Search found 8395 matches

by ColonelPanic
Sat Jul 19, 2025 1:31 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Are the matrix and vibe radios compatible
Replies: 3
Views: 852

Re: Are the matrix and vibe radios compatible

2003 and 2004 Vibe/Matrix had the same GM radios and bezels. 2005-2008 the radios are not interchangeable, nor are the bezels.. The 2005-2008 Matrix has a Toyota radio and the bezel was redesigned to accommodate the size of that radio and provide a separate digital clock. Stick with 2003-2008 Vibe i...
by ColonelPanic
Thu Jun 12, 2025 3:08 pm
Forum: Links
Topic: GM Techlink
Replies: 8
Views: 12007

Re: GM Techlink

All I've got is to run it through the wayback machine.
https://web.archive.org/web/20190601000 ... /techlink/

TSB's, recall documentation and such can be found at nhtsa.gov. Search for year/make/model and go to Manufacturer Communications.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Mar 30, 2025 7:02 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?
Replies: 3
Views: 1657

Re: Retrofit Steering Wheel Audio Controls to First Gen?

Even if the wheel fits, your current air bag won't. I personally wouldn't risk injury by installing an air bag not meant for the vehicle it's installed in, lots of vehicle-specific engineering goes into these things.

I use an IR remote like it's 1995.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Mar 30, 2025 6:49 am
Forum: Interior
Topic: Radio/AC Bezel replacement
Replies: 1
Views: 4720

Re: Radio/AC Bezel replacement

It's been a while but I don't recall it being too difficult. That said, you are correct that the plastic is fragile. The tabs on the switches are 3000% stiffer than the thin plastic on the bezel they snap into. Can be a bit of a pain to push in to release. bezel.jpg Just be careful and avoid excessi...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Feb 09, 2025 8:05 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread
Replies: 1664
Views: 4650357

Re: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread

$4.069 for premium (93 octane) for the last 2 weeks now, clearly someone is delivering on their many promises. :?
by ColonelPanic
Fri Jan 03, 2025 4:49 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 3 oil filters cut and rated: CarQuest, Purolator, Motorcraft
Replies: 2
Views: 2317

Re: 3 oil filters cut and rated: CarQuest, Purolator, Motorcraft

Carquest is still a thing? Haven't seen one in 20 years.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Dec 29, 2024 6:36 am
Forum: GenVibe Garage
Topic: Micro VIBE ration
Replies: 2
Views: 2443

Re: Micro VIBE ration

You'll never get a consistently smooth idle out of the 1ZZ-FE, they idled like crap even when they were new. NVH has never been its strong suit. +1 on andrewclaus' suggestions. I'd also add a caution to not cheap out on engine mounts if you are replacing them. Find OEM if you can, otherwise there's ...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Dec 07, 2024 6:13 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Blend door actuator replacement, need help
Replies: 6
Views: 3131

Re: Blend door actuator replacement, need help

I've done this job three times now. Don't sweat it, we all have to sacrifice one or twelve to the Vibe socket monster that lurks in these cars. Also beware that it enjoys a light snack in the form of HVAC control bulbs as you replace them. First time, I lost the socket and after a thorough search, I...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Dec 03, 2024 4:46 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: Rear Door Check Replacement How-To
Replies: 7
Views: 2781

Re: Rear Door Check Replacement How-To

Excellent work on the how-to! 8-) I did this a couple years ago using four new TRQ's. I like that they had the different ones for left vs right for the front so there was no need to modify. Some of them squeak, some pop right before the door is fully open. But they stop the doors unlike the worn out...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Nov 29, 2024 6:00 am
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Dextron III re: power steering.
Replies: 1
Views: 3135

Re: Dextron III re: power steering.

I haven't used it but Valvoline still has a Dexron III product: https://www.valvolineglobal.com/en/dex-merc-atf/ O'Reilly/Auto Zone/Advance all appear to carry some sort of Dex/Merc fluid. I have Valvoline Maxlife ATF in there at the moment, mainly for convenience since I'm running that in the trans...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Sep 28, 2024 9:46 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: 2003 drivers side window issue...
Replies: 51
Views: 35266

Re: 2003 drivers side window issue...

Does anyone have a number for the recall discussed upthread? You can find recall documents on nhtsa.gov. 08V162000 is the NHTSA campaign ID. Also, go here and input your VIN: https://experience.gm.com/ownercenter/recalls GM made some nice upgrades to their recall site compared to the last time I wa...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Aug 17, 2024 7:57 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Wanting to poach the bells and whistles from my 2003 for my new 2006 base non-electric Vibe. Is this possible? Or a colo
Replies: 2
Views: 2614

Re: Wanting to poach the bells and whistles from my 2003 for my new 2006 base non-electric Vibe. Is this possible? Or a

The cruise part is the easiest. Your 2003 has a cable throttle, so the cruise control setup is much more involved than the 2005+ cars with the drive-by-wire throttle body. Leave the 2003 alone and just go buy a switch for your 2006. It should everything there to make cruise work (unless it's a manua...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Jun 14, 2024 4:13 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: 2005 dash cluster warning lights, question=-
Replies: 2
Views: 3078

Re: 2005 dash cluster warning lights, question=-

I haven't seen an '05 cluster in person but it sounds like it could be the headlamps on indicator.
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by ColonelPanic
Tue May 14, 2024 2:41 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Good cheap tires?
Replies: 7
Views: 4660

Re: Good cheap tires?

Some slippage with starts in wet pavement. Tread appears fine. That's actually the only complaint I have about the Cooper Evolution Tours. I've had two sets - some 195/65R15 on my last car and the 205/55R16 on the Vibe. Wet weather traction wasn't the best on either, particularly when accelerating ...
by ColonelPanic
Mon May 13, 2024 3:47 pm
Forum: Events
Topic: Vibe Stock 2024
Replies: 9
Views: 9606

Re: Vibe Stock 2024

What does the admission fee go to?

We had some awesome Vibe meets in the 00's and all were free. Of course these were at Pontiac dealers who were kind enough to host us.
by ColonelPanic
Mon Apr 08, 2024 9:27 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Solar Eclipse April 8 2024
Replies: 6
Views: 4558

Re: Solar Eclipse April 8 2024

We had to go, considering it was just a short half hour drive for totality. At this location, it will be from 15:06:55 to 15:08:35. Of course the Vibe gets volunteered for eclipse duty. She may be old, ugly and cranky but there's still nobody better to spend a day like today with. :D 20240408_104826...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Mar 13, 2024 3:30 pm
Forum: Humor
Topic: the official guide to successful pooping at work (the Work Poop)
Replies: 13
Views: 15800

Re: the official guide to successful pooping at work (the Work Poop)

LOL that's perfect.

Also, "past me" is embarrassing. :lol:
by ColonelPanic
Wed Nov 29, 2023 9:44 am
Forum: For Sale/Wanted
Topic: 04 base cluster
Replies: 1
Views: 6651

Re: 04 base cluster

I may be interesested in that, joatmon! Marcie Vibe's cluster has something going on where the temperature gauge bounces up and down off the stop violently at key off. Makes a fair amount of noise depending on how high the gauge was reading. Think one of those springy doorstops. :D (Well, I thought ...
by ColonelPanic
Thu Nov 23, 2023 8:27 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Help with Part No
Replies: 2
Views: 4407

Re: Help with Part No

Yep, looks like that is the breather hose that connects to the PCV valve. Don't quote me on it, but it looks like maybe this is it? (#12261 in the diagram) https://autoparts.toyota.com/products/product/hose-ventilation-122610h120#popup-1 I had to replace this hose on the '03 when it split on the PCV...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Aug 19, 2023 1:01 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Turn off the dome light with the key
Replies: 4
Views: 9335

Re: Turn off the dome light with the key

Thought all the Vibes had dome light supervision? That looks like the sunroof switch/map lamp assembly. Strange as it may be, while the dome lights would time out after a while, the map light didn't have those kind of smarts. It'll stay on until the battery is dead or the bulb burns out, whichever ...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Aug 12, 2023 7:26 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What Model/Year Should I Get?
Replies: 9
Views: 12709

Re: What Model/Year Should I Get?

Vibe GTs with the Yamaha head were produced from 2003-2006. Just correcting a small discrepancy that tpollauf stated in the previous post. :geek: IIRC, the earlier GT's was generally regarded as the most desirable as the 2ZZ was detuned toward the end. Was there no 2ZZ Vibe's in 2007-2008? Nope, GT...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Mar 31, 2023 3:15 pm
Forum: Interior
Topic: How to Put Door Panel Back On?
Replies: 4
Views: 6558

Re: How to Put Door Panel Back On?

You might check the weatherstrip for the window on the edge of the door panel. Sometimes for me it's worked its way loose and gets in the way when trying to hang the door panel back on.
by ColonelPanic
Tue Jan 17, 2023 4:38 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Boot Cover
Replies: 3
Views: 3972

Re: Boot Cover

The boots on our '03 disintegrated like that. Certainly not ideal as being exposed to the elements like that will hasten the demise of the strut.
I replaced the front struts with KYB Strut Plus that came with new everything, including the boots. It was well worth the effort.
by ColonelPanic
Sat Dec 31, 2022 3:47 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Common 2ZR issues
Replies: 2
Views: 3393

Re: Common 2ZR issues

A failing engine pump isn't something you want to ignore. It could very well end up taking out the turbo encabulator, then you'll really be screwed.

And oil burning "rarely fatal for the engine?" Maybe so, but the catalytic converter might not be so lucky. :lol:
by ColonelPanic
Fri Dec 02, 2022 5:02 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Motorweek Retro Review Marathon
Replies: 2
Views: 3935

Re: Motorweek Retro Review Marathon

Good point about the link. I removed it since it was only accessible for last weekend when they were streaming. The Vibe did make a brief appearance in part 1 of season 21 but not a full road test. Hopefully next time. I've seen their Vibe review many times, but it'll be nice to be able to relive it...
by ColonelPanic
Thu Nov 24, 2022 3:48 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Motorweek Retro Review Marathon
Replies: 2
Views: 3935

Motorweek Retro Review Marathon

Motorweek is running another Retro Review marathon this weekend. First up is season 21 from 2001/2002. Something special made an appearance during their segment on the Tokyo Motor Show... Screenshot_20221124-1.jpg Screenshot_20221124-2.jpg It's always fun to revisit how Toyota clearly knew which of ...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Nov 08, 2022 2:59 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Vibes in the news
Replies: 79
Views: 225006

Re: Vibes in the news

Chrome door handles. That would be a Muletrix.
by ColonelPanic
Fri Oct 14, 2022 1:10 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Confused on 06 battery clamp bracket ??
Replies: 2
Views: 3029

Re: Confused on 06 battery clamp bracket ??

Yeah, not quite OEM there. :lol:

Here's what yours is missing.

The front side bolts into the radiator support (10 mm head) and at the rear there's a threaded rod (10mm nut) that hooks into a hole in the left transmission mount.
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Hope that helps!
by ColonelPanic
Thu Oct 06, 2022 1:53 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Does the auto transmission plug have a gasket or crush washer?
Replies: 6
Views: 5981

Re: Does the auto transmission plug have a gasket or crush washer?

Here is a thread where we discussed it on the 1st gen. If anything, it'd give you an idea what the washer looks like at least.
by ColonelPanic
Sat Aug 13, 2022 6:18 pm
Forum: Tech Info & Do-It-Yourself Info
Topic: Idler Pulley Replecement
Replies: 5
Views: 6439

Re: Idler Pulley Replecement

That's the same situation with the 1ZZ-FE belt tensioner. In order to get the bolt to clear the frame, the right side engine mount is unbolted from the body and the engine carefully lifted using a jack (and a piece of wood between the jack and oil pan.) Not sure if that would be the same procedure h...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Jul 30, 2022 4:35 am
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Coronavirus
Replies: 98
Views: 258506

Re: Coronavirus

I swear I know more people that have it now or had it recently than I did during the height of the pandemic.
by ColonelPanic
Thu Jul 21, 2022 7:03 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Random acts of Vibe love
Replies: 613
Views: 338362

Re: Random acts of Vibe love

Bending the rules here, I know - my excuse is that Vibe was there in spirit. This Stealth was too beautiful of a specimen to not share. stealth.jpg It's been a long time since I've seen paint like this on a first gen. And look at those crystal clear headlights. This ol' gal looks to have lived the b...
by ColonelPanic
Mon Jul 18, 2022 4:01 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member - Spark Plugs question
Replies: 4
Views: 3379

Re: New Member - Spark Plugs question

We haven't really seen a lot of spark plug removal drama over the years, best that I can recall. I changed the original plugs after 12 years and they didn't put up much of a fight. That said, plenty of unsettling creaks were heard while backing the plugs out. I put a tiny amount of anti-sieze on the...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Jul 02, 2022 6:14 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: What's the max milage you'd buy a Vibe at?
Replies: 5
Views: 3586

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

Anything below the 299,999 mark where the odometer stops working. :D

At this point, there probably isn't a whole lot of difference between a 150k and a 200k Vibe. How well (or not) the car was treated over the years would be more of a concern than mileage for me.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Jun 05, 2022 9:02 am
Forum: Exterior
Topic: Paint peel fix?
Replies: 2
Views: 5751

Re: Paint peel fix?

If you leave it and do nothing, it will only get worse. Can confirm. :lol: lol_paint.jpg This all started with a small area of peeling clearcoat on the center of the hood on the cowl side circa 2015. The failed area kept expanding and the base coat began cracking and flaking off. You have a small e...
by ColonelPanic
Sat May 07, 2022 10:58 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Drivers side headlight bulb replacement!
Replies: 6
Views: 5869

Re: Drivers side headlight bulb replacement!

I usually managed to get by with the battery in place but it's so much easier when it is removed. When disconnecting the battery on these dinosaurs, worst case is the engine will idle like crap for a while until the various parameters are relearned. And if you have an aftermarket stereo, your mileag...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Apr 02, 2022 6:55 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Pat Goss
Replies: 2
Views: 6410

Re: Pat Goss

I learned about his passing from a Motorweek post. Having watched Motorweek since the mid 80's, it was tough news to process. There's a great story about him here. Well worth a read. BTW there is a retro review for 1997-1998 going on right now on Youtube ( link for that. ) Plenty of good Goss' Garag...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Apr 01, 2022 4:59 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The first Vibe forum I have seen
Replies: 84
Views: 73521

Re: The first Vibe forum I have seen

tpollauf wrote: Fri Apr 01, 2022 4:44 pm
joatmon wrote: Fri Apr 01, 2022 2:36 am It was twenty years ago today ...
Nice !!! Love the modified album cover ;) Now that's a classic 8-)
Holy crap, that flew right under my radar. How did I miss that? :lol:

Nice work, joatmon!
by ColonelPanic
Fri Apr 01, 2022 4:12 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The first Vibe forum I have seen
Replies: 84
Views: 73521

Re: The first Vibe forum I have seen

Happy 20th, GenVibe!
by ColonelPanic
Mon Mar 21, 2022 5:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3713
Views: 16777215

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

A few things. :lol: Replaced the cabin air filter and the blower vibrating the dash badly thereafter. Great! I pulled the blower motor and found one tiny leaf in the squirrel cage. Disaster averted. Changed the oil and rotated the tires. QS high mileage synthetic blend 5W-30 and a Fram orange can th...
by ColonelPanic
Thu Mar 10, 2022 6:27 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread
Replies: 1664
Views: 4650357

Re: The Official "Price You Paid For Gas" Thread

$5.06 for 93 today. Might not be too bad, however... :lol:

As I looked back through my records, the previous high for 93 was $4.37 in 6/2014. For 87, that was $4.27 in 6/2008. That would be $5.54 and $5.19 in today's money, respectively.
by ColonelPanic
Mon Mar 07, 2022 6:55 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badge Engineering
Replies: 7
Views: 4823

Re: Badge Engineering

They've actually done this for a very long time. Washer/dryers & other similar appliances. Ah, yes - "Big Washer." :D 2 years old and "that'll cost more to fix than it's worth." Didn't feel like repeating that cycle so Speed Queen it was. 12 years later it's obvious those ma...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Mar 05, 2022 5:29 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Badge Engineering
Replies: 7
Views: 4823

Badge Engineering

And of course, you probably know what's included. :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H69jd12q_0U

Ed's channel is great, I love his take on things.
by ColonelPanic
Sat Mar 05, 2022 5:35 am
Forum: Handling, Suspension, & Brakes
Topic: 2007 Toyota Matrix Brakes
Replies: 7
Views: 7943

Re: 2007 Toyota Matrix Brakes

Bookworm wrote: Sun Feb 27, 2022 8:12 pm There's an engineer at Toyota that needs a kicking.

Front bleeder screw - 8mm.
Rear bleeder screw - 10mm (1cm for those who like to simplify)
Yes, that was a surprise the first time I bled brakes. Since then, I have purchased one brake bleeder wrench that can handle both sizes.
by ColonelPanic
Sat Feb 05, 2022 5:56 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Minor Vibe issues
Replies: 7
Views: 3953

Re: Minor Vibe issues

The Vibe's A/C was weak enough when the cars were new and had everything working properly. Lose the ability to recirculate the air and the A/C is really going to struggle. As much of a pain it is to replace the actuator, personally it's not something I would put off. Once you get the actuator out, w...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Jan 11, 2022 5:12 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: Vibes in the news
Replies: 79
Views: 225006

Re: Vibes in the news

It's been interesting watching the news alerts change over the years.

Also interesting to see Vibe news stories from abroad where the cars were never sold. Presumably where our dead Vibes somehow go on to live and die another life.
by ColonelPanic
Fri Dec 10, 2021 8:30 pm
Forum: Off Topic
Topic: Coronavirus
Replies: 98
Views: 258506

Re: Coronavirus

I got my booster the day before Thanksgiving. I found it impressive how I developed a headache ahead of my appointment and it stuck with me for days. I suspect my body phoned home a few hours before the injection and received the instructions to trigger the headache. Pretty neat how this 5G stuff wo...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Nov 09, 2021 7:41 pm
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Brighter headlights and/or sanding
Replies: 13
Views: 12393

Re: Brighter headlights and/or sanding

I've lost track of how many times I've sanded the lenses (and how many different kits I've tried.) It's a crappy job, so if you have someone that can do this for you at a reasonable price, go for it! Not knowing how much sanding they may have left in them, I've been trying to get by with occasional ...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Nov 09, 2021 4:56 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: THE GENVIBE PICTURE CHALLENGE THREAD
Replies: 533
Views: 333907

Re: THE GENVIBE PICTURE CHALLENGE THREAD

feels like I've posted too much in this thread already, but seeing its the right time of year for the most recent challenge, thought I'd give it a bump Let's see a picture of your car with some fall foliage! Sadly, the Vibe is well past her photoshoot years. But I do have this, my '21 Elantra Limit...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Oct 10, 2021 10:04 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1055
Views: 3895667

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

ColonelPanic wrote: Sat Aug 04, 2018 7:54 pm 130,000 as of this evening!
10K since 2018. LOL
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