GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

zbyers

So I'm borrowing a https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0028QGTQI - it has both 17 & 19mm sockets. I'm researching until I can get it. My goal is to know the battlefield before I engage the enemy. Looking at Rock Auto, I see they only list the "L4" engine. I'm not sure if that is the 2ZZ or not...

zbyers

wonderdog wrote: ↑Thu Mar 25, 2021 1:43 pm Has anyone else noticed that the paint peels on these 2009 models? I have seen it on a couple now.

typical GM paint issues, especially if the car bakes in the sun all day in the south.

zbyers

ZZvroom wrote: ↑Mon Mar 22, 2021 8:30 am Do I recall correctly that the size needed is 19mm?

17mm or 19mm

zbyers

CraftsmanQuad19 wrote: ↑Sun Mar 21, 2021 6:42 pm 6 speed is a c60, the only 5 speed I was aware of is a c59...but I’m a new Toyota/vibe owner so I may be wrong

You're mostly correct when it comes to the first gens. The second gen I believe used a different 5 speed manual trans, and had a 5 speed auto option.

zbyers

Spent some time on this issue with a friend this afternoon. We got a 19mm box wrench on but it needs far more force than we were able to apply. We could not get a ½ inch breaker and socket in there. A friend has some flat tension tool he's offered. I bought a set of these years ago when they were l...

zbyers

Thanks. The "SST" {special secret tool, I guess...} requirement is disturbing; I wonder what else to use instead. I will look for a writeup on the tensioner. I think i basically used a small screwdriver inserted into one of those holes, while using a 1/4" drive ratchet to take the pu...

zbyers

I don't think you mean an intake manifold...The intake manifold is different than your air intake (air filter box, hose, etc.). That said, the Weapon R cold air intakes and short ram intakes are stupidly expensive. Buy one from cosmoracing.com. Affordable, and they work. Also make sure you install t...

zbyers

Looks like RockAuto says upstream and downstream are the same sensors on the GT.

https://www.rockauto.com/en/catalog/pon ... ensor,5132

zbyers

eBay and Amazon will definitely have some knockoffs that they pretend are real. Could they be perfectly fine? Yes. Could they be horrible? Of course. All depends on the gamble you want to take. Spark plugs and oil filters are also notorious for being fakes on those sites RockAuto generally doesn't s...

zbyers

Anyone have an idea if a 2004 fwd engine would work? I have a 2004 fwd with a good engine (120K) and a 2003 awd with 240K. I see the problem with 2003 and will do some more looking tomorrow (weather permitting) for the mounting but it was pretty hard to see today. The mounting holes for the front t...

zbyers

salamander162 wrote: ↑Thu Mar 11, 2021 9:40 pm yikes, that hurt my pocket but at the end i will have to do that, thanks for the link

You could probably pull one from a junkyard and send it to http://maxbore.com/index.html to have it bored out and redone, and use that.

zbyers

You'll be fine to using a car dolly, if the car is FWD, to tow it cross country. We have towed many vehicles either on a dolly or on all four wheels (drive shaft removed if RWD or in neutral if standard). If it's AWD, you definitely want it on a car hauler.

zbyers

Still seems expensive, but a lot more reasonable. If they're installing a bolt on converter, that would make sense.

zbyers

Finally finished up the 3rd swap. big difference this time, is we bought a transmission jack to help raise/lower the subframe. This was much better than the balancing act on cat litter bucket on a computer chair. :lol: We had one bolt frozen in a bushing that we had to cut off and order new bushings...

zbyers

They are assaulting you on the price.

Is it FWD? AWD?

FWD, there's plenty of universal ones you could use. Take it to an actual exhaust shop and they can help square you away.

AWD, the cat is in the manifold, and it is pricey to get.

zbyers

I believe the piece you are referring to is the door check strap. They're reasonably priced online, so you could try replacing it to see if it solves your issues. Is it possible the door is hitting the fender? We hit a deer in ours, and it pushed the fender back a hair so the door taps the fender an...

zbyers

For that price point, I would say it is definitely a solid deal and should last you a long time. Welcome back! haha.

zbyers

I can relate on all points. I agree that buying the newest vehicle you can afford with the money on hand is a good idea. However, it is hard to go wrong with a Vibe/Matrix/Corolla. They're just so darn practical and reliable. You easily get a great return on the investment. When it comes to the gizm...

zbyers

Could you confirm the diagram below? https://www.tehnomagazin.com/Auto-radio-car-connector/PONTIAC-Car-Radio-Wiring-Connector.htm{/quote} I can't confirm the stock wiring colors as I used the below adapter to make it plug-n-play. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2003-2008-Pontiac-Vibe-Radio-Wiring-Harness-...

zbyers

[quote=ioriopi post_id=531441 time=1614828536 user_id=35965] Hello, I recently bought my daughter a 2005 Base FWD model. I'm installing a Car Dual $16 aftermarket stereo and I need the wiring diagram for the factory stereo (that one using A1-A12 and B1-B12 pins connector) with the colors code if pos...

zbyers

Did you try just draining and refilling the diff to see if that solves the noise.

Is it possible it's a rear wheel bearing making the noise, and not the diff?

I find it unlikely the viscous coupler bearing died again in such short time/mileage.

zbyers

Haven't made any further progress. Apparently 'Rona decided to come visit the households. Minor sickness-- mostly like a chest cold and congestion. We're on the mend, and should resume this weekend should time permit.

zbyers

The shorter axle really shouldn't cause you any issues. If I remember correctly, the difference is only about 1/4" or so in length.

zbyers

Since the issues you've mentioned are mostly cosmetic, fixing it would likely be the cheaper option in the long run. However, if you don't have the desire, skill, time, etc. to fix it yourself, it could be more beneficial to get rid of the car. I will say...sometimes the devil you know is better tha...

zbyers

Pretty sure the transmissions offered with the 2009 with the 1.8L are different than those offered in the 2.4L.

Check the "Everything You Need To Know" in my signature for lots of good info on the Vibes.

zbyers

Mark is definitely on the correct path. The lock cylinders are probably stuck due to lack of use. Some lubricant like WD-40 or silicone spray should help free it up. If that doesn't do it, it's likely due to the key being worn, but the lock cylinder not.

zbyers

Sadly, I also have a 2003 GT for sale. My wife is ready to give it up, and I wanted to see if anyone would like to salvage it before it goes to scrap. It needs work, and a little TLC, but I will let it go cheap to someone who would like to keep it going. I'm in Upstate NY. Message me for details or...

zbyers

Glad you were able to get it resolved (eventually). Funny you posted this update. I am currently replacing the subframe on another AWD Vibe. We also have those bolts frozen in place. I managed to find those bushings on eBay. Brand is FEBEST. Part # is TAB-497. https://www.ebay.com/itm/Arm-Bushing-Re...

zbyers

I pulled one of mine on the 04 to put a spark plug anti-fouler in, to fix the P0420 code. Can't swear to it but I'm fairly sure it was a Denso. Thank ! Did you replace the top one ( engine bay ) if so, how difficult was it ? If you're looking to put in a defouler like Mark did, you would do it on t...

zbyers

I don't think there is a rhyme or reason as to which fits which vehicle. It could be based on where the engine was built.

zbyers

Matrix rear seat is the same.

As far as I know, that back panel should come off pretty easily. I've had a few cars where it was pretty loose, likely from someone catching the edges when sliding stuff on the seatback.

zbyers

Tire of chioce for me is the General AltiMAX RT43. It is Consumer Reports rated number 1 all season tire. I have them on both my cars. The tires on both cars are made in the USA. Check them out at TireRack.com or Consumer Reports. Not the cheapest tire but has the best value. https://generaltire.co...

zbyers

Looks well kept, but Minnesota is a far drive for me.

zbyers

Thank you for the quick reply! Do you know if it’s a dual wishbone with separate coil and shock, or a strut, or is it a macpherson strut setup? The only ones I’ve seen at work had the swing arm, and I’ll be aligning it myself It's a strut setup on the rear end. While the IRS does handle better, in ...

zbyers

This subframe is definitely in waaayyyy worse shape than the other two we have replaced. Upper control arm mount snapped off from the frame on the drivers side. https://www.instagram.com/p/CLQXXURB4An/ Sway bar mount and one of the four spots where the subframe mounts to the body is gone. https://ww...

zbyers

CraftsmanQuad19 wrote: ↑Thu Feb 11, 2021 3:03 pm Are there any new or aftermarket options for a replacement subframe or are options limited to simply getting lucky at the junkyard?

Toyota sells a brand new one still for like $800-900.

zbyers

I will be updating my how-to as we go through this again, since I typed this up after finishing up the last job. Maybe create a YouTube video showing you performing all this work. Would be interested in seeing what's involved and share it with all of us here. Hmmmm. Maybe, just maybe I can do that....

zbyers

PS....what’s the record for fastest 1/4 mile vibe...? Not positive. There are two members on the facebook group who have turbo'd their Vibes. Zane has a 1ZZ that started life as an auto, which he manual swapped. He was putting out a lot of WHP on a totally stock motor. Ultimately blew it at the tra...

zbyers

Heh. Well, a little over a year later we have managed to find another AWD that needs the subframe replaced. We didn't intend to buy this. We looked for reasons NOT to. Turns out, there is not a darn thing wrong with it other than the subframe. Not a spec of rust outside of that. What sealed the deal...

zbyers

Why not check to see if the speakers on that side are getting power first? Is it possible that the wires from replacing the head unit are not hooked up correctly causing a no sound issue?

zbyers

Awesome that you still have the vehicle in the family after all of these years. Testament to how great they actually are.

zbyers

A junkyard is probably a good bet for most of those items.

The window sweeps you may have to get from Toyota for the same year Matrix.

zbyers

Looks pretty decent. Just keep an eye on the oil burning that the 2.4L is known for.

zbyers

When i had a bearing pressed in at a local shop, they messed up the groove the snap ring sits in... My snap ring now doesn't fully seat, so it does make some noise.

It's possible that your situation may be similar.

zbyers

joatmon wrote: ↑Thu Jan 28, 2021 9:28 am Do you know what size the ignition coil bolts are?

Same thread...Maybe a little longer. But probably the same.

zbyers

best bet might be to call toyota about your "matrix" and ask for it.

zbyers

OEM valve cover bolts are an M6x1.0... about 35mm in length.

zbyers

The collision control is a neat feature, though i did find a time it was not good. I was merging onto a busy highway, and there was a car that i SAW, but it thought i didn't, so it applied the brakes and all of that crap. was weird and confusing especially since it was my first experience with it an...

zbyers

With $1200 owed to the tow company, and at least $1500-$2000 in repair fees to ensure the unibody isn't bent, and getting that body sheet metal fixed, your best bet is to just get another one.

zbyers

Your call. The C60 is rebuildable, but also cheap enough you can snag one from a junkyard to replace it.

Search found 1740 matches