andrewclaus wrote:Check the spark plugs and ignition coils, unless your mechanic did that in the inspection.
AT or MT? Change fluid, since you most likely don't know its age.
Flush brake fluid if it's darker than honey.
Clean the MAF sensor.
Change PCV valve.
Have a trustworthy alignment shop evaluate the struts, shocks, and alignment.
I just bought a similar vehicle with no maintenance history and that's about what I did. Mine needed brakes mainly, I assume yours have been checked.
Enjoy your VIbe (again)!
vibrologist wrote:Sounds like you made a nice catch, Blue06B!
Check the cabin air filter.
Check the engine coolant.
Blue06B wrote:andrewclaus wrote:Check the spark plugs and ignition coils, unless your mechanic did that in the inspection.
AT or MT? Change fluid, since you most likely don't know its age.
Flush brake fluid if it's darker than honey.
Clean the MAF sensor.
Change PCV valve.
Have a trustworthy alignment shop evaluate the struts, shocks, and alignment.
I just bought a similar vehicle with no maintenance history and that's about what I did. Mine needed brakes mainly, I assume yours have been checked.
Enjoy your VIbe (again)!
Thanks for the details!! It's an automatic. Is there a thread on changing the transmission fluid? Shops charge about $400 for that so we'd be doing it ourselves. The fluid looked good though, great color and clarity and no bubbles that would indicate a leak.
Engine coolant was checked by the shop, I specifically requested that since the reservoir is designed the way it is and I couldn't check it myself. We're planning on doing the maintenance over the course of the next couple weeks.
I don't know if the current oil is synthetic, but I would prefer to use synthetic so I'm planning on changing it out. Thoughts on that? I checked inside the engine fill for signs of sludge since natural oil that isn't changed often or has been sitting for a while can be prone to gelling, but from what little I could see it looked okay. Can anyone make a synthetic oil recommendation for the vibe? I use Castrol high mileage for my Mazda.
Thanks, guys!!! I'm super excited in case you can't tell lol!!!
andrewclaus wrote:If you do the AT fluid change, it's pretty easy on this car. The Vibe is the first one I've done. It has a drain plug in the pan, which minimizes the mess. An old cardboard box under your pan will catch all the drips. Be sure to get the right gasket and filter kit by counting the bolts. The job cost me less than $40.
andrewclaus wrote:When I saw the filter, I was glad I dropped the pan to replace it. The filter and gasket kit cost about $15 at my local parts store. The bolts are low torque, easy access. I got about a half quart more fluid out by dropping the pan and filter. And there are magnets in the pan and it's probably a good idea to clean the sludge off those.
The filter looks like a simple stainless steel sieve, and it looks like it gets bypassed when it gets clogged. Maybe it could be effectively cleaned with solvent and a brush.
I still only got about half the fluid out, and I plan to do another drain and fill soon. I'll probably still drop the pan and at least look at the filter and magnets, because it was so easy to do.
Again, this was the first AT I've serviced in forty years of shade-tree mechanic work. It's always scared me before, but it's really simple on this car.
Blue06B wrote:andrewclaus wrote:...What about getting under the car? Was it difficult? Did you just put it on jackstands?
vibenvy wrote:Welcome (back?) to GenVibe! Post some pictures of your "new" Vibe when you get a chance!
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