: 1893

Re: HID light blew and don't know where to get a bulb!!!

It depends on how much the previous owner changed the stock setup. Assuming they left all the wiring in place and just added a HID bulb and ballast....it would be easy to switch back. Just unplug the bulb and ballast, put a regular halogen bulb back in. To keep the current setup and repair it, you w...
by sideshowalan
Wed Dec 21, 2016 8:34 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Anyone have a rare Matrix M-Theory? Post pics!
Replies: 4
Views: 1295

Re: Anyone have a rare Matrix M-Theory? Post pics!

There's one that I see frequently on 465 in Indianapolis.
You can see it a mile away with that blue color.

GIS picture in case anyone doesn't know what it is.
Can easily tell it's the M-Theory due to the color and rear spoiler.

Image
by sideshowalan
Thu Dec 15, 2016 6:11 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Transmission fluid for automatic 03-08
Replies: 3
Views: 3074

Re: Transmission fluid for automatic 03-08

Drain and fill is all you need. If what's in there right now is old or dirty, do it 3 or 4x over a month to get most of the old stuff out. Some vibes call for Dex3, other call for T-IV, check your manual. I've always just used the Valvoline Maxlife as it's rated for both, no problems with any of my ...
by sideshowalan
Fri Dec 09, 2016 10:22 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Replace Throttle Body: Agree? Disagree?
Replies: 12
Views: 4837

Re: Replace Throttle Body: Agree? Disagree?

Would ignition coils have something to do with engine idle issues? A bad ignition coil will throw a code telling you what coil is causing problems. Ditto on the MAF sensor advice, it may be ruined if you touched the sensor. There is a small wire that you can see from the side and all you do is spra...
by sideshowalan
Thu Dec 01, 2016 10:57 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Not a FS thread but asking help for pricing.
Replies: 3
Views: 923

Re: Not a FS thread but asking help for pricing.

Find comparable prices by searching your local craigslist for the same parts, and salvage yards through car-part.com . Price yours either at or under the local going rate.
by sideshowalan
Thu Dec 01, 2016 7:27 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 04 vibe fwd with poor fuel millage
Replies: 9
Views: 2198

Re: 04 vibe fwd with poor fuel millage

If you're really concerned, trade cars for a week and compare mileage. You'll probably find it's caused by driving style.
by sideshowalan
Wed Nov 30, 2016 12:22 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 04 vibe fwd with poor fuel millage
Replies: 9
Views: 2198

Re: 03 vibe with poor fuel millage

Any check engine lights?
Does the driver have a reputation for getting poor gas mileage?
How did you calculate gas mileage?

Sounds like you've taken care of everything mechanical at this point, it's probably going to come down to driving style.
by sideshowalan
Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:17 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: thinking of getting a vibe awd. opinions?
Replies: 1
Views: 930

Re: thinking of getting a vibe awd. opinions?

How do the latest year models do in the "cabin noise" department? Quiet,noisy? -2nd gens are slightly quieter than the 1st gens. Neither are quiet, there is very little insulation. Is the awd system good? Reliable? -They're reliable as long as the gear oil was changed out regularly which i...
by sideshowalan
Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:10 am
Forum: Interior
Topic: vibe seats fit in corolla???
Replies: 1
Views: 1444

Re: vibe seats fit in corolla???

Try it and let us know, it's easy enough to do, just 4 bolts and a plug.
by sideshowalan
Tue Nov 29, 2016 9:09 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Burnt out headlight
Replies: 6
Views: 2697

Re: Burnt out headlight

Regular Sylvania halogens.

I ran the Xtravisions for a while but they died so consistently every 6 months you could set your watch to it. Went back to standards and could barely tell the difference in output.
by sideshowalan
Thu Nov 17, 2016 7:05 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Is Dorman good for aftermarket manifold/donut gasket?
Replies: 13
Views: 6870

Re: Is Dorman good for aftermarket manifold/donut gasket?

I've used Dorman exhaust stuff on other cars. They're nothing special, gets the job done.
Amazon reviews seem to be hit and miss for that kit: https://www.amazon.com/Dorman-674-939-E ... B00GJ1MYGW
by sideshowalan
Thu Nov 17, 2016 7:01 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Staying Reliable/What Fails Routinely?
Replies: 11
Views: 5827

Re: Staying Reliable/What Fails Routinely?

Water pump and wheel bearings will make a lot of noise for a long time before failing, no reason to replace them unless they start acting up. Family member had a failing water pump on their 08 and it groaned for 4-5 months before they told me so I could replace it. Alternator could potentially fail ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Nov 10, 2016 7:15 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Shifter bushings
Replies: 7
Views: 1890

Re: Shifter bushings

See the large white plastic mount on page 7? It's attached to the rest of the car by a few bolts. The new bushings replace the old ones that are sandwiched between the bolts and the car.
by sideshowalan
Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:16 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Ticking noise from the engine
Replies: 9
Views: 4517

Re: Ticking noise from the engine

Pretty sure they all do this, it must be some kind of vacuum line in that area. All the vibes I've driven make a noise around there that you can easily here with the hood up. Vibe does not have a tensioner belt, uses a chain instead that should be good for the life of the vehicle. Ticking around the...
by sideshowalan
Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:11 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Do your fog lights suck?
Replies: 19
Views: 7211

Re: Do your fog lights suck?

They're purely aesthetic on the vibe, very little function.

Personally I think they look cool so I always left them on.
by sideshowalan
Mon Nov 07, 2016 9:05 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Shifter bushings
Replies: 7
Views: 1890

Re: Shifter bushings

This is a great guide on how to remove the shifter. It's the install instructions for the TWM short shifter.

http://www.twmperformance.com/manuals/m ... manual.pdf
by sideshowalan
Wed Oct 26, 2016 6:09 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New here! 2008 Vibe 5 Speed
Replies: 14
Views: 2741

Re: New here! 2008 Vibe 5 Speed

KYB for struts / shocks, that's how they come from the factory.

You can get better shifting feel by replacing the gear oil with Redline MT-90 and firmer shift bushings.
by sideshowalan
Tue Oct 25, 2016 7:43 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 03 AWD Accident Help
Replies: 13
Views: 3271

Re: 03 AWD Accident Help

Disclosure, I used to work in the auto insurance claims business so my advice may be biased. Everything they're telling you so far is correct. It's a total loss because the approximate value of the car is close to or less than the cost of repairs and they have no reason to pay more $ to fix a car ov...
by sideshowalan
Tue Aug 09, 2016 9:12 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Weird Grinding Noise from Front Driver's Side Tire
Replies: 6
Views: 3006

Re: Weird Grinding Noise from Front Driver's Side Tire

How is the wheel not going on correctly? Are the lugs angled or spaced strangely? That's a pretty big deal if the wheel won't sit correctly. Could be a bad wheel bearing, but they have to be pretty far gone to make a grinding noise. Problem with wheel bearing starts off as a drone or humming noise, ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Jul 14, 2016 8:21 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: '03 5speed clutch, trsnsmission issue?
Replies: 5
Views: 1266

Re: '03 5speed clutch, trsnsmission issue?

Agreed. Failing 03/04 5-speeds are a well known problem.
At least you already got a new clutch that you can move into the replacement transmission.
by sideshowalan
Fri Jun 03, 2016 7:07 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: coolant flush
Replies: 8
Views: 2852

Re: coolant flush

Toyota long-life coolant is good for 5 years or 50K miles after the initial 100K miles.
by sideshowalan
Thu Jun 02, 2016 6:57 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: coolant flush
Replies: 8
Views: 2852

Re: coolant flush

Fill and drain with distilled water until it comes out clear enough to your liking. Just accept that there is going to be some water stuck in the system and compensate with your coolant ratio. Toyota sells 100% long-life coolant, compensate for the water stuck in the block by using a 60/40 or 70/30 ...
by sideshowalan
Tue May 10, 2016 8:18 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Belt Tensioner Pulley
Replies: 5
Views: 3595

Re: Belt Tensioner Pulley

It's probably just a plastic dust cover over the bolt, all the replacement tensioner pictures show a standard bolt/pulley setup. Pick at the edges with a thin screwdriver and it should pop off.
by sideshowalan
Wed May 04, 2016 11:35 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: New Car battery slightly smaller
Replies: 5
Views: 3437

Re: New Car battery slightly smaller

The battery hold-down should be able to hold it in place, just snug up the bolt.
by sideshowalan
Fri Apr 29, 2016 10:27 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Anybody replace alternator,water pump:220k on my Vibe
Replies: 9
Views: 2831

Re: Anybody replace alternator,water pump:220k on my Vibe

Replaced water pump in a relatives 2008 vibe approx 2 years ago, don't know the mileage....less than 100K. It failed slowly, just got louder and louder over a few months. No reason to replace alternator or water pump unless they fail. Water pump will fail by leaking or making loud growling noise, al...
by sideshowalan
Wed Apr 20, 2016 8:01 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations
Replies: 12
Views: 3543

Re: GM Dealer Maintenance Recommendations

Valvoline Maxlife is also WS and T-IV compatible. Use that for all my Toyota applications.
by sideshowalan
Mon Apr 04, 2016 10:41 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: I NEED some PARTS PLEASE! asap
Replies: 10
Views: 2623

Re: I NEED some PARTS PLEASE! asap

Sounds like you need to hit up a local salvage yard for everything except the radiator. Shipping will hurt for anything not local. What city are you in? (not clicking a tinyurl link by a new users' first post)
by sideshowalan
Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:47 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Good article about Matrix/Vibe on The Truth About Cars
Replies: 1
Views: 766

Good article about Matrix/Vibe on The Truth About Cars

http://www.thetruthaboutcars.com/2016/03/reader-ride-review-toyota-matrix-xr-six-speed-conversion/ I check out thetruthaboutcars every day and was excited to find an article about the vibe/matrix twins, specifically a 1st gen with the 6-speed swap. Ignore the lead-in picture, Jack Baruth is a child...
by sideshowalan
Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:42 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What's Up / Used 04' Manual / Need Advice
Replies: 5
Views: 1093

Re: What's Up / Used 04' Manual / Need Advise

Only thing to specifically look out for is transmission fluid quality. 03 & 04 5-speeds have a high failure rate around your mileage. It will make a high pitched whining noise and eventually seize up, common fix is to drop in a used 6-speed manual once the 5 dies. Best way to avoid it is frequen...
by sideshowalan
Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:47 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Toyota oil filters
Replies: 12
Views: 2375

Re: Toyota oil filters

The GM equivalent is more expensive because they have to buy it from Toyota and then pay extra to package/label it as a GM part.
by sideshowalan
Fri Mar 18, 2016 10:44 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: 05 Base Hood / Latch Issue
Replies: 8
Views: 2626

Re: 05 Base Hood / Latch Issue

*happened on your way home from a Costco oil change?* Likely they didn't latch it fully causing the hood to come loose. Would recommend calling them or their claims department. Best case they'll pay to fix, worst case they'll probably throw a free oil change your way (just remember to make sure the ...
by sideshowalan
Fri Mar 11, 2016 12:20 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Video / instructions for rear door power window regulator/motor?
Replies: 3
Views: 1434

Re: Video / instructions for rear door power window regulator/motor?

switch is way easier to replace compared to a window motor/regulator. It's only held on by 2? screws, do a search for 'vibe drivers window switch' and you can find plenty for sale.
by sideshowalan
Thu Feb 25, 2016 5:53 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 08 Vibe Intake Manifold Gasket then no more pickup
Replies: 7
Views: 1753

Re: 08 Vibe Intake Manifold Gasket then no more pickup

If they did replace the intake manifold gasket, there are a handful of vacuum hoses that must be disconnected, one in particular is very easy to miss when hooking it back up, they probably just forgot to plug it back in.
by sideshowalan
Tue Feb 23, 2016 10:32 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Radio display out
Replies: 5
Views: 2538

Re: Radio display out

It's a common problem and fixable. http://forums.genvibe.com/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?t=26889 If you listen to anything besides the radio though I highly recommend replacing the stock unit. It's very easy to replace, especially since you don't have M&T. $100 stereos today have usb input, Bluetooth, ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Feb 11, 2016 11:52 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Help? Maybe y'all gurus know?
Replies: 5
Views: 1388

Re: Help? Maybe y'all gurus know?

Does the car start and drive OK?
Lights and radio stopping soon after starting sounds like a failing alternator, but it would cause the car to stall out too.
by sideshowalan
Wed Feb 03, 2016 11:03 am
Forum: Interior
Topic: set belt buckle discontinued - 2003 Vibe
Replies: 10
Views: 4947

Re: set belt buckle discontinued - 2003 Vibe

Here are the 2003 Toyota Matrix part #'s
7323001030B0 right
7324001030B0 left

To clarify, this is for the buckle, the lower piece that stays bolted to the car, not the part that retracts into the pillar.
I wonder why the 2005+ models have different part #'s, they can't be that different.
by sideshowalan
Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:37 am
Forum: Interior
Topic: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack
Replies: 17
Views: 8616

Re: HOW TO: convert spare tire well for REAL jack

Looks nice.
This is way better then carrying a jack around on the floorboard. If it's in the passenger area, any kind of accident means you now have a 50# metal projectile flying through the car.
by sideshowalan
Wed Feb 03, 2016 5:35 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: DVibe (2003 GT for sale)
Replies: 6
Views: 1422

Re: DVibe (2003 GT for sale)

Congratulations.
Just one baby?
The vibe does great as a kid hauler, carried my 2 around perfectly. I even found a way to fit 3 carseats in the back before finding out kid #3 was going to be twins.
by sideshowalan
Thu Jan 21, 2016 9:02 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Gear shift bulb
Replies: 3
Views: 2039

Re: Gear shift bulb

Cigarette outlet should have it's own separate fuse. Did you turn the headlights on to test out the bulb....it won't turn on otherwise. I remember changing out the bulb and noting that it was really tough to see the light during the day, had to get real close and put my hands around it to block out ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Jan 21, 2016 8:56 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member with lots of questions.
Replies: 30
Views: 5849

Re: New Member with lots of questions.

No curtain airbags on 1st gen vibes, only optional airbag is the torso airbag in the front seats. Main line drawn between 1st gen models is 03/04 and 05+ models. 03/04 have cable throttle and 05+ have drive-by-wire throttle and different front bumper styles (more of a flush grill). Best way to make ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:24 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: WTB: OEM Sub and tweeters (Enclosure & trim)
Replies: 3
Views: 2717

Re: WTB: OEM Sub and tweeters (Enclosure & trim)

Are you going to keep the stock speakers in the front door and upgrade the rears to components? There was never an option for components in the rear, only the front. To install in the rear you can just use the enclosure pieces that come with your speakers and either do a flush (drill hole into door ...
by sideshowalan
Thu Jan 07, 2016 6:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 GT: Is my clutch going bad?
Replies: 4
Views: 3359

Re: 2003 GT: Is my clutch going bad?

Bingo, clutch is wearing out and slipping. Think of it this way, your engine is spinning, the transmission needs to spin too and the clutch is the 'grip' that allows the engine to grab the transmission and spin it. When the grip wears out, the engine is still spinning (revs going up) but it's not ab...
by sideshowalan
Wed Jan 06, 2016 12:06 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Defogging not sufficient
Replies: 9
Views: 4090

Re: Defogging not sufficient

According to this:
http://sploid.gizmodo.com/heres-the-fas ... 1751085019

Recirculation off is best.
Do you have it on recirculate or fresh air?
by sideshowalan
Mon Jan 04, 2016 1:00 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: large mpg drop. 05 vibe gt 130000 miles
Replies: 6
Views: 2886

Re: large mpg drop. 05 vibe gt 130000 miles

5 MPG less than your 32 MPG average is 15%. A 15% drop in MPG is not strange for winter gas mix.
I wouldn't do anything with that variance unless there were obvious problems, otherwise you're just throwing parts at the car.

It should go back up in the Summer.
by sideshowalan
Mon Jan 04, 2016 5:58 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Rear washer fluid
Replies: 1
Views: 1942

Re: Rear washer fluid

Only one reservoir.
There is a separate pump for front and back but they're both attached to the same reservoir.
Try to disconnect the line at the pump and see if it pumps any fluid out, that'll help narrow it down to line or pump.
by sideshowalan
Sun Dec 27, 2015 8:18 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Can somebody double check my diagnosis?
Replies: 10
Views: 3392

Re: Can somebody double check my diagnosis?

There is something messed up there. Get new pads and hardware. Shouldn't cost more than $50 or $75 to diy.
by sideshowalan
Thu Dec 17, 2015 5:38 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Whirring roaring noise
Replies: 6
Views: 3639

Re: Whirring roaring noise

Good to hear it wasn't the transmission.
Best way to avoid failure of the 5-speed is to change out the gear oil regularly.
Highly recommend Redline MT-90.
by sideshowalan
Mon Nov 30, 2015 6:18 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: high idle speed after car is at operating temperature
Replies: 9
Views: 3439

Re: high idle speed after car is at operating temperature

Have you cleaned your MAF sensor? I believe it's held onto the air tube with 2 tiny screws along with a wire plugged into it. Release the wire, take it out and hold it so you can see a thin wire with a sensor at the end of it....it can get dirty and throw off your ratio. Clean it by hosing it down w...
by sideshowalan
Sat Nov 28, 2015 6:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Tensioner pulley and the dreaded serpantine belt.
Replies: 7
Views: 2974

Re: Tensioner pulley and the dreaded serpantine belt.

Not necessarily, the impeller runs on bearings that can go bad.
I replaced a bad one that made an awful growling noise and only showed a minimal amount of leaking.