GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Man of Steel

I'm not an oil expert but if it were my car, I'd stay with the regular 5w30 unless you're experiecing oil consumption between chnages.

Man of Steel

I replaced my stock Goodyear RSA"s with Kelly Navagtor Gold 12K miles ago. I found them to be better in the snow. Kelly-Sprinfield is owned by Goodyear.

Man of Steel

There's a lot of brand loyalty when it comes to oil and I used to be the same way. Some are probably better than others in levels of protection but only marginally. Its all the same dinosuar poop with addititives. (not counting synthetics) I use whatever is on sale and meets my vehicles requirements...

Man of Steel

I came accross this on Valvoline's website. Go through the survey, answer the questions, including name and address information and you'll be able to download a bar coded mail in rebate form, $1 off per qt for any Valvoline oil for min of 5 qts up to 35 qts. Offer expires 4/15/08. You can submit cas...

Man of Steel

A guy at Advance Auto told me that if I should not mix synthetic with dino. He told me its okay to switch from dino to synthetic but if you would want to go back to dino you have to do a engine flush. One thing I didn't ask him is if what he says is true why do the make synthetic blend? He is full o...

Man of Steel

PS---Also avoid the ethanol crap as keithvibe suggests. I lose about 2mpg as well as some performance when running on that junk. Nothing but an environmentalist whacko scam and its driving up corn prices.

Man of Steel

My mileage varies widely depending on how I drive. If I keep it around 70mph, I'll get around 30mpg easily. My best has been 32mpg. If I drive over 75 gas mileage drops off big time down to about 23-25/ These little engines lose their efficiency dramatically when pushed. Not sure what to tell you ab...

Man of Steel

My warranty is 3/36K so this is not covered. Although I'm about 8K miles out of warranty, I've owned the car just shy of 3 years. I took it back to where I bought it, they gave me an estimate of $172. Evidently, no need to drop the transfer case. I asked if they can cut me a break given my circumsta...

Man of Steel

Took the car to an independant mechanic who confirmed the transfer case is leaking from the rear seal. He also says that this shouldn't be happening at 44K miles and suggested I take it back tot he dealer and/or talk to Pontiac to see if they would make some type of warranty adjustment. He said its ...

Man of Steel

I think the rear seal on my transfer case is leaking. I get a few spots on the garage floor when I don't drive the car for a couple days. Doesn't look like much but whats hapening is that its laying or running along the drive shaft and throwing it onto my cat converter causing a burnt oil/rotten egg...

Man of Steel

Agree you lose about 3MPG in an AWD Vibe vs a base. Still, it's hardly a gas hog unless you have your foot to the floor all the time. You'd be hard pressed to find an AWD vehicle except perhaps a hybrid Ford Escape that delivers better gas mileage. I'm getting about 30MPG driving mostly highway back...

Man of Steel

Thanks!

Man of Steel

Does anyone know the TSB number to adjust the damper on the A/C to make it cooler? I mentioned A/C problem and fix to the Maintenace manager at the dealer and he didn't know what I was talking about. I know someone had posted some pics on how to do it yourself. I did a search but can't seem to locat...

Man of Steel

I know everybody likes the directional tires but my problem with them is that you can't criss cross them. Before everybody getson my case, I realize the owners manual says not to do that but I'm willing to bet that if you don't, the tires on the passenger side will wear faster. I'll take my chances ...

Man of Steel

Obviously the Syntec is better but I question the incremental benefit vs the additional cost. Someone would have to convince me of that. If you run regular and change your oil every 3-5K and if you're like most people, you'll probably trade the thing long before the engine dies. I never heard of any...

Man of Steel

Maybe if enough people complain, perhaps they'll bring back AWD in 08.

Man of Steel

Tool Guy, I"m interested in a set of protective fog lamp covers. How do I get them from you???

Man of Steel

--Dropping AWD option a dumb idea. Keep AWD, offer it with a manual transmission, and properly market the damn thing.---a little more torque and horsepower would be welcome.---upgreaded seating and interior materials---4 wheel disc brakes, std abs, side air bags, all models.---and I know, it's askin...

Man of Steel

I have 15K miles on my AWD and get anywhere from 29 to 31 back and forth to work if I keep in under 80mph. If I drive any faster than the mileage nosedives big time down to about 25-26mpg. Got 33mpg twice driving from Pittsburgh back to central PA on the turnpike with the cruise locked in at about 7...

Man of Steel

Real disappointment that the AWD Vibewill go away in 07. There is demand for fuel efficient AWD vehicles but as usual, GM finds a way to blow opportunities. Oh well, guess I can always consider an AWD Dodge Caliber or a Subaru Forester.

Man of Steel

What does disturb me however, is why AWD doesn't work for some folks in certain situations.

Man of Steel

Told you., I'm not crazy!

Man of Steel

AWD does work in reverse. I backed up on my snow covered street and looked out the door as I was doing so and my back wheels were spinning.I also called Pontiac and they confirmed that the Versatrak AWD system does work in reverse.

Man of Steel

If you slam on the brakes on and icey or snow covered road and it sounds like you're dragging garbage cans, then you have ABS.

Man of Steel

They didn't specify going forward or in reverse. For what its worth, I did my own experiment on a slope in front of my house a little while ago. It snowed yesterday and the street has some packed snow and ice. I backed up in reverse with the door open, looking my drivers side rear wheel and I saw it...

Man of Steel

Got to use my AWD Vibe in the snow for the first time today. We had about 8 inches and I was driving on both plowed and unplowed roads. It felt and and handled great,alhough it slides just easily as anything else.There's some debate on here as to if the AWD functions in reverse. I called Pontiac and...

Man of Steel

Hey,I hear what you're saying about the AWD not working in reverse, plus what you've experienced, but I called the Pontiac 1-800 number on their website yesterday and asked if the AWD works in reverse.They said they'd research it and call me back the next day. Today they called to tell me the Versat...

Man of Steel

I know what the owners manual says but I'm telling you, this is strong argument for going with a front to rear, criss cross to back tire rotation.

Man of Steel

Yes, I know exactly the area you're talking about at OBX where the road ends and the beach begins. I made the mistake of stopping in that area in my 4X4 Tacoma. I was able to move again but I had put it into low range, but everywhere else I was okay. I did see some CRV's on the beach but I bet you r...

Man of Steel

I'd probably find out that way but thats sounds like too much work.

Man of Steel

I had my Toyota 4X4 on the beach at Outer Banks. It has 12 inches of ground clearance. Driving in the sand feels weird. It's very soft and loose and if you stop in the loose sand it's hard to get moving again. It's nothing like driving in snow. I never got stuck but it sure felt like I was going to,...

Man of Steel

Has anybody tried to take their AWD Vibe out on the beach without getting stuck. Before I got my AWD Vibe I was down their two years ago with my Toyota pickup. I saw some CRV's and Foresters on the beach able to move around. Just wondering about the AWD Vibe. I just got mine May so I have no idea wh...

Man of Steel

Merlin, I don't think stepping down to an S or T speed rated tire is such a bad thing. If nothing else, youi'd probably get longer wear. I had an 01 Hyundai Elantra that came with H rated Michilns that lasted only 23K. Replaced them with H rated Firestones which were good for about 27K. Replaced tho...

Man of Steel

Digger,I know what the owners manual and everyone here says about rotation but the more I think about it, your tire guy has a good point about criss crossing. I think it's common sense that you'd definitely get even wear and if you don't have directional tires, what's the harm?

Man of Steel

I know some people who own Subarus and like them but one thing they complain about is that they chew up tires, so I'd agree with you it's the AWD. I only have 6K on my AWD VIBE. Used to own a Subaru Forester for a little while. At 20K the origional were about ready for replacement.Next time I might ...

Man of Steel

A lot of guys over at BOB IS THE OIL GUY website use the white Purolator One's, which is what I use now. For the money, they claim they're about the best filter you can buy. Pep Boy's often has them on sale. Also, the Pep Boys PRO LINE filers and Auto Zone's TOTAL GRIP filters are made by Purolator ...

Man of Steel

It's 1AM and this is really bugging me. So I put on my reading glasses, crawled under the car, stuck my head close to the oil pan and sure enough I can see a metal washer between the drainplug and oil pan. You're right, it must have stuck to the pan. Thanks.

Man of Steel

Jasonvibe, I'm telling man, there wasn't one there when I took the drainplug off this time. I don't think it was there the first time either. (this is my 2nd oil change) I carefully checked the bottom of the pan I drained the oil into. Unless like you say it may have been stuck to the oil pan. My Hy...

Man of Steel

Hey, I changed my oil for the second time on my 05 vibe and my drain plug doesn't have a gasket. I noticed it didn't have one when I took if off either. Maybe I lost it when doing my first oil change but I think I would have noticed it. Either way, I didn't lose any oil between changes. Do you suppo...

Man of Steel

I've heard that rubbing alcohol will remove wax on cladding and trim. Never tried it however.

Man of Steel

Yes, I stand corrected. Thanks.

Man of Steel

My 05 AWD came with Eage GS-A's. I think they're directional and you're not supposed to criss corss directional tires. I just did min at 5,000 miles and went front to back.I briefly owned a Subaru Forester and the owners manual prescribed rotating them front to back.

Man of Steel

I have the full hood version from Carbras for my 05. Initial installation takes awhile, but once you get the hang of it, it'll take you about 5-10 min. to remvoe and about 15 min if that to put back on. I have a tough time with clips on the lower grill. Everything else unhooks and hooks rather easil...

Man of Steel

I just squirt mine off with the hose and sling it over a 6 foot step ladder. Often, mine is still a little wet when I put it back on but i have a garage and I think it dries out as you drive. I like the vacuum suggestion. I may try that next time and only use the hose when it gets realy dirty.

Man of Steel

I just noticed a few small drops coming through at the back corners of my sunroof yesterday. They collect neatly into the gutter tracks. Still I'm concerned. I bought my car in May and this is the first I bothered to check the seal while driving in the rain. I plan to keep an eye on it for the next ...

Man of Steel

Perhaps my it'll only become an issue in deep snow. I agree with you that its nice to keep your car in the garage during the winter. That's what I tend to do with my Toyota pickup. (even though it's 4WD) But the reason why I went with an AWD was not so I can park it in the garage when it snows. Gues...

Man of Steel

I'm sure this has been discussed somwhere but I was unable to find it in any previous post. Not only that, I realize it's only Sept. However, does anyone find that their wheels get packed with snow easily in the winter? If so, I suspect it affects the handling. Will it cause any damage to the suspen...

Man of Steel

I only have 4,000 miles and no problems yet. A/C could stand to be a little cooler but I've yet to do the insulation mod and TSB adjustment. As for the paint, no chips yet but I have one of those massive front end covers from carbras.com. In my unqualified opinion, GM hasn't produced a good paint jo...

Man of Steel

I almost always get my oil on sale for as little as 79 cents a quart and usually a Puralator filter for $2.50. You may be right about my 3-4 K OCI being overkill but one thing is certain, it's inexpensive, won't hurt my engine, and it's a good excue to hang out in the garage and smoke a cigar. Besid...

Man of Steel

I use whatever 5W-30 dino is on sale and change every 3 to 4,000 miles. Valvoline, Penzoil, Havoline, Shell, Exxon, Citgo, Proline to name a few.

Search found 94 matches