Search found 134 matches

by cthomasparr
Fri Nov 05, 2021 11:42 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: AWD Reliability
Replies: 3
Views: 1061

Re: AWD Reliability

Can you share any pictures of the subframe issues and what to look for regarding rust/rot
by cthomasparr
Thu Nov 04, 2021 9:53 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: AWD Reliability
Replies: 3
Views: 1061

AWD Reliability

Saw an AWD Vibe for sale. Are these drivetrains relatively trouble free? The car in question needs a rear wheel bearing. Is this a common replacement and is it DIY capable?
by cthomasparr
Sat Feb 06, 2021 6:15 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: amplifier replacement
Replies: 4
Views: 1586

Re: amplifier replacement

It was an aftermarket head unit If amp failure is not a thing then maybe the speakers went out in a not so noticeable fashion. My daughter didn’t realize the whole side was out The car didn’t have any water damage or know audio abuse so maybe it is the speakers or a connection Now I will try checkin...
by cthomasparr
Fri Feb 05, 2021 5:34 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: amplifier replacement
Replies: 4
Views: 1586

Re: amplifier replacement

The problem started with the factory head unit and is still there with the replacement. Since the whole side is bad I suspect the amp
by cthomasparr
Thu Feb 04, 2021 8:09 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: amplifier replacement
Replies: 4
Views: 1586

amplifier replacement

My daughter's 2004 has the moons and tunes option and I believe the factory amp has failed. There is no sound on the driver's side and this problem persisted even after replacing the head unit. Does anyone know if the factory amp was used in other cars? I would try to pull one from a junk yard, but ...
by cthomasparr
Mon Jul 22, 2019 1:55 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Flush Condenser ( anyone successful with this?)
Replies: 7
Views: 1554

An Update and A Question

I installed the new condenser which came with an attached receiver/dryer. I also bought an expansion valve. First off, replacing the expansion valve appears to be a huge undertaking. After an hour of searching behind the glove box I would rather have scrapped the car than continue. I did replace the...
by cthomasparr
Thu Jun 27, 2019 7:07 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Flush Condenser ( anyone successful with this?)
Replies: 7
Views: 1554

Re: Flush Condenser ( anyone successful with this?)

i decided to punt and order a new condenser and expansion valve. I found some opinions online that the condenser would not flush well as the passages are too small. Better to go with new and get the job done as far as I am concerned. Thanks for the help.
by cthomasparr
Mon Jun 24, 2019 2:15 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Flush Condenser ( anyone successful with this?)
Replies: 7
Views: 1554

Flush Condenser ( anyone successful with this?)

I see that flushing a/c components can be done, but is it practical? Has anyone ever cured a restriction in their condenser? i currently have a new comporessor in a system that is showing very high pressure on high side. I fully evactuated, no leaks, and filled properly. I suspect the condenser or e...
by cthomasparr
Fri Dec 21, 2018 1:21 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers
Replies: 8
Views: 1837

Re: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers

I didn't do any more with the radio.

Was the corroded wire part of the harness at the amp, or at the speaker connection? I lost the entire driver's side.
by cthomasparr
Thu Oct 11, 2018 4:55 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers
Replies: 8
Views: 1837

Re: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers

Thanks for the responses. I am looking for any typical failure mode for this system. All equipment is original. There has been no abuse, water damage, or anything else that I know of. I doubt both front and rear speakers on same side would go together. I have had several of these cars and no issues ...
by cthomasparr
Wed Oct 10, 2018 4:11 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers
Replies: 8
Views: 1837

Re: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers

Seems like the bass is gone from the driver's side speakers. I was hoping for two connectors so I could swap out left and right amplification, but as expected, one harness connection.
by cthomasparr
Tue Oct 09, 2018 4:54 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers
Replies: 8
Views: 1837

Factory Radio weak Driver's side speakers

I have a 2004 with the moon and tunes option. The driver's side speakers are hardly putting out any volume. Has anyone experienced this problem and have any suggestions how to troubleshoot the issue. It's my daughter's car so haven't done much investigation. Noticed that both front and rear are real...
by cthomasparr
Mon Oct 01, 2018 11:10 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Re: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

I guess as far as a valve is concerned, I get how a rattle indicates it is working, but I see there is more to it. I replaced the PCV valve.
by cthomasparr
Mon Oct 01, 2018 6:02 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Battery light dimly lit when running
Replies: 9
Views: 3562

Re: Battery light dimly lit when running

I tested voltage between alt lug and the alternator case 14.5, battery across posts was 14.3, voltage drop between alt case and ground post 0v, voltage drop between alternator lug and positive battery post .15v. All readings normal, voltage drop was <.5v in both cases. I didn't get a chance to check...
by cthomasparr
Fri Sep 28, 2018 5:16 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Battery light dimly lit when running
Replies: 9
Views: 3562

Re: Battery light dimly lit when running

I think I have a plan of attack after a little research. It appears that there is a voltage difference between the ignition and the alternator yellow wire. It is small but enough to illuminate the dash light. The cause for this could be internal to the alternator or as a result of issues in wiring o...
by cthomasparr
Thu Sep 27, 2018 3:27 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Battery light dimly lit when running
Replies: 9
Views: 3562

Re: Battery light dimly lit when running

I just checked as soon as it started up so the idle was higher but the battery posts showed 14.3v. Can there be another reason? Are there grounds that need cleaning? Ground between the alternator and engine?
by cthomasparr
Thu Sep 27, 2018 4:55 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Battery light dimly lit when running
Replies: 9
Views: 3562

Battery light dimly lit when running

I am working on a recently purchased car for a friend and would like to get it back to them. The other day I was test driving it and noticed the battery light was on (fully illuminated). Never went off... regardless of engine speed or accessories on. Voltage at the battery while runnning was <12v. P...
by cthomasparr
Tue Sep 25, 2018 5:37 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: moonroof operation repair
Replies: 2
Views: 811

Re: moonroof operation repair

Thanks for the response.

Are the cables visible in the tracks? I saw something that looked like cord/cable, but not sure if that was indeed the cables.
by cthomasparr
Sun Sep 23, 2018 6:57 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Re: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

Just a follow up. I removed the PCV valve and it clicked when I shook it. It also didn't look caked with sludge. I removed the tube from the PCV to the intake and it wasn't clogged either. I pulled some cloth on a wire to clean out the tube. I also made sure that there wasn't a buildup of sludge in ...
by cthomasparr
Sun Sep 23, 2018 4:33 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Re: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

I called it sludge because it is like grease. dark gray and thick. There is no milky or white color to it I have not heard that this kind of material can be "melted" away with driving, but I will suggest an occasional trip to make sure it doesn't happen any more. From what I have been read...
by cthomasparr
Fri Sep 21, 2018 11:47 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Roof Rust - 2007 Vibe
Replies: 2
Views: 1430

Re: Roof Rust - 2007 Vibe

My daughter has a 2004 and there have been bubbles on the paint on the hood for the few years we have owned it. one of the bubbles finally popped off and I decided to take a small screw driver and start digging. Went right through the hood to part of the hood brace below. I did a crap job of removin...
by cthomasparr
Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:58 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Re: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

for both of those responses... any suggestions to the amount of trans fluid to add. What chemical would be added to the cylinders... through the spark plug hole? Just looking for suggestions now and appreciate the advice
by cthomasparr
Fri Sep 21, 2018 9:56 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Re: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

From what I have been reading it sounds like it could have serious implications. I don't think a long drive will fix this, but I could very well be wrong. It has the consistency of grease. The previous owner may not have kept up with oil changes. I was considering taking off the valve cover and clea...
by cthomasparr
Thu Sep 20, 2018 7:35 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Oil Sludge in Filler Neck
Replies: 17
Views: 3431

Oil Sludge in Filler Neck

My mistake for not checking this, but went with a friend to buy a 2004 vibe with 115K miles. I was doing some routine fluid changes and noticed that there was sludge under the filler cap. Wish I had checked that earlier. Anyone have any suggestions for how to treat. I put in some Castrol anti sludge...
by cthomasparr
Sun Sep 16, 2018 8:08 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: moonroof operation repair
Replies: 2
Views: 811

moonroof operation repair

A friend just picked up a new 2004 vibe from a woman who said it leaked and would not attempt to open it. After we purchased the car, I wanted to open it to clear the drain lines and was sad to say even though the motor made some noise, nothing moved... even when I tried to help it up to the raised ...
by cthomasparr
Tue Aug 16, 2016 7:20 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Re: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

I swapped the ac clutch with compressor in the car. Was painful because of the snaprings but got it done. I am happy to say that I have cold air and a low side pressure at 55 with a high side at 175 at idle. Good numbers I think. I did stumble a bit with my harbor freight gauge set. Mostly because I...
by cthomasparr
Tue Aug 16, 2016 11:54 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Update

I decided to purchase a used compressor from Ebay and bought a new reciever dryer mount from Amazon. I took off the bumper cover and radiator fan to get better access to the A/C components. One thing I noticed is that all of the seals for the reciever dryer and compressor lines are steel washers wit...
by cthomasparr
Thu Aug 04, 2016 7:40 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: A/C Troubleshooting
Replies: 16
Views: 8804

Re: A/C Troubleshooting

Just wanted to follow up that the vibe AC is doing well after two years. Unfortunately my other vibe now has lost its ac and I will be replacing the compressor based on lack of pressure difference between the low and high side and will also replace the receiver dryer, vacuuming the system and adding...
by cthomasparr
Mon Jul 25, 2016 3:33 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Re: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

Were the high and low side pressures almost the same? Asking if low was higher than expected and high was lower than expected but low wasn't higher than high.. If that makes sense.

Bigger question is did you get the compressor replaced and did it work? Did you replace any other parts?
by cthomasparr
Mon Jul 25, 2016 12:00 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Re: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

I had never charged the system since I bought it in 2010. It worked fine until recently. When I went to add freon low side was in the red zone. It could be the sign of a failing compressor that doesn't pull a vacuum while pressurizing the high side. I should have seen if there was any change at high...
by cthomasparr
Sun Jul 24, 2016 7:44 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Re: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

I hooked up a gauge set and the low side and high side readings were:

idle with a/c off low 116, high 125
a/c on low 93 high 132

From what I have seen, the high side should be somewhere between 180 and 200 psi and the low side about 30 to 45. Looks like my compressor may be gone.
by cthomasparr
Fri Jul 22, 2016 5:05 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

Re: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

Thanks chiadog. Wonder if that could explain my high pressure on the low pressure side.
by cthomasparr
Fri Jul 22, 2016 4:53 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help
Replies: 10
Views: 2572

A/C System Diagnosis and Repair Help

Of course, when your A/C quits it has to happen when the temperatures are 90+ degrees in July. My system wasn't running great up to this point, but it became noticeable yesterday that the ac wasn't cooling. I was hoping it might be a recharge issue, so I got a can of a/c pro from the garage and hook...
by cthomasparr
Tue Jul 12, 2016 7:34 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: How To change blower motor and blower motor resistor
Replies: 38
Views: 79222

Re: How To change blower motor and blower motor resistor

Just changed my blower motor resistor this past weekend. Did one years ago on another car. After struggling to create a tool to get the back bolt off the resistor, I came upon a perfect setup. The bolt is a 5.5mm head, so I had a 1/4 drive socket that fit. I also have allen wrenches and a 6mm fit th...
by cthomasparr
Wed May 25, 2016 10:46 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

I would concentrate on keeping those drains clean. About this time of year I notice that things can get a little nasty with pollen build up. I think some leakage is normal and I am not sure you can ever get a water tight seal. I don't use pressure washers or go to car washes so all of my leaks have ...
by cthomasparr
Wed May 18, 2016 4:59 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: No heat at idle
Replies: 10
Views: 6995

Re: No heat at idle

I was able to add a quart or more of antifreeze to my radiator and my heat returned. I thought I filled the fluids months ago, but maybe not. I will now keep my eye on the level and if it continues to drop, investigate where it is going. Thanks.
by cthomasparr
Sun May 01, 2016 1:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: No heat at idle
Replies: 10
Views: 6995

Re: No heat at idle

Engine temp on the gauge heats up after few minutes of a short drive will be the normal 1/2 way mark even when there was no heat at idle.
by cthomasparr
Sun May 01, 2016 5:16 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: No heat at idle
Replies: 10
Views: 6995

Re: No heat at idle

Ok.makes sense. I don't suspect the thermostat or water pump... those have been replaced not very long ago. There are no apparent engine cooling issues. I could be losing coolant. The engine has 250k miles. I haven't noticed any smoke or strange oil at an oil change. I will attempt to flush the heat...
by cthomasparr
Fri Apr 29, 2016 6:19 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: No heat at idle
Replies: 10
Views: 6995

No heat at idle

I survived the winter with interior heat only about 2500 rpm or over. Would blow cold air at idle. I suspected a clogged heater core but noticed that both heater core hoses by the firewall seemed to be at the same warm temperature. I was hoping to do a reverse flush but I wonder if I might have anot...
by cthomasparr
Tue Apr 12, 2016 7:01 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

Just another note on my moonroof rattle. When I tighted the bolts I only dropped the headliner. I didn't want to disturb all of the wires taped on the back of the headliner. Like I said in February the rattle went away. ...... BUT... when the weather got warmer, the rattle was replaced by a single c...
by cthomasparr
Thu Apr 07, 2016 5:32 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues
Replies: 12
Views: 4622

Re: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues

Thanks for the info. I had another question and I think I already know the answer. I have a tow hitch on my vibe that has an auto transmission. I tow a 4x8 garden trailer every now and then, usually light loads, never trying anything straining in warmer weather. Have an aux trans oil cooler, but did...
by cthomasparr
Sat Apr 02, 2016 5:15 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues
Replies: 12
Views: 4622

Re: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues

That's good info. I don't likebthe idea of replacing with a 6 speed because of the increased highway engine rpm. Rebuild of the 5 sounds like a reasonable option. Did you get a sense of the expected lifetime or was there a warranty?
by cthomasparr
Wed Mar 30, 2016 8:00 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues
Replies: 12
Views: 4622

Re: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues

thanks jayodlschool. I saw a post that repair of a manual trans is difficult and not really a DIY option. Also saw reference to possibly lengthening the life of the trans with frequent oil changes. in your experience, how quickly did the destruction progress from the first symptoms? I am a pretty co...
by cthomasparr
Wed Mar 30, 2016 6:50 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2007 Manual Transmission Issues
Replies: 12
Views: 4622

2007 Manual Transmission Issues

Hello, I am considering test driving a 2007 with 5 speed transmission. I was hoping this forum could answer some questions regarding the manual transmission Are the problems in earlier transmissions still a problem in a 2007? Is there a way to diagnose during a test drive if you are good, in an earl...
by cthomasparr
Mon Feb 08, 2016 8:57 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

Update, Just this past weekend I dropped the headliner to check for lose bolts in the sunroof mechanism. There were two nuts directly above the sunshade area that were lose. They couldn't be spun off by hand because there was friction, but they were not tight. The rest of the sunroof had two attachm...
by cthomasparr
Tue May 12, 2015 4:40 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

Sonders, I noticed that if I pulled down slightly on the frame of the moonroof right above the headliner and directly back from my sunvisor, the vibration noise went away. In other words, put your right hand in front of your face, and pull down just above the headliner with the sunshade opened. You ...
by cthomasparr
Thu Apr 09, 2015 4:01 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

I checked out a parts diagram and there are a bunch of bolts in the sunroof( probably around 10-12). I will wait until the weather is warmer and then maybe I will try to bring the headliner down and loctite those bolts for good. I do have another 2004 vibe that I bought for my daughter. No sunroof n...
by cthomasparr
Fri Apr 03, 2015 7:24 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Moonroof Issues
Replies: 18
Views: 4470

Re: Moonroof Issues

I haven't done anything with it yet . When the interior cover is closed there is little to no noise. My next step would be to take down the headliner and look for loose fasteners. That is something I am not looking forward to doing unless I knew it was worth the effort.
by cthomasparr
Sat Jan 03, 2015 7:14 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: DTC P0420 - No Driveability Issues
Replies: 93
Views: 56817

Re: DTC P0420 - No Driveability Issues

Hasn't come on a single time since I did that and it drives as good as always with no mpg loss
by cthomasparr
Sun Dec 07, 2014 5:10 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: remote start using OEM keyless fob
Replies: 32
Views: 7155

Re: remote start using OEM keyless fob

I connected my tach wire to the black wire on the far right plug of the ecu. It was one of 3 black wires but was on the edge and had silver spots on it. I never went through the tach learn procedure so it might be ignoring it. I meant to hookup a voltmeter to see if there was a signal that would var...