Search found 110 matches

by Jbenrod
Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:58 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Diagnosing idle vibrations
Replies: 3
Views: 1588

Re: Diagnosing idle vibrations

I don't have the 2nd Gen. Vibe but there have been many reports that aftermarket mounts can be hit or miss, and more often a miss. This appears to be especially true of the mount at the front of the engine, which is the one towards the RF fender area near the power steering fluid reserve. Perhaps al...
by Jbenrod
Thu Jul 03, 2025 1:47 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Looking for Window Belt Trim Moulding (Sealing Strip?)
Replies: 2
Views: 9961

Re: Looking for Window Belt Trim Moulding (Sealing Strip?)

I checked and it appeared to me that the 03-08 Vibe and 03-08 Matrix use the same window belt molding strip. For example, this would be right front: Belt Molding - Toyota (75710-01031) 2003-2008 Toyota Matrix - 757100103 Of course, each door location will have a different part #. I will note for oth...
by Jbenrod
Fri Jan 24, 2025 5:28 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question
Replies: 4
Views: 4001

Re: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Either of the two OE thermostat's would be the best choice, however I would go with the Toyota one that you identified. Nevertheless, why are you wanting to replace the thermostat? Has the coolant been changed as recommended or was it neglected? My 2005 Vibe is at 237k miles now on the original ther...
by Jbenrod
Tue Jan 21, 2025 8:09 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibe not starting sometime
Replies: 1
Views: 2588

Re: Vibe not starting sometime

That is a lot of codes. Can you provide an update to what you may have learned or where you are at now with this issue?

Hopefully you will not have disappeared after your first post because that helps no one.
by Jbenrod
Tue Jan 21, 2025 8:05 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: fender liner mystery=-
Replies: 1
Views: 2938

Re: fender liner mystery=-

I have wondered if the outboard grill insert(s) in the lower front bumper could be a contributing factor. These are often missing and that provides a direct air path to the backside of the fender liner which might move the liner closer to the tire at freeway speed? When the car is stopped the fender...
by Jbenrod
Tue Jan 21, 2025 7:42 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: 2005 needs lug nuts=-
Replies: 6
Views: 7233

Re: 2005 needs lug nuts=-

Update: I ordered the White Knight brand and they seem to be fine. The size is the same as what was on our 2005 Vibe. I found this to be the same brand as being sold for more cost at a nearby Costco and AZ. The chrome looks good and only time will tell how they hold up. 15 of the 20 old lugs were s...
by Jbenrod
Tue Dec 17, 2024 10:15 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 3rd brake light , question=--
Replies: 5
Views: 3229

Re: 3rd brake light , question=--

The light malfunctions often . The small , light gray color, electrical part that the blub snaps into question=--- I wiggle the bulb and then it,s ok. Perhaps there,s some way to make the bulb sit firmly in it. Old post but I had similar reoccurring problem with that bulb failing to work so I will ...
by Jbenrod
Wed Nov 06, 2024 6:49 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: is it the alternator problem==--
Replies: 8
Views: 3049

Re: is it the alternator problem==--

SSizler wrote: Wed Nov 06, 2024 5:34 pm I always enjoy how smooth the 1zz engine sounds with a new belt.
Really? I haven't heard or noticed that before. I have to order some parts soon so you have noticed a change after installing a new belt?
by Jbenrod
Wed Nov 06, 2024 2:34 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: is it the alternator problem==--
Replies: 8
Views: 3049

Re: is it the alternator problem==--

Now I see the additional information here that I was looking for.... Yes that does point toward the alternator, however we've seen alternators last towards 300k miles too (I'm at 235k now). Therefore I'd get a volt meter and check the battery voltage at rest, and with the car running. You should se...
by Jbenrod
Wed Nov 06, 2024 2:27 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: denso or Delco ??????
Replies: 1
Views: 1924

Re: denso or Delco ??????

I've always thought it is a Denso (but can't go check for you now).

Are you having problems with yours? What is your mileage? More info with your post may give you better responses.
by Jbenrod
Fri Apr 19, 2024 8:27 am
Forum: Washing, Waxing, Cleaning
Topic: grey plastic cladding protectant ???
Replies: 5
Views: 3557

Re: grey plastic cladding protectant ???

2005 (base) vibe , silver with the grey plastic cladding down low. ...The grey plastic looked great. The owner replied and told me he uses linseed oil with a little mineral spirits. I assume it,s mixed together. Anyone try that yet??? I also have heard that the linseed oil thinned a bit will help t...
by Jbenrod
Fri Apr 19, 2024 8:22 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: coolant question=--
Replies: 4
Views: 2975

Re: coolant question=--

Update? Where are you at now with this problem?

It seems unusual for a water pump to have failed this early (you said you had replaced it a few years ago).
by Jbenrod
Sun Apr 23, 2023 6:18 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Joyroad tires
Replies: 2
Views: 4666

Re: Joyroad tires

I would not try a no-name tire like that unless you can find enough reviews that you can have some assurance it is not going to end up as China junk. You are in Canada too so I'd guess it's even more important. Spend the $20-30 more per tire for a known brand tire and save that money somewhere else.
by Jbenrod
Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:41 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: when should I say good-bye?
Replies: 7
Views: 5427

Re: when should I say good-bye?

What did you learn about that exhaust noise - update?
by Jbenrod
Mon Apr 17, 2023 11:29 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Pathy99 - 2005 Vibe Base (Red)
Replies: 3
Views: 3411

Re: Pathy99 - 2005 Vibe Base (Red)

the airbag light being on, but I suspect it has something to do with the Toyota airbag recall, so we're waiting on our local GM dealer to call us back about it. My experience with GM dealerships and the airbag recall has been very poor. The airbag light has set a code that you should get read to se...
by Jbenrod
Sat Nov 12, 2022 7:45 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Best tires for around 80-120$
Replies: 5
Views: 5858

Re: Best tires for around 80-120$

I have two sets of Uniroyal Tiger Paw Touring AS in service now and have been pleased with them. I will be considering them again when I need new tires on the Vibe in another 9 to 12 months. However the price has gone up 40% from when I last purchased them in August of 2021 so there may be others or...
by Jbenrod
Fri Oct 14, 2022 9:10 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Hard Start, Rough Idle and a little noise by the timing chain cover
Replies: 3
Views: 1202

Re: Hard Start, Rough Idle and a little noise by the timing chain cover

How about checking out the motor mounts. Start by looking at the rear one (that is near the firewall). I think you can see it best by removing the LF tire and looking at it from that direction.
by Jbenrod
Sat May 08, 2021 4:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2003 Vibe oil consumption teardown and fix
Replies: 32
Views: 12774

Re: 2003 Vibe oil consumption teardown and fix

Great work and thanks for sharing. Have you noticed much wear on the timing chain guides (or tensioner arms). Always wondered considering the steel chain is running over the plastic surfaces. Did the chain look still look to be in good shape? I'm going to guess you are not the original owner of this...
by Jbenrod
Sun Feb 07, 2021 12:31 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe 03-08 in insurance commercials
Replies: 1
Views: 994

Re: Vibe 03-08 in insurance commercials

Why not give us a link (or the key words) so we can find it?
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 20, 2020 11:47 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Replacement Outer Tie Rod End Boot Retainer Springs?
Replies: 6
Views: 2906

Re: Replacement Outer Tie Rod End Boot Retainer Springs?

I don't know where you can get just the clips. However, sometimes you have to admit something isn't correct and cut your loses as soon as possible. I think this is one of those times. I would box them all up and send them back and get a different set from RockAuto or locally. Yes it's frustrating th...
by Jbenrod
Thu Dec 17, 2020 3:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Scan Tool Find
Replies: 6
Views: 3047

Re: Scan Tool Find

... I also have a Launch CRP129 that I use. It will read most everything out there, not just Toyota. The strange thing with the Launch is that if I use it on the Vibe, I have to pick Toyota Matrix from the Launch menu . If I use GM and put in the proper VIN letter, the Launch scanner can not detect...
by Jbenrod
Sat Dec 12, 2020 5:36 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: High Mileage and road trips
Replies: 8
Views: 4602

Re: High Mileage and road trips

My Vibe starts out on a 1200 mile road trip in the next week. In addition to the important tires that Caretaker mentioned, if one is doing the normal fluid changes and checks I say hit the road. Who knows what part may eventually show up as a problem. We cannot anticipate everything. Also most membe...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 06, 2020 6:27 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: what is this and is it dangerous
Replies: 14
Views: 5416

Re: what is this and is it dangerous

Glad to here and that sounds reasonable too. Hopefully that will help you go a few more years. If it were me I would at least check with him and see what he thinks about using a thicker grade like 20 or 18 gauge. The incremental cost increase (for the material) may not be much to get the thicker and...
by Jbenrod
Sun Nov 29, 2020 8:23 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: matrix/vibe fwd hubs same spline?
Replies: 4
Views: 1503

Re: matrix/vibe fwd hubs same spline?

Installing a complete knuckle hub and bearing unit all together and ready to bolt in always seemed to make sense to me for a DIY. How many miles are on your Vibe now that requires you to rebuild part of the front end? I see you mentioned you have already replaced the control arms. I've understood th...
by Jbenrod
Sat Nov 28, 2020 3:19 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: What is the Average Life Expectancy for the OEM O2 Sensors?
Replies: 6
Views: 3107

Re: What is the Average Life Expectancy for the OEM O2 Sensors?

From what I've read, some believe to wait past 225k toward the 250k miles area to proactively replace working sensors and that is my plan for now. I have noted that one of the sensors (I think it was the upstream) was much more expensive than the other. Maybe replace that one first or the one that i...
by Jbenrod
Fri Nov 27, 2020 6:02 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 28743

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

I wasn't totally clear on what all was involved in replacing the passenger side airbag in the 2003-2008 that is under the GM recall. Thanks to a Youtube video by tommy tarver, we no longer are at the mercy of some incompetent (or lying) "service writer / advisor" as I experienced and repor...
by Jbenrod
Thu Nov 26, 2020 10:59 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Valve Adjustments?
Replies: 74
Views: 54061

Re: Valve Adjustments?

I am pretty confident with this statement: ... the clearances on the "shim type" valve train on these DOHC engines actually shrinks with wear, rather than growing over time, due to the wear point being the valve seat rather than the surfaces of the shims or cam lobes. I too am surprised wi...
by Jbenrod
Thu Nov 26, 2020 8:32 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: transmission possibly slipping
Replies: 9
Views: 3922

Re: transmission possibly slipping

Thanks for finishing out the thread. I would think with that much back pressure some sensor would be reporting in but don't know (I later see you had said no codes showing). I wonder if the condition was caused by a failing or weak O2 sensor (which would have been allowing a rich mixture and contrib...
by Jbenrod
Sun Nov 22, 2020 1:11 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: what is this and is it dangerous
Replies: 14
Views: 5416

Re: what is this and is it dangerous

I think you know that is pretty advanced corrosion (rust) and will be expensive to repair. At the least you need to treat it now to slow the spread. You can spend some time reading up on the different options depending on how much you value your Vibe. I would recommend this product for something lik...
by Jbenrod
Tue Nov 03, 2020 6:23 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Rocker Panel Replacement
Replies: 12
Views: 9805

Re: Rocker Panel Replacement

I don't have sheet metal experience so can't offer much help but both of your options seem reasonable. For those of us with the plastic cladding along the rockers, is there any way to examine them without pulling the cladding? I've been afraid of pulling the cladding off because they may not fit tig...
by Jbenrod
Sat Oct 24, 2020 9:37 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Head Gasket going - bandages? solutions?
Replies: 21
Views: 7296

Re: Head Gasket going - bandages? solutions?

At least now you have confirmation you head gasket is not sealing. If you wish for it to be repaired, the head will have to come off in order to examine the gasket and surfaces further. At this point there are no bandages or solutions. The head has to come off or you get rid of the car and someone e...
by Jbenrod
Thu Oct 08, 2020 4:11 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Alternator overcharging, over 15V
Replies: 7
Views: 2211

Re: Alternator overcharging, over 15V

You need to figure out which engine you have. It's not that difficult and there may be a sticker on your hood that will tell you.

How many miles on this Vibe? Earlier alternator failures have not been a problem on these cars.
by Jbenrod
Sun Oct 04, 2020 6:10 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 28743

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

I talked to a Buick dealership about 10 days ago and they still haven't gotten back with me like they said they were going to do. (Except for some salesman who called back within 2 minutes thinking I was inquiring about purchasing a new car :lol: ) Here is an update how it's gone for me. As you can...
by Jbenrod
Sat Sep 05, 2020 3:28 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 28743

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

How about some updates on how has everyone been doing with getting this last airbag recall completed ? I talked to a Buick dealership about 10 days ago and they still haven't gotten back with me like they said they were going to do. (Except for some salesman who called back within 2 minutes thinking...
by Jbenrod
Sun Jul 26, 2020 1:03 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire
Replies: 6
Views: 2061

Re: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire

Thanks for those links and comments. This will be a good resource.
by Jbenrod
Thu Jul 23, 2020 7:56 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire
Replies: 6
Views: 2061

Adding a Front Door Puddle Light - looking for trigger wire

For a Gen 1. Does anyone know if I can find a wire that is in the dome light circuit inside of the driver's door? I want to connect to it and run down to the door bottom to add some LED lights that will go on and off the same as the dome light. (Or, maybe the door ajar circuit but anything that is t...
by Jbenrod
Fri Mar 20, 2020 2:01 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Overfilled Transmission?
Replies: 9
Views: 2565

Re: Overfilled Transmission?

From my notes. My last drain and refill of the transmission fluid I used about 3.25 quarts of Toyota Type IV. You do appear to have overfilled the transmission. It should not be difficult to loosen the drain plug and let a quart or so drip out. Note that the torque spec. is only 13 ft. lbs. on that ...
by Jbenrod
Sat Mar 07, 2020 8:19 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Stripped Transmission Nut
Replies: 7
Views: 2777

Re: Stripped Transmission Nut

Fwiw, the torque for the transmission drain plug is only 13 ft. lbs. (This is ~1/2 of what the oil drain plug is.)

I suspect that is why some are stripped that tranny plug.
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:32 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse
Replies: 19
Views: 6897

Re: whine/buzz when car is warming up / shifting in reverse

You say "The car has two bad motor mounts."

That probably is your problem.

Which two are bad? How do you know they are bad and is there some reason you are ignoring them?

viewtopic.php?f=12&t=46950
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 25, 2020 4:25 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Toyota 2.4L Engine 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption
Replies: 12
Views: 13049

Re: 2009 Toyota 2.4L Engine 2AZ-FE Excessive Oil Consumption

It would be acceptable to me if it was my car.
by Jbenrod
Sat Jan 18, 2020 4:55 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Lost the lower "vent" on the front passenger side of the front grille area
Replies: 18
Views: 9086

Re: Lost the lower "vent" on the front passenger side of the front grille area

Im definitely late,but for anyone in the future that loses their grill, there is this wire sort of like chicken fence and its extremely easy to install in place of the plastic grills plus i find it looks way better than the plastic and probably cost 10$ at most. If you have a link of the wire or pi...
by Jbenrod
Mon Dec 16, 2019 8:18 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Best Transmission Fluid Type
Replies: 10
Views: 8353

Re: Best Transmission Fluid Type

I checked my notes and when I drained the Transmission Fluid, I replaced with ~3.3 quarts of Toyota Type IV which I believe is close to what it should be. Note that the Torque spec. is 13 ft.lbs for the tranny plug bolt - - which is much less than the oil plug bolt that is 26 ft. lbs. I like to stay...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 9:30 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Poor Fuel Economy
Replies: 30
Views: 32347

Re: Poor Fuel Economy

Top Tier fuel retailers use a higher level of detergent additives compared to other retailers who are using the minimum EPA required detergent additives in order to help prevent the buildup of engine deposits. In my market, Sam's Club gas prices are often 10cts/gallon less than other brands that are...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 8:02 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 1ZZFE Extra Cooling Line?
Replies: 13
Views: 3542

Re: 1ZZFE Extra Cooling Line?

You've told us about that extra cooling line but I haven't seen anything on why the engine is not running. Maybe start another thread and explain details of what is going on now - is the engine starting up at all but running ruff ? , what engine codes are showing up, etc. Report if you have checked ...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 08, 2019 7:42 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Asian concentrate coolant
Replies: 14
Views: 3706

Re: Asian concentrate coolant

I've spent a lot of time reviewing coolant formulations over the years and have elected to use the Zerex G05 in all of my vehicles for the past decade. It's a HOAT formula that I usually purchase in the month of October when NAPA stores often have it on sale at around $14 / gallon for the full stren...
by Jbenrod
Sun Dec 01, 2019 2:13 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Air Recirculation Actuator
Replies: 37
Views: 20175

Re: Air Recirculation Actuator

I still don't know how people are able to get that top screw out. I can reach up and feel it but since there is a cable or duct just to the left of it I can never get a tool or even just the socket in there to get on the screw head. Regardless, I wanted to report that switching the gear (180) with t...
by Jbenrod
Thu Oct 10, 2019 6:09 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe Owner here! Full intro/info with questions at the end!
Replies: 11
Views: 3528

Re: New Vibe Owner here! Full intro/info with questions at the end!

Alternators have not been a problem with these vehicles so my guess is the alternator is operating normal. I would not plan on replacing it unless you are certain there is a problem. Horn and cruise control will probably work again after you replace the clockspring (spiral cable). I think you will n...
by Jbenrod
Sun Sep 01, 2019 6:27 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 28743

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

It should be a relatively simple job to replace this airbag as you can see in the video below. There should not be significant scratches on the console or dash. I took out my glove box before dropping the car off as that eliminates one step. It's also a good time to clean or replace the cabin filter...
by Jbenrod
Fri Aug 30, 2019 7:13 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: 2005 Pontiac Vibe replacement headlight assembly
Replies: 6
Views: 4400

Re: 2005 Pontiac Vibe replacement headlight assembly

I found just some work to repair of the old headlight lens worked pretty good. These pictures are from a few weeks ago
by Jbenrod
Fri Aug 30, 2019 6:09 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 28743

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix

I'm not to happy about this either because I thought we had this issue taken care of a few years ago. I just checked and found the following on my 2005 Base: Toyota has notified the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) about an upcoming safety recall that involves 2005-2008 model y...