Search found 441 matches

by andrewclaus
Fri Mar 03, 2023 9:46 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2009 Rough Shift after battery replacement
Replies: 5
Views: 59

Re: 2009 Rough Shift after battery replacement

If the starter motor cranks and the engine runs, it's hard to think the battery could be the issue. The transmission draws almost no current compared to the starter and ignition, headlights, etc. From what I could find, it looks like 26 is a suitable replacement for the 35, with a smaller case and d...
by andrewclaus
Wed Feb 22, 2023 6:49 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Gen 1 front wheel bearing replacement
Replies: 1
Views: 36

Re: Gen 1 front wheel bearing replacement

Remove the steering knuckle and carry it to a nearby machine shop. Call around for a place that has a large enough press. The auto parts stores in my area no longer have the press--I had to take it to a transmission shop. They charged me $20.
by andrewclaus
Sat Jan 28, 2023 6:44 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2007 Cranks but no start
Replies: 13
Views: 256

Re: 2007 Cranks but no start

That code does not indicate a timing fault, rather a position sensor low input. If you trust the sensor and the harness and the ECM, the only thing left is the reluctor ring on the intake camshaft. I'd remove the valve cover and check that out before giving up.
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 12:15 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Acceleration after starting
Replies: 4
Views: 115

Re: Acceleration after starting

If you can "reboot" it after it warms up and it runs fine, I don't see fuel being the problem. Unfortunately, there's no test port.

Will your scanner give you pending and past codes?

Maybe a vacuum leak that seals up with a warm manifold? Do you have a vacuum gauge?
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:44 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Acceleration after starting
Replies: 4
Views: 115

Re: Acceleration after starting

Worn throttle body?

Did you have the same symptoms before changing the TPS?
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 18, 2023 5:30 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2010 Vibe, 1.8L : Oil Pan Replacement Questions
Replies: 4
Views: 92

Re: 2010 Vibe, 1.8L : Oil Pan Replacement Questions

Oil leaks can be hard to track down. Be sure to clean well above the pan on the engine block and rule out other sources. A common oil leak on these engines is from the timing chain tensioner, pretty much right above your towel. There are a few discussions on that on this forum. If it ends up being f...
by andrewclaus
Tue Jan 17, 2023 5:53 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Melted fuel tank!
Replies: 1
Views: 61

Re: Melted fuel tank!

I just worked on the section of pipe in front of the tail pipe, and from what I saw there's no way the right part installed correctly would contact the fuel tank. If it had been, you probably would have heard it. It's possible that the heat shield was lost some time ago and not noticed by someone wo...
by andrewclaus
Sat Jan 14, 2023 5:30 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Should I replace my battery?
Replies: 4
Views: 102

Re: Should I replace my battery?

In addition to temperature, it's also a matter of how many charge cycles and how deep. I kept a battery working for 13 years in my old Subaru. I don't drive it much, it's a manual transmission and I usually park on a hill, so I seldom use the starter motor. If you have a security system or keyless e...
by andrewclaus
Fri Jan 13, 2023 6:25 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Boot Cover
Replies: 3
Views: 78

Re: Boot Cover

That's not the CV joint, it's the strut shock absorber. It's probably best to replace the shock absorber, probably the whole strut assembly, rather than just the boot. Have a shop check them for a professional opinion. Strut replacement greatly improved the handling of my Vibe. It probably still had...
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 11, 2023 5:40 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pontiac Vibe Key
Replies: 5
Views: 175

Re: Pontiac Vibe Key

I've never had to deal with it personally, but a GM dealer will be able to get the key code from the VIN. It'll be expensive, hundreds of dollars. My '07 thankfully doesn't have the feature. When I got dupes made, the key guy had to scan the original for a chip, the first time I've run into that. It...
by andrewclaus
Sat Jan 07, 2023 2:00 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Might be buying a Vibe
Replies: 9
Views: 198

Re: Might be buying a Vibe

My '07 had 150K miles when I bought it five years ago, and it's been a great car. From my experience, expect new struts, maybe wheel bearings. The most money I've ever put into it was tires, but I do my own mechanic work. At some point, age might start counting as much as mileage, with rubber and pl...
by andrewclaus
Sun Dec 25, 2022 4:58 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Cold Start Misfire - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Replies: 11
Views: 144

Re: Cold Start Misfire - 2009 Pontiac Vibe

That engine knock might be a connecting rod bearing. Check out other videos, see what you think. The misfire code is initiated by the crankshaft position sensor. If it senses a variation in shaft speed by more than a percent or two, and it's in one position consistently, it'll put out the code. Sinc...
by andrewclaus
Tue Dec 20, 2022 4:52 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Recently Acquired 05 Vibe... Some Questions w/ Pictures
Replies: 5
Views: 197

Re: Recently Acquired 05 Vibe... Some Questions w/ Pictures

Same thing happened to my air bag trim at the dealer. I got underneath it, probably through the glove box, not sure, and saw one of the plastic tabs was bent back past its elasticity point. I was able to rig a spring clamp to get it to hold again without interfering with the airbag.
by andrewclaus
Sat Dec 17, 2022 1:02 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Cold Start Misfire - 2009 Pontiac Vibe
Replies: 11
Views: 144

Re: Cold Start Misfire - 2009 Pontiac Vibe

With the noise you describe, I wouldn't rule out a mechanical issue with a valve or piston. The cylinder misfire code doesn't care about the ignition--it's a mechanical sensor.
by andrewclaus
Sat Dec 17, 2022 6:35 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain
Replies: 8
Views: 194

Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain

Yes, it would be wise to replace the crush washer. But I'm lazy and only do it if I get a drip at rated torque. A drip or two doesn't matter where I park. Part No is 35178-30010 for my 2007.

I use this Toyota parts site: https://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota Plug in your year and characteristics.
by andrewclaus
Fri Dec 16, 2022 2:37 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain
Replies: 8
Views: 194

Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain

I just learned that WS came out in 2008. My Vibe is a 2007, so I haven't dealt with that. Your 2009 is probably WS then.

There's a similar mistake in the manual about engine coolant, something about GM coolant in a Toyota engine.
by andrewclaus
Fri Dec 16, 2022 11:56 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain
Replies: 8
Views: 194

Re: 2009 Pontiac Vibe Transmission Drain

My owners manual says to use only T-IV fluid, so I did that. By all means, do it. I bought mine with 150K miles on it, and suspect it had never been changed. I did three drain-and-fills over a summer and it looks clean and red now. Also never had a shift problem. Dropping the pan and changing the fi...
by andrewclaus
Tue Dec 13, 2022 2:38 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2007 Cranks but no start
Replies: 13
Views: 256

Re: 2007 Cranks but no start

Orient the picture using the locking tab, and the larger set of contacts along the "top" row. And when you unplug the connector to look at the contacts, everything will be mirror imaged. You'll also notice that the four connector bodies are slightly different--each has a different number o...
by andrewclaus
Sun Dec 11, 2022 1:04 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Help to identify sensor on transmission
Replies: 9
Views: 168

Re: Help to identify sensor on transmission

I'd try what Joatman suggested first, try an RTV repair of the seal. You also have a point, that all the connectors may be accessible from the pan, with a route to pull the wire.
by andrewclaus
Sun Dec 11, 2022 5:45 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Help to identify sensor on transmission
Replies: 9
Views: 168

Re: Help to identify sensor on transmission

My wiring diagram is for a 2003 Corolla, so I wouldn't trust part numbers. It shows a 6-terminal plug. But going by part name, look for the "O-ring for transmission wire," similar to this: https://www.toyotapartsdeal.com/oem/toyota~ring~o~for~transmission~wire~90301-21009.html The SKU for ...
by andrewclaus
Sat Dec 10, 2022 7:36 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Help to identify sensor on transmission
Replies: 9
Views: 168

Re: Help to identify sensor on transmission

It looks like the connector from the ECM to the transmission solenoids. Not a sensor, I think.
by andrewclaus
Fri Dec 09, 2022 11:37 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Do I need to check valve clearance, or anything else anymore on 1ZZ engine?
Replies: 2
Views: 131

Re: Do I need to check valve clearance, or anything else anymore on 1ZZ engine?

From limited experience with Toyota engines, I've heard to leave the valves alone unless you get noise from them, or are tearing the head down for another problem. I've had issues pop up, maybe once a year, with suspension and exhaust. A front oil seal leak recently, oil leak at the tensioner O-ring...
by andrewclaus
Mon Dec 05, 2022 5:16 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Windshield Wipers not working
Replies: 10
Views: 204

Re: Windshield Wipers not working

First check the fuse. If it blew, there may be a mechanical problem with the wiper linkage. If the fuse is intact, it's either the motor or the control circuit. You can test the latter with a meter by unplugging the connector at the motor, turn the wipers on, and test for voltage to ground at any of...
by andrewclaus
Tue Nov 15, 2022 5:31 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: seek advice/help
Replies: 4
Views: 78

Re: seek advice/help

All of what you describe really need hands-on diagnostics. Many things could be at fault. For instance, I fixed my cruise control by cleaning the switch on the steering wheel, but it took an hour with a meter to find that. A "leak in the engine" is too vague--what is leaking? Oil? Gasoline...
by andrewclaus
Tue Nov 01, 2022 4:32 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member, Loving the vibe
Replies: 4
Views: 165

Re: New member, Loving the vibe

That's a good list. While you're there, check the plugs, clean the MAF sensor, and clean the throttle body. The ATF is easy to change on this car since the pan has a drain plug. It's also pretty easy to drop the pan and change the filter. You're only going to get a fraction of the fluid out of the s...
by andrewclaus
Tue Oct 25, 2022 5:09 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: yet another emission and code question
Replies: 2
Views: 109

Re: yet another emission and code question

There are gasketed joints at the manifold and near the muffler. I just had a leak at the muffler flange, and found the flange itself was nearly rusted off. I had to replace a section of pipe to fix that joint. The dealer part would have cost over $1000, but I was able to find an aftermarket repair t...
by andrewclaus
Mon Oct 10, 2022 9:48 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Water temp issue!
Replies: 8
Views: 124

Re: Water temp issue!

vibinout06 wrote: Mon Oct 10, 2022 7:39 am Ok I understand now. Bummer, thanks for the tip man!
You're welcome, and welcome to the forum. Let us know how it works out.
by andrewclaus
Sun Oct 09, 2022 1:57 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Water temp issue!
Replies: 8
Views: 124

Re: Water temp issue!

That sounds like a classic case of a thermostat stuck open. Coolant is always circulating in the radiator so when you get to highway speed you get too much cooling. Be careful removing the serpentine belt. Use a six-point 19 mm socket on the tensioner so you don't strip it. Then pull the generator a...
by andrewclaus
Sun Oct 02, 2022 5:06 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Thump at low speeds, vibration at high.
Replies: 4
Views: 110

Re: Thump at low speeds, vibration at high.

I'd start by rotating the tires, for a couple of reasons--to more carefully check them for visible damage, and to see if the noise seems to move when the tires move.
by andrewclaus
Mon Sep 26, 2022 10:57 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Burnt wiring
Replies: 4
Views: 140

Re: Burnt wiring

Take a look at this parts page for the Matrix. It shows the part number label for the harness should be near the engine room fuse block. The one number I could track down showed a retail cost of over $1600. If all you need to replace is the melted connector, you'll probably have to track down a GM p...
by andrewclaus
Mon Sep 26, 2022 5:31 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Crank no Start, been to two mechanics
Replies: 4
Views: 171

Re: Crank no Start, been to two mechanics

I would concentrate on fuel delivery diagnostics--pump and injectors. For this car, you have to buy a kit to install a pressure gauge. I'd also pull the injectors and test them for flow and leakage. That's a lot of work. If I had to pay someone to do it, I'd have a problem doing that. It's also expe...
by andrewclaus
Sat Sep 24, 2022 4:36 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3693
Views: 549166

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I fixed a couple of items before a road trip to AZ. The car has 205K miles on it now. I found engine oil dripping all around the front of the engine and suspension below it. So I replaced the timing cover oil seal, but the harmonic balancer had a groove worn in it from the old seal. I tried sanding ...
by andrewclaus
Wed Sep 21, 2022 4:57 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Hard Start, Rough Idle and a little noise by the timing chain cover
Replies: 3
Views: 199

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

One tune-up item you haven't mentioned is cleaning the MAF sensor. Otherwise I'd start checking engine mechanical health--compression or bleed-down test. Did you fix the hard start issue? Did the timing chain tensioner solve the noise? I replaced mine for an oil leak, and the engine got a little qui...
by andrewclaus
Fri Sep 16, 2022 3:15 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Elusive Oil Leak Fixed!
Replies: 3
Views: 8290

Re: Elusive Oil Leak Fixed!

I just did this repair today. I tried the cheap ($40) electric impact wrench from Harbor Freight, but it didn't break the bolt loose. You need a better wrench than that. I had to use my chain wrench on the pulley and an 18" breaker bar, and that worked just fine. I liked getting the torque wren...
by andrewclaus
Thu Sep 08, 2022 9:07 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Longer cranking/starting
Replies: 6
Views: 235

Re: Longer cranking/starting

I’ve done plugs and filter. Haven’t considered PCV, MAF as I don’t like to just replace parts. I have cleaned the throttle body as best I could with it on the engine. Are these fuel injectors easily cleaned? Just run a can of commercial fuel system cleaner through the gas tank. Don't replace the MA...
by andrewclaus
Tue Sep 06, 2022 4:12 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Longer cranking/starting
Replies: 6
Views: 235

Re: Longer cranking/starting

Have you done basic tune-up stuff? Check plugs, air filter, PCV valve, clean injectors, MAF sensor and throttle body?
by andrewclaus
Mon Aug 08, 2022 4:10 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 03 Electrical problems
Replies: 12
Views: 2517

Re: 03 Electrical problems

Look in the owners manual (download one if yours is missing), and there should be a diagram on the cover of the fuse block. As mentioned above, it's in the under-dash fuse block.
by andrewclaus
Fri Aug 05, 2022 9:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Won’t start - no dash lights…?
Replies: 3
Views: 182

Re: Won’t start - no dash lights…?

You left a lot of components charged up overnight, including the ignition coils and engine control system. If a fuse is blown, it may be because a component failed. Check downstream components before replacing fuses. Which fuse did you replace? Verify it didn't blow again right away. Did you check f...
by andrewclaus
Fri Jul 29, 2022 3:56 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: No Tail Lights at Night
Replies: 4
Views: 181

Re: No Tail Lights at Night

When you say you disconnected the bulbs in front, did you unplug them or disconnect the wiring harness? Bulbs don't short out, they blow out. The fuse blows either because of an overload or a direct short to ground, probably the latter. I have a diagram from a 2004 Corolla, similar but not identical...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jul 14, 2022 3:50 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member
Replies: 2
Views: 322

Re: New member

Welcome. If you have radio control buttons on the steering wheel, the problem is probably in the "clockspring" cable. It looks like you can get them for around $50. A DIYer who's comfortable working with the air bag can easily replace it. Be sure to use the VIN to order the correct part. T...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jul 07, 2022 4:21 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: High rpm then low rpm then regular rpm
Replies: 5
Views: 304

Re: High rpm then low rpm then regular rpm

Check for pending codes. Assuming the check engine light is normal.

Clean the MAF sensor, replace the air filter.

Run some injector cleaner.

Check fuel pump pressure.

Welcome to the forum and good luck with the problem.
by andrewclaus
Sun Jul 03, 2022 4:20 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What's the max milage you'd buy a Vibe at?
Replies: 5
Views: 456

Re: What's the max milage you'd buy a Vibe at?

My sweet spot for a used car purchase is 10 years old and 150K miles. I always get ten more years out of a car like that. I'm almost five years into my '07 Vibe, and on track for five more easily. I wouldn't be looking for a Vibe if I had to replace it, maybe a ten year-old FWD RAV4. At some point, ...
by andrewclaus
Fri Jun 24, 2022 10:53 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: vibe overheating
Replies: 7
Views: 416

Re: vibe overheating

It would be a head gasket, not casket. The gasket separates coolant and oil from exhaust gases. A failure can show up in the oil, coolant, or exhaust. Hot exhaust gases leaking into the coolant can cause a spike on the temp gauge. Clean oil is not a sufficient test. Another easy test is a coolant pr...
by andrewclaus
Sat Jun 11, 2022 4:35 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: 05 Vibe Base FWD Rear shocks torque specs?
Replies: 2
Views: 209

Re: 05 Vibe Base FWD Rear shocks torque specs?

My manual says 59. The 103 spec is for the AWD connection to the rear suspension arm.
by andrewclaus
Sun Jun 05, 2022 12:41 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Driveshaft Carrier bearing
Replies: 1
Views: 190

Re: Driveshaft Carrier bearing

Here's one on eBay for half cost, if available: https://www.ebay.com/itm/174407899419
by andrewclaus
Wed May 25, 2022 8:29 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: '03 GT - won't start & weird electric problem
Replies: 5
Views: 228

Re: '03 GT - won't start & weird electric problem

I'll guess you have a low resistance short circuit in the new starter, pulling hundreds of amps. There is no fusible link to the starter, so nothing will blow. But you will kill the battery voltage. You're probably boiling something in the battery, and it has extremely low voltage, just a few volts ...
by andrewclaus
Sat May 14, 2022 1:39 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Rear creaking noises 2005 FWD vibe
Replies: 3
Views: 242

Re: Rear creaking noises 2005 FWD vibe

I've never had to fix a noise like that, but besides the various rubber bushings (sway bar, control arm, rear axle beam) it could be a ball joint. I don't know how well lubes will penetrate a rubber bushing. If you can reproduce the noise while it's parked, by bouncing or shaking it or turning the w...
by andrewclaus
Fri May 13, 2022 2:20 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Car makes a noise like somebody is hitting it with a hammer from underneath.
Replies: 5
Views: 425

Re: Car makes a noise like somebody is hitting it with a hammer from underneath.

Check suspension and steering components like the lower control arms, ball joints, struts.
by andrewclaus
Tue May 10, 2022 4:36 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 09 Vibe 2.4L died with A/C
Replies: 1
Views: 196

Re: 09 Vibe 2.4L died with A/C

Something hit the compressor and it can no long spin when the clutch engages. If so, you need a new compressor.

Have you lain down and looked underneath? There may be some other damage too that would be good to know about.
by andrewclaus
Mon Apr 11, 2022 4:22 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Engine Blown @ 86,000?
Replies: 15
Views: 690

Re: Engine Blown @ 86,000?

Would it be possible to get a list of codes?