GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

beemerphile1

Sounds to me like you need to take the car to a quality body shop rather than where you have taken it so far.

If a mechanic told me they didn't know how to fix my car, I would be gone to someone who can. Why waste money on an incompetent?

beemerphile1

I would start with stove (denatured) alcohol as the least potential for damage. Next would be mineral spirits. Next would be lacquer thinner. Next would be MEK. Be very careful with lacquer thinner and MEK. Laquer thinner could damage the paint if left on too long and MEK is even stronger. You could...

beemerphile1

In addition to what joatmon said, you cannot determine if a fuse is good by looking at it. Either use a meter to test continuity of the fuse or replace with a known good fuse.

beemerphile1

You could try the 2010+, it wouldn't hurt. If I was doing it, I would try the first one you did since it is listed for 2008+ Matrix. I don't know why it reads -40, your codes look correct. I wouldn't expect the GM code to work with our Toyota drivetrain. I have no idea what to try next. Did you try ...

beemerphile1

The unit has to mailed in with a $25 payment which covers the update and return postage.

beemerphile1

Thanks, I look forward to hearing your results. My understanding is that you need to have ScanGauge firmware version 4.0 or newer. The current firmware version is 4.02. My version is 3.XX. (don't remember exactly) Of course you also need to add the coding for the X-gauge. The X-gauge coding is here;...

beemerphile1

how did you wire it? did you have to run a lead to the back from the controller...how tricky was the install? It wasn't complicated but you have nothing to work with from the factory. *You need an adequate power supply. I tapped into the fuse box under the hood. Use an auto reset circuit breaker at...

beemerphile1

I see that the latest version of the Scan Gauge II can now read Toyota transmission temperature. Anybody have one and tried the X-gauge? I will have to upgrade my ScanGauge in order to try. The version mine is running will not work. The Scangauge website says that it will now read transmission tempe...

beemerphile1

minet wrote:beemerphile1

can you tell me about wiring for your brake controller?

What would you like to know?

beemerphile1

Sounds to me like the garage is reputable and doing everything they can to make you happy. Take it back, buy the flywheel, and get another free clutch. You aren't likely to get your money back and aren't entitled to a refund. You are entitled to get the job done right and since the garage is willing...

beemerphile1

I think jarmstrong22 has moved on. The last time they were on here was May 18, 2010, which was over two years ago.

beemerphile1

Hoping to take my now-spare 1zz to monkeywrench racing this weekend using a hitch basket...think it'll be ok back there (weight-wise)? If you are talking about those cargo carriers that go in the receiver I would say no. I don't know what it weighs but the issue is the leverage. That weight hanging...

beemerphile1

This is a subject that I am interested in but unfortunately can't offer any help. Since I tow a trailer I would love to have helper springs. I really don't want stronger springs because it rides harsh enough now when not towing. I have checked on airbags and helper springs and found nothing compatib...

beemerphile1

Wow, I hope I get longer life than you people. On average my batteries last 7 years. With my car, van, motorcycles, tractor, and RVs, I have a lot of batteries. I am certainly not in the south but we have a thing here called winter. It takes a good battery to start a vehicle at below zero temperatur...

beemerphile1

...The hitch was a piece of cake, I still haven't got around to getting the wiring installed - I've got to run the power lead from the battery to the back of the car... I ran my power feed under the car and along the brake lines. It was a simple installation and only took maybe 15 minutes. Since I ...

beemerphile1

Adding a hitch is a piece of cake. Since your car has been on the road for a few years the bolt holes are likely corroded. You may need to chase the holes with a tap but other than that it is easy to mount the hitch to holes that are already provided.

beemerphile1

Can't help you on the temperature. Thought I would mention that the tow rating is with an empty car except for the driver. Any extra passengers or gear in the car should be subtracted from the tow rating. The Quicksilver trailers are supposed to be good. I've spoken with some owners and they like th...

beemerphile1

You can see my trailer in my signature below. It is an Aliner Sport folding hardside camper which weighs 2,000 pounds when loaded. Real weight, not an estimate. I have towed for over 10,000 miles now with my Vibe. I average 22 mpg while towing. http://www.aliner.com/campers/Sport The Vibe is rated t...

beemerphile1

No PDF manual here but I have real world experience. I have towed a couple of different trailers with my Vibe for over 10,000 miles since purchased. My hitch is rated at 250 pounds of tongue weight. I have never found a rating for the car itself. My camper originally had over 300 pounds of tongue we...

beemerphile1

Great find, I've got two kids that each are looking for a cheap camper. I recommend new tires before hitting the road. All the ST (special trailer) tire manufacturers recommend replacing tires by six years of age. Tire failures are a big problem on RVs and tires age more when sitting than in use. Ti...

beemerphile1

When I used to fiddle with stereos, I learned that the placement of the ground can be important. IIRC the term is ground loop interference. I imagine the car audio people know all about that though. Good luck.

beemerphile1

Look forward to seeing the final result.

beemerphile1

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.

beemerphile1

Would you recommend just the front ones? That is all I am interested in anyhow. I don't care about rears.

Are you going to buy the others now? A review by someone that has installed both would be very valuable to the rest of us.

beemerphile1

You might want to mention year and model.

beemerphile1

I took my car to my car the other day to local service station and they said they would be happy to change transmission fluid and filter and serpentine belt. Made appointment for this Friday. I suggest you go to a Toyota dealer to buy the transmission oil. The transmission oil spec in your owner's ...

beemerphile1

Weight ratings?
Class?
Receiver size?
More info on the lifetime warranty?

beemerphile1

Those generic battery cable ends are junk. Best bet would be go to a Toyota dealer, get new cables, and then do preventive maintenance in the future to prevent this from happening again.

beemerphile1

...Either way I think I will get her a new battery just to be safe. Your description indicated a bad connection. Before you throw money at it let the auto parts store do a load test. Most auto parts stores do free battery load tests. I'm guessing you are fairly young, you would be well served to bu...

beemerphile1

Joatman is spot on with the increased load theory. What is the voltage of the battery? Do you have a digital VOM (volt, ohm, meter)? Take both of those cables off and thoroughly clean them. Baking soda does a good job of neutralizing battery acid/corrosion. Remember to always remove the negative cab...

beemerphile1

I wish I could get a class III or IV receiver for my Vibe. I have the class II. I have found my receiver bent down a couple times now. My camper has 230 pounds of tongue weight. This spring I made a trip with a cargo trailer and bicycle rack. Total weight on the hitch was only 150 pounds and yet the...

beemerphile1

I don't know - when I go out to eat I usually order a premium draft that costs me $5-6, so why not also splurge on a/c when necessary... My thoughts also. I don't know how much AC affects fuel usage but I don't care too much either. You can save fuel by staying home and not driving. You can save fu...

beemerphile1

That is correct 0W20 if you can find it or 5W20.

beemerphile1

They probably put the same pressure in every tire that comes through the shop. I've heard of people with trucks that require 70 psi finding a dealer put in 40.When I worked in a tire shop many years ago we inflated all auto tires to 32 psi. We didn't take time to check the recommendations for each v...

beemerphile1

I know there are several errors in the 2009 manual. It looks to me like some flunky copied and pasted info from the 2008 manual rather than correctly write the 2009 information. I know the transmission fluid is also incorrect.

beemerphile1

I don't understand what you hope to accomplish. To do this right and be able to reliably start the car is going to cost you several hundred dollars.Dry cell batteries are used in flashlights, not cars, unless it is a hybrid. I am guessing that you mean you want a VRLA (valve-regulated lead acid) bat...

beemerphile1

I don't believe there is a right or wrong. You can turn it to the side if you wish, it's your car.I have mine like the first picture for a specific reason. I installed three power ports in the slot just forward of the knob. The knob towards the rear provides a little extra clearance. Personally I'd ...

beemerphile1

Mine works fine. Make sure you push the recirculate button. What is called "max" on some vehicles is when it is recirculating the cabin air. On our Vibes you have to push the recirculate button independently.

beemerphile1

Public record and easy to find vehicles titled and registered. Finding out you no longer own it is also possible but requires more effort. I'm sure your dealer sends out thousands every month and if the information is inaccurate doesn't matter.In the offer you received they are offering you somethin...

beemerphile1

I would say, stay away from the chrome paint. You won't be happy with the results. When I have seen it used it ended up splotchy and dull after a short period of time.I have seen chrome pillar covers like your handle covers.Other than that I can't help, I'm not a chrome loving type of person.

beemerphile1

It sounds like some need to work on their driving skills. If you can't judge your position in relation to the curb in a little economy car, what would you do if towing a trailer or driving a large vehicle?A minor obstruction such as the side mirrors or post shouldn't be an issue if you are practicin...

beemerphile1

Quote, originally posted by VoodooVibe Â»...The car has been babied...GM Performance Parts Supercharger (around 180 hp now)Tokico Blues all aroundTein H-tech springs all around (lowers about 1.5 back and 1.2 in front)Powerslot Cryo RotorsKumo Ecsta 18 inch wheel - 225's18 inch Sport Edition Rims...C...

beemerphile1

I only agree with two of the OP's points.My Vibe has huge blind spots to both the left rear and right rear. This was corrected by applying sick on convex mirrors.I have decided that I just have to live with the harsh ride. It is a small car with low clearance and short travel suspension.It reads to ...

beemerphile1

Hitch mount bike racks;http://www.discountramps.com/h...s.htmThe one I use so I can tow a trailer at the same time;http://www.discountramps.com/towing-bike-rack.htm

beemerphile1

Quote, originally posted by KITT222 Â»I've got a Viper security system in my Vibe, so simply opening the door, or breaking a window is a bad idea... Don't worry, no one will pay any attention. They will just wish that fool would turn off their alarm! Studies have shown that audible car alarms soundi...

beemerphile1

I just got an email that my radio is on for two weeks;"Dear Former Listener,Your XM radio is now alive with an incredible range of FREE programming.Listen Free, February 1 - February 14Get a taste of everything SiriusXM has to offer by listening to 60 channels featuring commercial-free music pl...

beemerphile1

Squeal comes from vibration. Vibration is likely caused by a build up of brake dust and possibly corrosion.

beemerphile1

Kennedy shot - grade schoolChallenger - don't rememberWorld trade center towers - home recuperating from a motorcycle accidentI would rate the attack on Pearl Harbor way higher than the other events.

beemerphile1

The earlier rims will fit the 1.8L '09-'10 but not the 2.4L.

beemerphile1

Due to cost cutting and weight reductions to improve fuel mileage the wiring in most vehicle is barely adequate for the existing lights. It isn't recommended that you add any load to the existing wiring. The fact that some one hasn't burnt their wiring harness (yet) is not proof that it is a good id...

Search found 499 matches

Re: VIBE GURUS Repair advice; apparently pretty bad.

Re: Severe 2009 Vibe paint road rash ...

Re: OEM radio locked after lighter short

Re: Anyone with a newer ScanGauge II?

Re: Anyone with a newer ScanGauge II?

Re: Anyone with a newer ScanGauge II?

Re: '09 Vibe; The Incredible Towing Machine!

Anyone with a newer ScanGauge II?

Re: '09 Vibe; The Incredible Towing Machine!

Re: New Clutch Install Nightmare - Epic Saga

Re: Supercharged 2zzge is possible

Re: Tongue weight of the Vibe 2009?

Re: Stronger Springs and Struts for rear suspension

Re: 06 - 10 OEM BATTERY LIFE?

Re: how much can I pull?

Re: how much can I pull?

Re: OBD2 and Transmission Temperature

Re: how much can I pull?

Re: Tongue weight of the Vibe 2009?

Re: Tent camper score!

Re: rear view caamera interference

Re: I'm going to attempt a custom front and rear bumper.

Re: I want to be low.

Re: Vent visors/window deflectors - AVS, GM or WeatherTech?

Re: For Sale !! Front End OEM New Parts

Re: happy with my 09 vibe; but......

Re: I'm back - Pontiac Vibe trailer hitches and wiring kits!

Re: Battery problem - please help

Re: Battery problem - please help

Re: Battery problem - please help

Re: Anybody heard of 2 inch trailer hitch for Vibe?

Re: How does running A/C affect your MPG's?

Re: Oil Change 0W20.....Really?

Re: 2003 Supercharged Vibe for sale in near future. (VoodooVibe)

Re: (KITT222)

FREE XM for two weeks