Search found 568 matches

by andrewclaus
Wed Jul 02, 2025 4:06 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: bad battery??
Replies: 7
Views: 85

Re: bad battery??

I had the same starter issue last year, replaced the starter easily, got the better quality one for $200.
by andrewclaus
Tue Jun 24, 2025 4:00 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Power going to fan relay when car off, causing fan to run while key is out and draining battery.
Replies: 4
Views: 207

Re: Power going to fan relay when car off, causing fan to run while key is out and draining battery.

Have you checked the relay itself? Try a bench test--should be open contacts out of the car, apply 12V to the coil terminals and contacts should close.
by andrewclaus
Mon Jun 23, 2025 4:38 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Loose wire under alternator connects to what
Replies: 2
Views: 145

Re: Loose wire under alternator connects to what

If the wire insulation is black with a white stripe (I think I can see the edge of a white stripe), it's power for the magnetic clutch for the A/C compressor. It's easy enough to check--does the A/C work?
by andrewclaus
Sun May 25, 2025 4:53 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: lug nut installation question=-
Replies: 3
Views: 281

Re: lug nut installation question=-

Usually "German torque" is all you need--Gutentight. Like if you're changing a flat on the roadside. But when I'm rotating tires at home, I do use my torque wrench. It sounds like you probably don't do your own tire rotation, so why not bring the new nuts to your tire shop and have them in...
by andrewclaus
Tue May 20, 2025 2:07 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Large parasitic draw when ignition in "ON" position. Wont crank.
Replies: 4
Views: 336

Re: Large parasitic draw when ignition in "ON" position. Wont crank.

Concentrating on fixing the no crank problem, only when the battery's in the circuit, leads me to think there's something wrong with the battery under cranking load. I suggest bringing it to a parts store and have them do a load test on it. How old is the battery? Then work on the load on the Gauge ...
by andrewclaus
Thu May 01, 2025 12:12 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2006 battery disconnect for DIY
Replies: 3
Views: 371

Re: 2006 battery disconnect for DIY

The negative cable, just 'cause it's easier. I sometimes violate the safety rule for operations I know how to do, are not near the SRS system or fuel, and are just a matter of unplugging something small and plugging something else back in. It saves the programming in the radio and various other memo...
by andrewclaus
Sat Apr 26, 2025 2:42 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: 2003 Vibe Possible vacuum leak
Replies: 4
Views: 2557

Re: 2003 Vibe Possible vacuum leak

Engine vacuum is highest in idle, lower when throttle is open, so it's probably not a vacuum leak if it's louder when accelerating.
by andrewclaus
Sun Apr 20, 2025 4:57 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005 (base model) crank seal #=?
Replies: 6
Views: 2963

Re: 2005 (base model) crank seal #=?

The Toyota parts website I use doesn't let me in anymore. But a dealer parts counter can help you out. Mine always checks my numbers anyway. If you have an active leak at the pulley, you might also need to replace the pulley. A failed seal has a wire that will dig a groove. I tried sanding out the g...
by andrewclaus
Wed Apr 16, 2025 4:58 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: DS headlight out
Replies: 9
Views: 911

Re: DS headlight out

There's a remote possibility you got a bad bulb from the store, that had an early failure. I'd just try another one. I assume you verified the bulb failed--discolored glass or broken filament.
by andrewclaus
Wed Apr 09, 2025 8:57 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Blown fuse
Replies: 7
Views: 516

Re: Blown fuse

It's probably not the fuse--it's more likely the radio itself. In the wiring diagram for the 2003 Corolla, which is very similar to the Vibe, the following items are on the DOME fuse: ABS Clock Combination Meter Cruise Control Headlight Illumination Interior Light Light Reminder Buzzer and Key Remin...
by andrewclaus
Mon Apr 07, 2025 12:53 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Clogged Cat- will boring it out cause driveability issues?
Replies: 5
Views: 760

Re: Clogged Cat- will boring it out cause driveability issues?

Is a non-CARB cat possible to buy/ship where you live? Those are less expensive.
by andrewclaus
Fri Mar 28, 2025 7:49 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?
Replies: 6
Views: 3267

Re: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?

joatmon wrote: Thu Mar 27, 2025 3:30 pm your right, I was just trying to guess at a scenario where while driving down the road the starter relay closed to connect the bad solenoid circuit to the 30A fuse
I reread your first post and see I misunderstood. I was wondering why it stalled and that makes sense. But still freakish.
by andrewclaus
Thu Mar 27, 2025 12:07 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?
Replies: 6
Views: 3267

Re: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?

Not sure how the bad starter got too much juice if the starter relay wasn't closed, which obviously wouldn't be normal. Maybe some bump in the road shocked the bad starter into engaging, and stalled the engine, the the fuse blew when you tried to start it again. Freakish coincidences. Glad you've g...
by andrewclaus
Wed Mar 26, 2025 12:29 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?
Replies: 6
Views: 3267

Re: 2005 Vibe 2WD turned off on highway, starter problem?

The 30A MAIN fuse feeds directly to the starter solenoid via the ST relay. It also feeds the ignition switch, but via the 15A AM2 fuse, so that would blow first if there were a problem with the ignition switch.

Somehow a short developed in the starter solenoid on the starter motor.
by andrewclaus
Wed Mar 26, 2025 12:02 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: where to buy parts ==--
Replies: 3
Views: 4834

Re: where to buy parts ==--

I use this site to get the Toyota part no. You have to get familiar with the Matrix frame codes.

http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/#
by andrewclaus
Sun Mar 16, 2025 6:00 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Rattle. Shield?
Replies: 5
Views: 1836

Re: Rattle. Shield?

Those are great photos above. You can see you'll need new nuts and probably washers, not bolts. The nuts thread onto studs permanently attached to the body. You may need to clean threads. I was able to replace the entire exhaust system with the car jacked up on stands. My heat shields (three on the ...
by andrewclaus
Sat Mar 15, 2025 5:22 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Rattle. Shield?
Replies: 5
Views: 1836

Re: Rattle. Shield?

If it's a heat shield above the exhaust, you shouldn't need a lift. They're held on by nuts with a 10 mm hex head, probably M6 X 1.0 thread.
by andrewclaus
Mon Mar 10, 2025 8:13 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: New oil leak
Replies: 10
Views: 2853

Re: New oil leak

The rear engine mount is supported by the front crossmember. If you need to move that, the engine should be supported. That can be done with the car jack and a block of wood on the transmission.
by andrewclaus
Mon Mar 10, 2025 3:58 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: New oil leak
Replies: 10
Views: 2853

Re: New oil leak

Looks like a torn CV boot causing the "splatter" in last few photos. The oil pan is hard to tell from below.
by andrewclaus
Sun Mar 09, 2025 5:21 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: 2004 Vibe 1.8 Litre
Replies: 2
Views: 1647

Re: 2004 Vibe 1.8 Litre

Did you have the adapter to test the cap with the pressure tester? Did you try running the engine with the pressure gauge attached? That could show head gasket problems. If there was crud on the cap, it's probably bad. A leak from there might be vapor, not visible in the short term. That's all I can...
by andrewclaus
Mon Mar 03, 2025 4:52 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: New oil leak
Replies: 10
Views: 2853

Re: New oil leak

The passenger side leak, if at the rear of the engine, is likely (hopefully) the timing chain tensioner and that's an easy repair. There are some threads on that. I'm not sure about the other area--photos could help. It may be a valve cover gasket. I have no experience with that on this engine. A cl...
by andrewclaus
Sun Mar 02, 2025 3:32 pm
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: Wheel Cylinder, upgrade
Replies: 5
Views: 2596

Re: Wheel Cylinder, upgrade

The dimensions you're changing are probably okay. But a larger rear cylinder will take more fluid to actuate, will take more time to fill, and won't travel as far. But it will provide slightly more force across the lower range of travel. There are always trade-offs.
by andrewclaus
Fri Feb 07, 2025 6:25 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dome light replacement
Replies: 4
Views: 2571

Re: Dome light replacement

Doesn't your Vibe have the map lights on the rear view mirror? My dome light switch is wonky too, but I just leave it off. It's probably dirty/corroded switch contacts. You can try to squirt a drop of WD-40 in there, but only a drop or two--you don't want a drippy mess. I'd hesitate to try to remove...
by andrewclaus
Fri Jan 31, 2025 1:53 pm
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: A tick while in overdrive
Replies: 5
Views: 4966

Re: A tick while in overdrive

When you say "second stage of overdrive," do you mean when the torque converter locks in? I wonder if you switched overdrive off, would you still get the sound when the torque converter locks in while in Drive? If it does, I'd suspect some sort of problem with the torque converter lock, th...
by andrewclaus
Sun Jan 26, 2025 6:09 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: NEW HERE AND IN NEED OF SOME HELP 05 VIBE
Replies: 5
Views: 3154

Re: NEW HERE AND IN NEED OF SOME HELP 05 VIBE

You might want to stop shooting the parts cannon and do some tests. Get a vacuum gauge, read up on its use. Plug or pinch off the vacuum hose to the booster and look for a change. Also pull the fuse for the brake lights to eliminate an electrical problem. And consider the car is 20 years old. If it ...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jan 16, 2025 7:49 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: A tick while in overdrive
Replies: 5
Views: 4966

Re: A tick while in overdrive

It sounds like the car was driven for a while with a very loose belt, which could explain why you didn't have cranking power, and maybe it stalled due to lack of ignition power. That belt also drives the water pump, so it's possible the engine ran too hot for too long, and there's some mechanical da...
by andrewclaus
Sun Jan 12, 2025 10:09 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2010 Vibe 1.8 :Need Photo Of Back of Engine Where Timing Chain Tensioner Is !
Replies: 5
Views: 2160

Re: 2010 Vibe 1.8 :Need Photo Of Back of Engine Where Timing Chain Tensioner Is !

You might be able to tell if it's valve noise by the frequency. If it's half engine RPM, it's a valve. DId you check valve clearances when you reassembled the cam? Did you move any of the lifters?
by andrewclaus
Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:23 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Odd clicking from behind upper center of dash above ~30mph
Replies: 2
Views: 2015

Re: Odd clicking from behind upper center of dash above ~30mph

The moving parts for the HVAC are lower, below the radio. There are several movable doors to direct the different modes. Maybe one is loose, and affected by outside air under pressure at higher speed. Have you tried all modes, in addition to recirc? All fan speeds? Also verify all the HVAC modes wor...
by andrewclaus
Thu Jan 09, 2025 6:00 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Upgrade for an 07 Vibe
Replies: 1
Views: 1961

Re: Upgrade for an 07 Vibe

I can only help with the radio upgrade. Crutchfield kits make it easy. Get the best unit you can afford. Their cheap stuff is really cheap.

I assume you've done a basic tune-up on the engine--new plugs, air filter, PCV valve, injector cleaner, MAF sensor cleaner, cleaned throttle body,
by andrewclaus
Wed Jan 01, 2025 10:03 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Fuel Rail Assembly
Replies: 3
Views: 2123

Re: Fuel Rail Assembly

You'll probably have better luck using the Toyota part number to search. I use this site http://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/. Use your VIN or model info. My 2007 part number is 23807-22030 and there are lots of options, new and used.
by andrewclaus
Sun Dec 22, 2024 10:14 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Micro VIBE ration
Replies: 2
Views: 2149

Re: Micro VIBE ration

Do a good tuneup and check the motor mounts. There should be other threads on that topic.
by andrewclaus
Tue Dec 17, 2024 12:43 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Body Fasteners or Drain Holes ???
Replies: 1
Views: 1896

Re: Body Fasteners or Drain Holes ???

No fasteners there per the body parts diagram: https://www.japan-parts.eu/toyota/us/20 ... (removed)#55781D
by andrewclaus
Sun Dec 15, 2024 5:29 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Replacing radiator fan/coolant issue
Replies: 3
Views: 1963

Re: Replacing radiator fan/coolant issue

Yes, you're right, a flush would be better. I went the easier route and didn't have any problems with my car. As I recall I did an extra step to drain the engine block, but didn't have a good way to dispose of flushed coolant at the time.
by andrewclaus
Sat Dec 14, 2024 6:26 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Replacing radiator fan/coolant issue
Replies: 3
Views: 1963

Re: Replacing radiator fan/coolant issue

No need to flush, just do a drain and fill. I did that for my '07 when I first got it with 150K miles, with apparently original Dexcool in it. I replaced it with Toyota and it was one of the easier cars I've done it on--bleeding the system went well. Get one of the no-spill funnels to make it really...
by andrewclaus
Tue Dec 10, 2024 4:56 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Pontiac Vibe Key
Replies: 8
Views: 6136

Re: Pontiac Vibe Key

I assume you've tried the obvious--make sure it's in Park, and the steering wheel isn't locked.

Try a squirt of penetrating oil (not WD-40) into the cylinder.

Try a local locksmith.
by andrewclaus
Sat Dec 07, 2024 4:06 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Blend door actuator replacement, need help
Replies: 6
Views: 2779

Re: Blend door actuator replacement, need help

Hah. I dropped a 12mm socket into the front subframe a few months ago, and it has vanished. Since then I've looked and probed into every possible hole, even when I replaced the rear engine mount, and it's gone. At least it's quiet.
by andrewclaus
Fri Dec 06, 2024 5:07 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe owner in Minnesota
Replies: 4
Views: 2877

Re: New Vibe owner in Minnesota

Enjoy that car. I got my 2007 in the same color, different trim package, eight years ago and in the same condition. It was a lifetime Colorado car, ungaraged, and has the same roof and hood paint damage. Mine now has 230K miles, and so far I've had some front suspension, exhaust, and engine oil leak...
by andrewclaus
Sat Nov 23, 2024 1:07 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Split Gas Tank and Muffler
Replies: 2
Views: 2324

Re: Split Gas Tank and Muffler

I'll try attaching the service manual procedure for replacing the tank on an '03 Corolla, which is fairly close to the Vibe. I'd be really careful around the old plastic gas fittings. Some are probably brittle. Any O rings reused will probably leak. With that in mind, I'd give it a try with a salvag...
by andrewclaus
Tue Nov 19, 2024 6:00 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: oil leaks continue =- @!^7#
Replies: 3
Views: 2704

Re: oil leaks continue =- @!^7#

Yeah, good luck. I got lucky with my leaks, one at the tensionser, one at the front pulley, both easy to get to.
by andrewclaus
Fri Nov 15, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Sill plate needed (the one with tabs) 2005 Vibe
Replies: 4
Views: 2576

Re: Sill plate needed (the one with tabs) 2005 Vibe

A back-up idea is to just screw it in with self-tapping sheet metal screws. Add a dab of black paint or caulk on the head if you want. I use my Vibe mainly as a work vehicle and usually have a selection of screws and a cordless drill right in the car. So it's a no-brainer for me and I have nearly a ...
by andrewclaus
Tue Nov 12, 2024 5:30 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New to Vibe, new to the Forum...Opening questions
Replies: 6
Views: 4181

Re: New to Vibe, new to the Forum...Opening questions

I'll attest to the goodness of the '07 Base model. I've had mine for eight years and 80K miles (now at 230K) and it's been utterly reliable. Maintenance has been minor, expected stuff, easy to get parts, never got stranded. But as mentioned above, it'll be twenty years old soon and nothing lasts for...
by andrewclaus
Tue Nov 12, 2024 5:08 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: No start, battery sparking at positive terminal. UPDATED
Replies: 5
Views: 3033

Re: No start, battery sparking at positive terminal.

I'd clean or replace the cable clamp. There's resistance hiding in there somewhere, even though it's tight.
by andrewclaus
Mon Oct 28, 2024 4:19 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: oil leak
Replies: 18
Views: 8090

Re: oil leak

First, clean everything. Then start checking below the flange of the tensioner. Feel for a drip every chance you get after driving. Chances are that's it, and that's easy to fix.
by andrewclaus
Tue Oct 15, 2024 1:39 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Headlight issues.
Replies: 8
Views: 4815

Re: Headlight issues.

ihaveavibe wrote: Tue Oct 15, 2024 9:05 amWhy would you want to disable DRL? Just wondering, I tend to think they're useful.
Just to maximize lamp life and minimize power use.

When I got this car, I'd never had DRLs and didn't see the value. Now I tend to agree with you.
by andrewclaus
Fri Oct 11, 2024 3:35 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke
Replies: 3
Views: 2188

Re: Trouble Starting then Engine Rattle and Smoke

Have you ever witnessed a car overheating? Rather than smoke, you may be seeing water vapor. If you've driven any distance with a loss of coolant from a leaking hose, there could be substantial damage. An O2 sensor problem should not light up the VSC and traction control light. If anything is flashi...
by andrewclaus
Sat Oct 05, 2024 3:42 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Vibration even after new tires and alignment HELP
Replies: 4
Views: 3141

Re: Vibration even after new tires and alignment HELP

It sounds like either another set of bad tires, or a suspension problem multiple shops have missed. CV joints maybe?
by andrewclaus
Sat Sep 21, 2024 6:53 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Gas smell, hose leak
Replies: 1
Views: 2038

Re: Gas smell, hose leak

I'm pretty sure that's the condensate drain from the A/C. If you were running the A/C and it was humid, that's just water.
by andrewclaus
Sat Sep 21, 2024 6:06 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Headlight issues.
Replies: 8
Views: 4815

Re: Headlight issues.

The culprit may be the DRL module. I don't have an exact wiring diagram for the Vibe and it appears to be different than the Toyota version, and it also appears to be discontinued from GM, part no 88973265. I see one available used for $170. Maybe a local junk yard will let you pull one. Do other he...
by andrewclaus
Thu Sep 19, 2024 5:27 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: 2006 Vibe. Just got a solar trickle charger - will it work with lighter socket?
Replies: 5
Views: 2906

Re: 2006 Vibe. Just got a solar trickle charger - will it work with lighter socket?

Yep, it'll work, as long as the input doesn't exceed 15 Amps.

Edit: Sorry, I made a mistake here. The following posts are correct.
by andrewclaus
Tue Sep 17, 2024 4:25 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: HELP needed - P1037 (O2 sensor low voltage)
Replies: 4
Views: 2600

Re: HELP needed - P1037 (O2 sensor low voltage)

Here's the part number from Toyota: 89465-02190. It seems to be branded with Toyota's name.