Search found 72 matches

by Gandalf
Wed Sep 08, 2021 11:11 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica
Replies: 8
Views: 1324

Re: My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica

I tried fighting with Geico over the value of the cars, but I only had a rental for 30 days. They had the upper hand and knew it. They f**ked me over, and laughed about it. I bought a new Toyota Corolla Hatchback to replace my Vibe. No sunroof and the stereo really sucks. I had the 200W 7 speaker sy...
by Gandalf
Tue Sep 07, 2021 2:15 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica
Replies: 8
Views: 1324

My garage burned, taking my Vibe and Toyota Celica

My garage burned almost completely, taking my 2005 Vibe, with only about 52K miles on it. I also lost my 1988 Toyota Celica, with only about 66K miles on it. Both cars were in near mint condition. I bought both cars new, and paid cash for both of them. The bright red Toyota was never, ever driven in...
by Gandalf
Wed Aug 27, 2014 10:23 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 14912

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

The lights on our Vibe's radio display have been down for a couple years. The radio wouldn't receive AM stations either. I did the bulb swap which helped, but it still wasn't illuminating the complete display. So after the bulb swap with mediocre results and the lack of AM I decided to swap radios....
by Gandalf
Tue Aug 26, 2014 7:36 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 14912

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

Here's a vote for replacing w/ an aftermarket unit, very easy. Only gotcha w/ a moons/tunes car is that you need to add a 'line output converter' in order to make it play nice w/ the in-car amplifier. I used one made by scosche on a friends car and it sounds great. Order from crutchfield, they'll i...
by Gandalf
Mon Aug 25, 2014 9:38 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 14912

Re: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

As much as I'd like to throw a dealership under the bus, these radios do not have a great track record for longevity in regards to their lighting. All of this is illuminated with tiny incandescent bulbs that will fail at any given moment. It could have just been their time to go. See here for a gre...
by Gandalf
Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:44 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Lug nut torque: potential problem?
Replies: 15
Views: 4184

Re: Lug nut torque: potential problem?

Well, you just found yet another place where they just use an impact wrench to 'torque' lugnuts. It's really common. I don't let anybody rotate tires, or 'inspect brakes anymore, because of this. I will put marks on the lugnuts with a Sharpie, and if the sharpie marks are scratched, I make them hand...
by Gandalf
Mon Aug 25, 2014 4:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.
Replies: 10
Views: 14912

Vibe radio/CD replacement questions.

To make a long story short, the &*$^*#@! IDIOTS at the local GM stealership managed to burn out/disconnect/destroy the illumination for the display on my radio/CD player, somehow. I didn't find this until the next day, as the sun was shining brightly when I picked up the car, making the display ...
by Gandalf
Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:43 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe Owner!
Replies: 19
Views: 3285

Re: New Vibe Owner!

Wow. You parents are sure NICE to you! Congrats on the 'new' car.

I have an '05 white base Vibe. Nicest car I've ever owned, by far. So much room inside!
by Gandalf
Mon Aug 19, 2013 5:25 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member
Replies: 6
Views: 1226

Re: New member

Welcome to GenVibe. I have a Frosty '05 that I bought new.

And I'm curious about the rims, too. Much nicer than the factory alloys, IMHO.
by Gandalf
Thu Aug 15, 2013 6:21 pm
Forum: Humor
Topic: A manual transmission should be classified as an 'anti-theft' device!
Replies: 9
Views: 6138

Re: A manual transmission should be classified as an 'anti-t

My 05 Vibe is my first car with an automatic transmission, ( 7 prior cars with MT) and I'm glad I bought an automatic. I have to drive in rush hour traffic on the freeway, frequently, and I'm sure not getting any younger. I still have a 5 speed '88 Toyota Celica, (that I bought new...) but I drive i...
by Gandalf
Thu Aug 15, 2013 6:04 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Vibe Owner! 3rd GM Car
Replies: 32
Views: 3546

Re: New Vibe Owner! 3rd GM Car

The Aztek did run well but odd things were starting to go wrong with it that I suspected had to do with the BCM, nothing that was crucial but it was a bit of a pain. I disclosed it all to the buyer, included about $500 worth of spare parts and got $100 less than I wanted. BUT to make up for the $10...
by Gandalf
Sun Aug 11, 2013 1:31 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: another coolant question
Replies: 9
Views: 3551

Re: another coolant question

Simply put, never use GM Dexcool in toyota powerplants, which are in all Vibes. Only use toyota SLLC. The moly additives in it keeps your water pump lubricated, and you wont get precipitate buildup like dexcool or standard prestone extended tend to create. My 2003 Vibe owners manual says "use ...
by Gandalf
Sat Aug 10, 2013 11:22 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: 100K Checkup
Replies: 18
Views: 4685

Re: 100K Checkup

How long has it been since the brake fluid has been changed? I do mine every two years, and bleed them on the years I don't change the fluid. It's amazing how much better the brakes feel, with all new brake fluid. Brake fluid is hygroscopic, and old fluid can damage your master cylinder, calipers an...
by Gandalf
Fri Aug 09, 2013 3:15 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I need Help - I'm Addicted... to LIFT!!!!!!!!
Replies: 23
Views: 5623

Re: I need Help - I'm Addicted... to LIFT!!!!!!!!

Hmmm. My Vibe has an automatic transmission, so it's never been revved to 6000RPM.

My mileage ALREADY sucks at 26 MPG, so with gas at $3.60 a gallon, I see no reason to do ANYTHING to make it suck even worse than it already is. :shock:
by Gandalf
Wed Aug 24, 2011 6:11 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Fuel filter replacement on an 05 Base model?
Replies: 4
Views: 2643

I wanted to do it because it hasn't been done, and I couldn't find a schedule for replacement.I haven't had any trouble...I just prefer to do more maintenance, and less repair.It's hard to believe that a fuel filter will last as long as the vehicle....but I'm sure not up for removing the gas tank, t...
by Gandalf
Tue Aug 23, 2011 4:33 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Fuel filter replacement on an 05 Base model?
Replies: 4
Views: 2643

Fuel filter replacement on an 05 Base model?

I want to replace the fuel filter on my 05 Base Vibe.Where is it located, and are there any tricks to doing the job?I'm hoping it's not inside the gas tank...but i don't see it inside the engine compartment, as I hoped.Generally, for things like this, i have been buying Toyota parts....because they ...
by Gandalf
Sun Apr 17, 2011 1:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Complimentary Service Card from GM
Replies: 18
Views: 4401

Re: (rAERRK)

There is no such thing as a 'free' oil change.They expect to find 'something' else that needs repair.And given the level of 'honesty' I've found at most dealerships, if they DON'T 'find' something.... they will still 'FIND something'.Whether it REALLY needs fixing or not....or they will make SURE it...
by Gandalf
Wed Apr 13, 2011 3:44 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included?
Replies: 9
Views: 2962

Re: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included? (micbarric)

My Vibe is a base 2005, and the part number on the PCM is 89661-01132 BTW: Hey: how do you 'quote' the question you are answering?
by Gandalf
Tue Apr 12, 2011 8:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included?
Replies: 9
Views: 2962

Re: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included? (Vinlandr)

Thanks for the information, VinlandrI need to spend more time here, obviously.And my ECM DOES need to be replaced, unfortunately. Well, at least now I know for sure. Many thanks!
by Gandalf
Tue Apr 12, 2011 6:07 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe Among Top 10 Least Likely to be Ticketed!
Replies: 10
Views: 2216

Re: Vibe Among Top 10 Least Likely to be Ticketed! (AllWheelVibe)

I'm doing my part: I've never had a speeding ticket in my life.And, I tend to drive my Vibe pretty easy, given the price of gasoline...It is just POSSIBLE, that many, MANY years ago, I hit a little over 125 MPH in a Toyota Celica....but I was young and foolish, back then (over 20 years, now).I doubt...
by Gandalf
Tue Apr 12, 2011 5:30 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included?
Replies: 9
Views: 2962

Quick question about PCM recall...Toyota PCM's included?

So, I finally got the recall letter from GM...and the local dealer has the parts.I got curious, and looked up where the powertrain control module is located: it is under the fan, you can see it under the glove box, on the passenger side.Well, mine has a big TOYOTA sticker on it.I thought ALL Vibes, ...
by Gandalf
Fri Jan 28, 2011 3:25 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Has ANYONE gotten their PCM replaced under GM's half arsed 'recall'?
Replies: 8
Views: 2885

Mine is an '05 base FWD automatic.DEFINITELY 'in' the recall.I just want to get it fixed BEFORE the PCU craps out on me when I'm on the freeway doing 60 MPH.
by Gandalf
Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:49 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: As if we didn't already know that Toyota paintjobs are horrible...
Replies: 15
Views: 3478

Re: As if we didn't already know that Toyota paintjobs are horrible... (J_TO_ENVY)

Yes, but it's still a LOT better than the earlier Vibe paint jobs, before the 08'; ESPECIALLY the '05's Consumer reports DOESN'T list 'paint and trim' as a problem on ANY of the models (except the 04 and 05 Matrix); so really, aside from some isolated bad cars, Toyota's paint is FAR better than ANY ...
by Gandalf
Thu Jan 27, 2011 10:38 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Has ANYONE gotten their PCM replaced under GM's half arsed 'recall'?
Replies: 8
Views: 2885

Has ANYONE gotten their PCM replaced under GM's half arsed 'recall'?

Because I KNOW that I sure can't: GM claims there isn't 'really' an 'actual' recall on my car, so they don't have to replace the PCU.Yet, Toyota is actively following their 'actual recall', and replacing those defective POC Delphi PCU's.I have come to the conclusion that GM is ACTIVELY trying to AVO...
by Gandalf
Thu Oct 21, 2010 12:38 pm
Forum: Exterior
Topic: New Project
Replies: 37
Views: 8079

Re: New Project (Amtron)

Why in the WORLD would you WANT to make your Vibe so that the taillights and turn signals are SO MUCH harder to see in bright light (think: sunshine) and at dusk, when ALL cars are harder to see, because your eyes aren't dark adapted.You are one dangerously INSANE MoFo!! If you get rear ended by ano...
by Gandalf
Fri Aug 27, 2010 11:29 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Quick Advice needed- re:2005 AWD or FWD
Replies: 16
Views: 3766

AWD would be better in the winter. But, if you live in a metro area where the streets are well plowed, you may find you never need it.I'm in Minnesota, I have an '05 FWD, and I've only wished I had AWD about twice.I have the auto transmission. You won't come CLOSE to 40 MPG with EITHER car if it's a...
by Gandalf
Fri Aug 27, 2010 8:48 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: toyota recalls o5-o7 corollas and matrixes
Replies: 15
Views: 11284

My local newspaper, nor the local news even MENTIONED that the Pontiac Vibes were included.But, they did mention in the newspaper, but not the TV news, that the part was MADE IN THE USA by Delphi(sp?) and NOT a TOYOTA partI don't know why Toyota doesn't make this fact more well known, just the gas p...
by Gandalf
Fri Feb 19, 2010 12:38 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Anybody else having second thoughts
Replies: 56
Views: 16346

Definition of irony: at the bottom of the page for this thread, which includes links to articles about how Toyota repeated LIED about the on-going problems, is a banner advertisement: * Loading... * Toyota Recall Toyota takes care of its customers Read the FAQs at Toyota.com Toyota.com/Recall
by Gandalf
Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:48 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: FOG LAMP protectors for sale
Replies: 269
Views: 106581

Has anyone heard from ToolGuy recently?
by Gandalf
Thu Feb 18, 2010 11:47 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: FOG LAMP protectors for sale
Replies: 269
Views: 106581

I bought a set for my 2005 Vibe, and I lost the Driver's side cover.I would love to buy a replacement.Please E-mail me attrc(at)iphouse.comThank you.
by Gandalf
Wed Dec 16, 2009 1:40 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Low tire pressure
Replies: 12
Views: 3240

Higher tire pressure = better mileage. I keep mine at 40 PSI in the summer. I keep them at 32 in the winter, because softer tires do marginally better in the snow.
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 3:01 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: tire pressure Monitor - ON !
Replies: 12
Views: 3080

Re: tire pressure Monitor - ON ! (jake75)

A piece of black electrical tape to cover that pesky TPM idiot light, is the best permanent cure.Mine will come on EVERY time I drive for more than 25 miles nonstop on the freeway. I just got tired of resetting it, only to have it come back on in a week.With all the 'false warnings', it's useless, a...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:16 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Vibe/Matrix Brake Line Freeze Recall
Replies: 8
Views: 3177

Re: Vibe/Matrix Brake Line Freeze Recall (jake75)

I bought an '05 new, and I haven't received a letter.It does get down to -20 here, but I haven't had any problems.I've changed the brake fluid 3X, and I bleed the brakes every year; it's amazing how much better the brakes feel after I change the fluid.Considering what the idiots at GM have done to m...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 1:00 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New to Vibe's and looking at an 05 soon
Replies: 8
Views: 2159

Re: New to Vibe's and looking at an 05 soon (nittanydoug)

The oil changes are pretty easy....as long as you have a cap filter wrench. I just run my 05 Vibe onto a set of plastic ramps, to change the oil.ATF fluid change is extremely easy. Obvious drain plug, fill with a funnel into the ATF dipstick tube.Instead of paying the dealership to do a flush at 60K...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 11:04 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Does the 05 key have a transponder/transmitter chip?
Replies: 2
Views: 1678

Re: Does the 05 key have a transponder/transmitter chip? (nittanydoug)

Go to Walmart. The key blank is #35. I had a bunch made off my factory original keys. (I have an '05, too) Getting keys made is pretty cheap at Walmart, and I never had a single problem. They have a machine that does the key cutting, so it's as idiot proof as possible.If you need/want an extra keyle...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:56 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Low tire pressure
Replies: 12
Views: 3240

Re: Low tire pressure (toycar)

If that 'low tire pressure' warning light keeps coming on, like mine did: DON'T take it to the dealership.That's how my 2005 Vibe got all screwed up.GM uses 'refurbished' parts. When they were trying to fix the tire light, some brain dead idiot fried the outside temperature gauge.They put in 4 diffe...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 10:31 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: vibe at a toyota mechanic?!
Replies: 11
Views: 3804

Re: vibe at a toyota mechanic?! (Ronnie)

The Pontiac dealer I bough my Vibe from effed up my Vibe so bad, UNDER WARRANTY, it still isn't right.The last time I was buying some Toyota ATF, at the local Toyota dealership, I asked the parts guy about working on Vibes. He said 'We get a fair number of them here. Usually after a GM dealership ha...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:54 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Warmin' Up The Vibe!
Replies: 14
Views: 3925

Re: Warmin' Up The Vibe! (09vGT)

My '05 Vibe has an engine block heater (frost plug), an oil pan heater (flat patch attached to the bottom of the oil pan) and a 1500 watt space heater that I use to warm the interior.The car is garaged, and I can turn everything on from inside my house.I LOVE getting into a warm car, in the morning....
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:49 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Warmin' Up The Vibe!
Replies: 14
Views: 3925

Re: Warmin' Up The Vibe! (09vGT)

My '05 Vibe has an engine block heater (frost plug), an oil pan heater (flat patch attached to the bottom of the oil pan) and a 1500watt space heater that I use to warm the interior.The car is garaged, and I can turn everything on from inside my house.I LOVE getting into a warm car, in the morning.W...
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:23 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How noisy is the Vibe on the Highway
Replies: 35
Views: 12795

My last car was a 1988 Civic Wagon, with the 5 speed. At 80MPH, the tach read 4000RPM! Talk about noisy!My Vibe seems REALLY quiet, by comparison!
by Gandalf
Tue Dec 15, 2009 9:21 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Stock up on touch up paint for the Vibe...
Replies: 1
Views: 841

Stock up on touch up paint for the Vibe...

I have an '05 Vibe, with the well known crappy GM paint I decided it might be a good idea to stock up on touch up paint, while it's still available. I don't have any rust on my car, but I live in the rust belt, so it's only a matter of time. Especially with the crappy GM paint job. This is where I b...
by Gandalf
Wed Jun 24, 2009 8:55 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter!
Replies: 10
Views: 10976

Re: DIY: Cabin air filter, and save more than 70$CAD per filter! (fredfreedom)

i learned you are FAR better off buying a 20" x 20" filter.The OEM filter is about 8 1/8"So, if you buy a 16" wide filter, as I did, you won't have enough filter to make another 'set' of three, You only have enough filter to make 3 filters from a 16" by 24 or 25" filter...
by Gandalf
Fri Jun 19, 2009 2:43 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Subwoofer
Replies: 1
Views: 834

I've seen a few on ebay....probably your best bet would be to check every few days.
by Gandalf
Thu Apr 09, 2009 2:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Can a 09 1.8L vibe have fog lamps?
Replies: 4
Views: 1074

I have a 2005. I have NEVER used my fog lights, beyond turning them on, and seeing how dim they are. They light up about 10 feet in front of the car; just about as useless as the back-up lights.
by Gandalf
Wed Jan 09, 2008 5:11 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: My crappy mileage, and dealership rant.
Replies: 45
Views: 7584

My crappy mileage, and dealership rant.

I have an '05 base auto. I do about 60% city/40%freeway driving. Broke it in correctly. Changed the oil/filter at 1000 miles. Proper tire inflation, etc.Best mileage I get, in the summer, is about 26mpg. Been that way since the car was new. In the winter I'm getting 21 to 24 mpg. Due to the crappy m...
by Gandalf
Fri Mar 23, 2007 10:44 am
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Rear wiper replacement
Replies: 2
Views: 1068

Rear wiper replacement

I need to replace the rear wiper insert on my Vibe.I remember when I first joined GenVibe, I saw a thread about where to order two inserts, pretty cheap, and how to do it.I bookmarked the thread, but the computer it was on has since bitten the dust. And a search doesn't seem to find it.Anyone rememb...
by Gandalf
Thu Mar 22, 2007 9:42 am
Forum: Humor
Topic: Don't you just want to smack her???
Replies: 21
Views: 5903

Nobody EVER gave me a car. I bought my first car, in my last semster of my last year in college. An air cooled VW Beetle. I had to sell all of the camera equipment I had saved my own money and bought in all through high School.I was so happy just to have four wheels and an engine (which I had to reb...
by Gandalf
Thu Mar 22, 2007 6:17 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1049
Views: 3226061

Re: How many miles on your Vibes? (03Vibe5speed)

I bought my Vibe on July 12th, 2005. Your basic Auto trans. model.It now has almost 9300 miles on it. No, not 93K miles; 9300.The mileage sucks so bad, (compared to what I was expecting, at least; and what the lying b@stard salesman promised me...) I either don't drive it, unless I HAVE to, or I dri...
by Gandalf
Tue Aug 15, 2006 4:44 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Need advice on pricing.....
Replies: 0
Views: 538

Need advice on pricing.....

I should have posted this *before* my 'WTB set of steel wheels post'.I don't know what is a fair price for a set of ( I assume) good/excellent set of 4 steel wheels w/ hubcaps and lugnuts.Can you advise me on what a fair offer would be? I haven't seen a set sell here, so I don't have a good idea. I ...
by Gandalf
Mon Jul 10, 2006 1:53 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dept. of stupid questions....
Replies: 4
Views: 1101

"i believe you just need to make sure the wheel diameter is correct. no different from buying steelies for winter time..."Umm...yeah, thanks. That's my question exactly....