GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

rgnjc

Yes andrewclaus, that was the solution! I should have read the repair manual first because it does describe for the AWD vibe the rear suspension arm assembly needs to be removed on one side so it can be pulled out of the way (see attached pic). The FWD vibe does not require this step, and this was n...

rgnjc

I am having trouble getting the rear struts off my 2005 AWD Vibe. I got the 3 nuts up top off with ease. With a lot of effort I eventually got the bottom nut loose and bolt off (using combo of overnight penetrating lube, 25" breaker bar, and blow torch). Now that the rear strut is free, I canno...

rgnjc

Took my 2005 Pontiac Vibe AWD (211k mi) to AAMCO this week and the only issue they found with the transmission was bearing growl coming from the passenger side. They said they need to replace bearings and to rebuild the transmission would cost $3500-3800. At home, I jacked up the front end and spun ...

rgnjc

Following up on this after doing some minor repairs. Although I addressed some other issues that clearly needed attention, I continue to have the slight hesitation and performance issues. I now suspect something is going on with the transmission and would appreciate any advice. 1. I replaced all thr...

rgnjc

Working on my 2005 awd... Does anybody have part numbers for the 1st flange springs/bolts at the manifold? I can't find part numbers anywhere. I did the 2nd flange donut gasket recently and for reference the springs/bolts I used for my 2005 awd were 90109-A0013 for the bolts and 90501-35035 (90501-A...

rgnjc

Yes good idea thank you - I ordered gaskets for the air intake manifold, the IAC valve, and the throttle body. All 3 were like $20 for the toyota parts from toyotapartsdeal.com. I did replace the air intake manifold about 4 years ago with a fel-pro aftermarket gasket because the original was leaky i...

rgnjc

My 2005 Vibe AWD (210k) has slight intermittent and slight power loss when accelerating from a stop or low speeds. It is noticeable when the engine is cold, though there are no OBD codes, and no loss in fuel economy. I've had this issue since last year so its not so bad that I need to fix it, and it...

rgnjc

*PROBLEM SOLVED* Here's my conclusive update on this issue: I took it to the mechanic and he said the diagnostic indicated the MAF was faulty and needed to be replaced ($253 for an aftermarket part!). I took the car back and got the GM Original part (88969106) off rockauto.com for $90 and replaced i...

rgnjc

Short update: I replaced the rear O2 sensor - it was a piece of cake. Plug for sensor on 2005 AWD Vibe was under the passenger seat so I needed to remove seat (4 bolts) plus the radio amp (3 bolts). However, after replacing sensor the car is still losing power when accelerating from stop when engine...

rgnjc

Seems like a number of members here have experienced general loss of cat converter efficiency, causing P0420's without any noticeable driveability issues, which they worked around by using spark plug antifoulers on the second O2 sensor. Not sure I understand the work around here, how do spark plug ...

rgnjc

Thanks for that diagram! Huge help for removing and re-installing the wire/plug. I took a close look at the crankshaft seal and it is not the source of my oil leak. I did replace the O-ring tensioner about 2 years ago, and it didn't look like the source of this leak. It may be the timing chain cover...

rgnjc

Normally That's a big difference. I did 5000 mile oil changes on my Vibe, even though blackstone labs recommended 7000 mile. Normally my OCI is 4-5k mi, but I recently moved and and have a baby so I haven't had the time. As for the oil leak, I think its coming from crankshaft oil seal. I'm not sure ...

rgnjc

Over the last few days, my 2005 AWD Vibe has had brief low power issues when accelerating after a red light. This would only happen once or twice when the engine was cold and it doesn't happen after warming up. There was no CEL, but my Blue Driver OBDII scan tool found a single error code: P0138 O2 ...

rgnjc

Just following up on this. I replaced the one bearing that wasn't smooth. The whining noise from the rear differential is gone. Although I fixed it, I'm still perplexed why the bearing would have failed less than a year after replacing it. Oh well, if it happens again at least I've gotten good at do...

rgnjc

Also, what fluid do you all recommend for the rear differential? I've been using Mobile 1 Full Synthetic 75W-90. Is there perhaps something better? Any good recommendations on additives for the rear diff? Maybe since I'm close to 180k I should put some additives in there. Edit: I took apart the faul...

rgnjc

Well the weather finally improved and I got around to looking into this further! Following up on my previous suspicions, I pulled the viscous coupler off today to inspect the bearings I replaced 11 months ago (~5k miles ago). The front bearing was smooth and buttery, and otherwise like a brand new b...

rgnjc

PS: The transmission was replaced over a year ago, and I've had some trouble with various components of the drive train since that replacement that I've more or less solved. The transmission blew at 65mph and wreaked havoc on many drivetrain parts, and I believed this was the cause of the first bear...

rgnjc

So last spring I replaced the bearings in my viscous coupler because there was an audible whine that I wanted to take care of. The replacement went smooth, and it solved the problem. After removing the bearings, it was clear that one of the bearings was not smooth and was the cause of the whine. Tha...

rgnjc

Hah I never saw the irony of it being a Vibe! All tires are new and had an alignment done when I got them, I can only suppose the tire place would've said something if the rim was bent. I inspected all motor mounts, and they look fine as far as I can see (this was my initial suspicion). When banking...

rgnjc

So I've been trying to track down 2 issues I've been having with my 2005 AWD ever since my tranny blew up last year (which was replaced). I've had a number of drivetrain related issues since then. To summarize: I've replaced all 4 CV axles (front ones were clicking and the rears had play and seals w...

rgnjc

Does anybody have an updated link/pdf for a repair manual? The one at madstyle1972.com is now a dead link.

Edit: I did find a downloadable copy at https://mega.nz/file/DtRiFCoI#LB_Z0CLYs ... 1xB391Y91o

rgnjc

Resolved this issue and just wanted to follow up on how it played out. As I previously said, AAMCO got the part out, but they said it was very stubborn, and it pulled out the sleeve that slips into the transfer case. They got a remanufactured axle and installed that unit. They didn't say anything ab...

rgnjc

I'm not sure its part of the transaxle case casting, considering it pulled out of the transaxle case before the bearing pulled out of the sleeve. If the sleeve were meant to stay in the transaxle case, I'm sure it wouldn't have pulled out before the carrier bearing did. The 2 grooves in the sleeve I...

rgnjc

AAMCO got the CV axle out! It was not easy, the guy who worked on it said it was very difficult to remove. Didn't say how though but was not surprised when I told him I couldn't do it myself. From the looks of it, they used heat and took an air hammer to it, but also cracked the bearing casing sleev...

rgnjc

The saga continues! I took the car to the mechanic and he called me back and said they cannot get the CV axle out either. He said the carrier bearings are really jammed in there and they basically don't want to force it either because of the risk of cracking the transfer case. They offered to leave ...

rgnjc

Update: Complete fail, I could not get the passenger side CV axle out. I was able to get a working slide hammer on it though. I used a U-bolt around the CV axle, with a long threaded rod through it. I pounded on that thing a long time, and eventually the U-bolt snapped. The CV axle didn't budge a mi...

rgnjc

Well I spent this afternoon hammering on the passenger CV, and still cannot get it out! Yes I did take out the bolt that secures the carrier bearing. Problem is I cant really get my pry bar to bite onto anything because the CV axle shape is kind of rounded and there isnt much of a lip to it. I also ...

rgnjc

Well I went with the autozobe duralast CV axles. Having a few problems and I need some advice. On the driver side cv axle, it popped out no problem, great! However when I pulled it out and peeked in the hole, there was a loose spring. Im not sure what this is, but I pulled it out, see pictures below...

rgnjc

Thanks for the recommendation. Monkey Wrench Racing does have CV axles for the Matrix, which would work normally here, but I called them and the ones they have are only for the FWD, which aren't compatible with my AWD. Bummer! When replacing both front CV axles with Duralast ones, how can you tell w...

rgnjc

I'm having some intermittent vibrations in the car when I accelerate above 60 mph. It doesn't happen all the time, and it comes and goes. I have brand new tires and the alignment is good, and the brakes/rotors are all good. However, upon inspection one of the front CV axle is leaking from the intern...

rgnjc

Did an inspection of all the hoses and vacuum solenoids today to the best of my ability and everything seemed to be sealed up tight! I tried spraying some carb cleaner on the air intake manifold to see if any would get sucked in and affect the idle speed. This test indicated no leaks. However, I the...

rgnjc

I have a 2005 AWD Vibe that is making a sighing (almost hissing) sound when I turn the engine off. I believe the sound is there when its running, but its really only noticeable when the engine turns off. It may be located towards the top end of the engine, and using a mechanics stethoscope (I'm a ne...

rgnjc

There's been a development with my tranny issue here. I took my car for the 2 week check-up and when I passed the car off to the mechanic and stood outside I heard an abnormal noise that I didn't previously pick up on because it's rather hard to hear while driving. Upon closer inspection, the mechan...

rgnjc

My wife's 2007 FWD vibe has a recurring issue, and with all the rain we've been getting lately the front and rear passenger side floor is soaked. I took a look today and the front passenger drain hole in the moon roof had some standing water in it. I tried to hit the drain hole with a vacuum and now...

rgnjc

Just wanted to update here. Aamco replaced the transmission for $3200, which was down from the ~4500 estimate they originally gave me. Got the car back and it had a bunch of other issues (clicking noise and rough idle), which I took it back to them and they replaced the MAF sensor and the front axle...

rgnjc

I did shop around some of the local mechanics in town here and they actually estimated the cost to be around $5k, which was higher than Aamco's estimate. Considering I am moving across country soon, I think it would be best to go with Aamco in case I have issues elsewhere. The person at Aamco gave m...

rgnjc

Sorry my mistake, I meant automatic! Aamco just called me back, the guy suspects a retaining ring or something came loose in the transmission and fouled up all the internals. Says it will be $4k to replace the tranny. He says I just have (removed) luck and there was nothing I could have done to prev...

rgnjc

My car is an automatic 2005 AWD Pontiac Vibe with 150k, and I love this car and am now sad that it had a major breakdown. Its had no major problems up until recently, and good regular maintenance. Last night I was driving down the highway at 55mph and BOOM a mini explosion from under the front of th...

rgnjc

OK Thanks! I'll just replace both then.

rgnjc

Hi, I have a 2005 Vibe AWD and a few days ago my cabin fan stopped working, but would intermittently come back on. When it does work it will only work on the highest 2 settings, and doesn't work on the lowest 2 settings. Today it wasn't working, so I performed percussive maintenance on the underside...

rgnjc

So i pulled one of the extra dimmer pins/wires out of the harness and moved it to spot B3 and connected it to the blue/white wire (amp power) on the HU harness and connected everything and that solved the issue.

rgnjc

OK I basically found the necessary information I was looking for, but in case other people are curious:In-dash harness wire identification: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=31372Why I don't have sound: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=19021Basically, my crappy metra harness didn't have...

rgnjc

Hey all,I'm installing a Pioneer DEH-33HD into my 2007 Pontiac Vibe w/ M&T. I just spiced the HU harness to the metra harness I bought, plugged it all together and the head unit turned on but isn't giving me any music. I suspect that the wires on the metra harness don't line up with the stock ha...

rgnjc

I'm looking at the Sony CDXGT56UI which is 52w, I have the M&T package. I don't know enough about audio systems to know if I should be concerned about the head unit putting out 52w with a 50w speaker set up. Can somebody enlighten me?

rgnjc

P.S. at 136k miles I would definitely do the fluid and filter change. At the very least drain the 4 or 5 quarts out of the transmission pan using the drain bolt and fill that back up...if you're looking to skip doing the filter.

rgnjc

I've done mine. It's a piece of cake and you can pick up a replacement filter pretty cheap. I was glad I did mine because I cleaned out all the magnetic sludge at the bottom of the pan while doing it.

rgnjc

Changed the gear lube in my rear differential and front transfer case. Not that difficult to do other than the fat that the bolts are super tight. I used 75W-90 Mobile 1 full synthetic in both. For reference, you get more complete drainage if the car is flat. I had my car jacked up to get more room ...

rgnjc

Check the treads for stones jammed in the treads. I get tapping noises all the time after I drive on a stone road because little pebbles jam in there.

rgnjc

Thanks! This is a good diagram. I couldn't orient myself on some of the others I've seen but this one makes it obvious where it will be exactly.

rgnjc

P.S. Any idea how many quarts the front transfer case and rear diff. take?

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