GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

FatherTime

Well crap. Nobody can even find a transmission for me. The one guy in town that rebuilds them says he has no help, so he's only installing. Apparently I need a transmission mount as well, bushing worn out. Wonder if the worn mount is related to the bad synchro gear? I did find a transmission at a lo...

FatherTime

I guess that's what I've been doing. Depress the clutch, pushing the shifter into neutral, wait a brief second as the rpms drop, then push it into third. I'm not particularly good at it. Guess I need to find out how much this will set me back. :roll: So, if I wanted to just ignore it instead of spen...

FatherTime

09 Vibe base 1.8 manual 119k mi I'm having difficulty shifting up into 3rd gear, it grinds. If I allow the rpms to drop off before shifting, it goes into 3rd with no issue. All other gears function as they always did, no problems at all. Not that it's related, but did have the trans fluid changed a ...

FatherTime

Unbelievable. The refurb "plug n play" ECM they sent me was the wrong part. Of course the dealer installed it and it was useless. They tried to reprogram it twice. Of course that didn't work either. :roll: Because the check engine light was off with only 1 monitor active (legal), I decided...

FatherTime

The dealer has already gone through everything and found nothing. The remaining theory is a problem with the computer. I ordered one on-line, they installed it. Turned out they sent me the wrong ECM. I have reordered a new one, but was hoping to not have to install it because this is getting insanel...

FatherTime

Here's how to complete the drive cycle for the EVAP monitor...easy peasy, but I've done that numerous times (although I keep my fuel tank between 3/4 and full all the time). Could be an issue. EVAP Monitor - 6. Cruise at 45 to 65 MPH for 10 minutes (avoid sharp turns and hills) Note: To initiate the...

FatherTime

Is there a way to check the I/M Readiness w/o a scanner? I see in a lot of vehicles you would turn the ignition key to "on" from cold without starting the engine, and view the behavior of the MIL. My readiness monitor self test for EVAP seems to be taking a long time to finish. If I turn t...

FatherTime

I got a Tomcat Rat Snap Trap. He won't carry that off. Baited with a buffet of corn kernels, raisons and peanut butter.

Also ordered a rodent cage trap. We'll see.

FatherTime

The dealership confirmed what my regular mechanic said...it's the ECM. (a short caused by the chewed/severed wires). I ordered one of those pre-programmed refurbed ECM's on-line for $200 and change, and the dealer said they'd install it (1 hr labor - but free shuttle service). I do hope this works o...

FatherTime

The mechanic fixed the wiring from under the hood. That being the case, Mr Mouse must be the culprit having crawled up in the engine to get warm, and then thought the wires looked/smelled like a tasty meal. I can only hope he took a few volts. Yet another mechanic I talked to today also said he doub...

FatherTime

I believe the reason the computer keeps popping up in the possibilities list is because of the severed wires, indicating a possible short. I get what your saying about the dealership. Last place I wanted to find myself going to, especially with a 12 yr. old vehicle. The appt is not till the 27th, I'...

FatherTime

I wasn't aware that you can purchase a refurbished ECU...and they come preprogrammed according to VIN number, "plug and play", $200 for this car. What's the downside of these? Would save a ton of money. Anyone have experience with these?

FatherTime

The code = PO441

Talked to the dealer today. Trying to be optimistic, he said it "could be" the purge valve, (a leak?), but maybe needed a new computer. They're going to run some diagnostics later this month.

FatherTime

Got a check engine light recently. The mechanic pulled the codes and said it was related to the EVAP system. He looked into it and discovered a couple severed wires, and made the repair. Thinking it was repaired, off I went and the check engine light popped back on. He looked at it and decided there...

FatherTime

Well, if you ever need to tie the rear door down, my last post method worked fine. Didn't take it on the freeway, just around town. Be ready for a big dose of exhaust fumes.

FatherTime

I'm thinking maybe I tie a nylon rope to the rear passenger door handle, bring it up over the rear door, loop it around the windshield wiper post, then tie off the other end onto the other rear passenger door handle. How's that sound?

FatherTime

I need to cart a couple pieces of foam board insulation from store to home. I don't see any obvious way to tie the door down safely. An ideas?

FatherTime

No way I can get under there, and I wouldn't jack my car up on my driveway. It looks like it was bombed out. Valvoline says $75 for the change. Seems high just to pull a plug and add 2 qts of fluid, but that seems to be avg or even below. Not sure I understand why. There's more to changing your oil ...

FatherTime

Your referring to auto transmissions. I suppose no difference for manuals?

FatherTime

According to the manual...it is not required to EVER change the manual transmission fluid, unless towing a trailer (which I don't). Really? There must be some value in putting in fresh stuff. My 09 base is at 117,500. Any thoughts on this?

FatherTime

I acquired an old 88 Ford Tempo that sat in a garage (up north) for 5 years. Biggest issue I had to deal with was rust underneath, especially brakes and brake lines.

FatherTime

Being close to your area (Jamestown, NY), you'll probably want snow tires. While they're not NECESSARY , they do vastly improve your winter handling, and safety. I drove one winter without snow tires, and even with brand new all seasons, I had a hard time getting moving. The following year I picked...

FatherTime

I've driven in upstate NY for decades through the winter without snow tires, but not in a Vibe (1.8 FWD manual). I keep reading we're going to see more snow this year than normal, and that makes me nervous. How much does this vehicle benefit from snow tires? Also, my Traction Control is not working,...

FatherTime

Just an FYI, if you have to remove any upper panels, you MUST remove the top one first as it interlocks the left & right side pieces. The photo shows it all! Good luck ;) I only would need the bottom panel removed, but, if the bottom is constructed anything like the top in the picture, I may no...

FatherTime

tpollauf wrote: ↑Tue Jun 23, 2020 6:27 pm I've had the upper trim pieces around the glass removed (and they were not very easy .... cracked the very top piece) when performing my high mount 3rd brake light mod years ago. Never had to remove the larger lower panel yet. Good luck!

Did you use a push-pin removal tool?

FatherTime

My 09 base has a small dent that sits right on the body line of the left side of the rear hatch door. I want to see if I can get to it from the backside and tap it out. There's a single piece of interior door trim that looks like it may just be held in place by clips. I don't see anything else holdi...

FatherTime

Will any aftermarket plastic wheel covers work on the 09 16" wheels, or am I stuck having to repaint my "bolt-on" style wheel covers?

FatherTime

blockhead wrote: ↑Wed Jun 03, 2020 6:02 pm Good to know. Let me know how well it matches.
What did they charge you?

$25

FatherTime

I just picked up a "paint pen" from the local Chevy dealer - same white paint code. They did have to order it for me.

FatherTime

Hopped in the car today to go have my new plugs installed and all the electrical was dead. First thing I checked was the battery connection and the clamp popped right off like it was never tightened on. It had corroded so bad there was no connection, and was probably that way overnight. I tightened ...

FatherTime

Just an update on the RPM dip issue. Been watching it for a few days...gone. Idles perfectly at stops. Either it healed itself, or one of the three things I had done fixed it. Cleaned throttle body and MAF sensor, and replaced PCV valve. Anyone's guess.

FatherTime

Last thing on my maintenance list to do is spark plugs. I figured I'd pick them up myself and save a few bucks. The spark plug market seems a bit confusing, wayyy to many codes and numbers, cross-referencing ect. Further confusing things is a lot of plugs that are "recommended" for the 1.8...

FatherTime

The 2009 vibe do not have a IAC, as they are drive by wire. The idle speed is controlled by the ECM and throttle body. If components in the throttle body are worn, it can make it very hard for the ECM to control the idle speed of the engine. If you have any uncontrolled vacuum leaks it can be impos...

FatherTime

Everything you stated is correct. I've been living with it for years. The trouble runs throughout the Corolla family lineup. My ace mechanic in San Diego went through everything, cleaning everything..............in the end, the issue remains. I've read that the throttle body has been re-engineered....

FatherTime

Occasionally, with the engine warmed to normal operating temp, after coming to a stop, I get a quick dip in RPM's to about 500. The engine shakes a bit, then quickly recovers to normal idle (800 RPM). One thing I did notice, if I'm idling, and turn the blower fan directly to high, it does exactly th...

FatherTime

Do the locks work every time when using the key in the door handle lock for both front doors (not using the FOB)? ECU's, for the most part, do not work sometimes and then work other times. I would say you have a bad connection or a broken wire in the system. The only way your going to find it is to...

FatherTime

Starting with a disclaimer, I don't know about the 09's or if this is in any way useful to troubleshoot your problems In the 03-08's there was an electrical module that was called the Integration Relay, or Multifunction module, depending on Toyota or GM. It was a small box snapped onto the under da...

FatherTime

I knew the RKE wasn't working correctly when I bought this car, but wasn't really all that concerned about it. When anything ever works, (rare), it works for only a couple minutes, then stops. It seems like it's completely random and intermittent, and, the rear door locks never worked at all. I did ...

FatherTime

yep; I use high quality furnace filters and cut them to size. Saves a whole lot of money compared to the ridiculous price charged for the paper filters in a box. You can replace them as often as you want without killing your wallet Good idea there. I used to have 2 home air purifiers. They were get...

FatherTime

Yup, cabin air filter was a good idea. Never changed one before. That was disgusting.

Solid black with all manner of debris, seeds, leaves, fuz, and what looked like tiny cocoons. Surprised any air could even get through it.

FatherTime

If I'm not too late, be very careful when pinching the plastic at both ends of the cabin air filter front "door." It is easy to snap the plastic off. In your case, you'll have plenty of "magic" tape to secure the door closed should something go awry. I already learned my lesson ...

FatherTime

Since money is tight, I'll assume for the moment that your mechanic is fully competent and at least determined that your brakes are in proper working order, the battery is on the newer side with no acid fuzz building up on the terminals, and your serpentine belt is not about to snap and leave you s...

FatherTime

It's manual. I left brake fluid off my list because for whatever reason (?), unless I'm wrong, the manual doesn't recommend changing it...ever, unless you drive under certain specific circumstances, and I don't fit into any. Change manual transmission fluid every 30,000 miles (48 000 km) only if you...

FatherTime

I've got it in my head that it would be a good idea to do a little preventative maintenance on my 09 Vibe base 1.8L. Purchased a few months ago, and I don't know the maintenance history. I did have a mechanic go over the entire vehicle looking for any issues. All he suggested to do was rears struts ...

FatherTime

[/quote] You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying. [/quote] precisely. [/quote] Thing is, the guy spent at least 10 minutes on the computer whipping up a list of things he felt was necessary to do, prioritizing, and included the prices. I don't t...

FatherTime

[/quote]

Pep Boys?
[/quote]

No. Chain store though. Probably shouldn't mention the name.

FatherTime

zbyers wrote: ↑Thu Mar 12, 2020 5:29 am That could just be their "I don't wanna do this quote." Same thing with adding in an alignment on rear struts, especially since you can't align the rear end.

You mean they don't want to do the work, so they're quoting high? Not sure what you are saying.

FatherTime

Well thanks for the feedback. I'm getting a bit suspect about this one particular auto shop. Every time I get an estimate there they include work that is not necessary, misquote from the service manual such as "your way overdue for spark plug service" (when it's not due for another 10k mil...

FatherTime

I'm replacing the rear struts in my 09 Vibe base and am wondering whether I need to have a rear wheel alignment done. I got 2 estimates for the strut work, one wanted to charge for the alignment, the other never mentioned it as necessary. Can't be both.

FatherTime

Of all the criticism I can make about my 09 base 1.8, "laggy" would not be one of them. It has no power, but it's a zippy little critter. Maybe tune up time. Try some jet fuel in it?

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