Search found 8379 matches

by ColonelPanic
Fri Dec 06, 2019 12:12 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 81282

Re: Auto Show Hunters

Interesting color. Reminds me of the "Glowing Yellow" on the new 2020 Sonata. Love it, as bizarre as that color is. Too bad it isn't offered on the on the cheapo trim of the Sonata that I'd buy. I have no need for a large car anyway. :D As far as that Kia goes, I haven't paid much attentio...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Dec 06, 2019 10:59 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: 2019 Coolant
Replies: 10
Views: 1487

Re: 2019 Coolant

I have seen some posts on non-vibe forums saying that dex-cool does/could turn pink with use. Is that statement totally wrong? That is true in my experience with the two vehicles we own that have this coolant. The coolant starts out orange, but changes to a reddish/pinkish color over time. From wha...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Nov 23, 2019 5:21 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 81282

Re: Auto Show Hunters

Just went to the Mazda dealer today, mainly to express my dismay as to why they were not at the auto show. Out of curiosity, dId they have an explanation for the absence? Mazda's not at the Indianapolis or Louisville shows either. Same goes for Kia as well. Really wanted to see the new Forte last y...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Nov 19, 2019 5:14 pm
Forum: The Others
Topic: Auto Show Hunters
Replies: 127
Views: 81282

Re: Auto Show Hunters

The new Escape seems pretty nice. Seems a little more hatchback-ish now, I suppose the demise of the Focus in the US may have had a part in that. I know a lot of the Escape fans seem turned off by this, but as someone who loathes SUV's I think it's somewhat of a step in the right direction. The Mrs....
by ColonelPanic
Sun Oct 20, 2019 4:32 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New Member
Replies: 4
Views: 869

Re: New Member

Welcome from the other end of the state. :D Glad you found us.

The Vibe is a great car and there's plenty of good info here to be found. Let us know if you have any questions!

And of course, I'm sure someone will ask you to post pics of your new ride. Just a head's up. :lol:
by ColonelPanic
Fri Oct 11, 2019 6:02 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: VIN table?
Replies: 14
Views: 1858

Re: VIN table?

Sounds like a great find. 8-) Not sure how the sequence worked on the VIN, but that one does seem to be a VERY early example! The fact that the rear axle recall from March 11, 2002 applied to that one would surely indicate that. There were 2,702 units affected. For air bag recalls, it would likely h...
by ColonelPanic
Fri Sep 20, 2019 3:49 pm
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Peak Asian Coolant
Replies: 9
Views: 2304

Re: Peak Asian Coolant

Seems this stuff wasn't much of a hit at my local Meijer, it's on clearance now for $7 and some change. That's the second markdown I've noticed (it was $11 a few weeks ago.) Your mileage may vary, not sure if it's like that in all stores.

At that price, I'm going to pick up a couple gallons.
by ColonelPanic
Mon Sep 02, 2019 5:37 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14034

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe

1st gen is a piece of cake to replace the air bag. 2nd gen, not so much since there is no opening in the dash for the air bag. It just splits open the top of the dash cover when it deploys. Sure, it looks so much better not having that unsightly thing up top but that comes at a price when things hav...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Sep 01, 2019 12:13 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Seems like I just did this 2 years and 10,000 miles ago. :? 20190901_121919.jpg She's recently developed a case of the shimmies while braking. Given the low mileage on them, I probably could have just had the old rotors turned but new rotors are cheap. And I already had a new set of ACDelco Professi...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Aug 31, 2019 6:18 am
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14034

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix

Ok. A bit off topic here .... BUT is there a way to find out which dealerships performed the MOST airbag replacement jobs? I've yet to take any of my Vibes in for such recalls for two reasons: Don't trust the workmanship of most dealers (sloppy, careless, hurry up and get it done, etc...) and that ...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Aug 28, 2019 3:09 pm
Forum: Latest News
Topic: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix/Vibe
Replies: 46
Views: 14034

Re: New round of airbag recalls for Corolla/Matrix

Thanks for sharing this. And ugh! :roll:

So this is for our non-Takata "permanent fix" air bags?

No recalls for our VIN yet, but I'll definitely keep an eye out.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Aug 11, 2019 9:37 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Crosstrek
Replies: 34
Views: 6616

Re: Crosstrek

I sure did. It makes quick work out of it - just a few cranks of the thing and done. :D
by ColonelPanic
Sun Aug 11, 2019 7:04 am
Forum: The Others
Topic: Crosstrek
Replies: 34
Views: 6616

Re: Crosstrek

I will admit my knowledge about how these systems work isn't the greatest. But I've read things on the internet about DIY serviceability with electronic parking brakes so it must be true. :D For now, when doing a brake job I prefer my $20 caliper wind-back tool over the several thousand dollar scan ...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Jul 13, 2019 8:01 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1417457

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

Hit 134k a few days ago!
by ColonelPanic
Sat Jun 29, 2019 4:00 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Best All-Season Tire?
Replies: 62
Views: 29626

Re: Best All-Season Tire?

I'm really enjoying the Evolution Tours on the Vibe. The ride is simply amazing. 8-) The RT43's on my Sonic have been an excellent tire that has worn very well. They're at 4/32 after 60,000 miles. Wet performance isn't what it used to be and they're getting pretty noisy so I'll be replacing them soo...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Jun 16, 2019 7:28 am
Forum: Problems & Warranty Issues
Topic: Missing Relay On Panel...
Replies: 4
Views: 1006

Re: Missing Relay On Panel...

Had a suspicion about this MAYDAY fuse, so I consulted the '05 owner's manual. That fuse was used for OnStar starting on the '05s, if equipped. Such a thing didn't exist on our '03s, so they must have been planning ahead.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Jun 09, 2019 8:38 am
Forum: Engine & Transmission
Topic: Oil leak question
Replies: 13
Views: 3003

Re: Oil leak question

Did you use anything for thread sealant (teflon tape or some such?) I've read conflicting info on this over the years. I have a new sending unit that's been waiting to go on for a few years. I get a tiny bit of grime collecting on the top of the filter throughout the course of the OCI, my best guess...
by ColonelPanic
Mon Jun 03, 2019 6:21 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I noticed the other morning that the gearshift position backlight was out. I ordered a couple of types of LED replacements for 74 bulbs to try out. One with a single LED at the end ( link ) and another with 3 LED's total ( link .) I bought both red and warm white, more on that later. The PRNDL plast...
by ColonelPanic
Tue May 28, 2019 2:53 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Would like a bluetooth + better stereo installed
Replies: 10
Views: 2541

Re: Would like a bluetooth + better stereo installed

Good job on the install, it looks great!

That's quite the stealth mounting location for the bluetooth mic. How's the sound on the other end when running the fan?
by ColonelPanic
Sun May 26, 2019 3:10 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Friday night, I gave her a quick wash, wax, shined up the cladding and cleaned up the interior. Saturday she got a new set of tires. Today it was some fresh Maxlife and a 2ZZ-spec filter. I was going to attempt to paint the wheel covers as well... Took them off and gave them a good scrubbing, but th...
by ColonelPanic
Sat May 25, 2019 7:55 am
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?
Replies: 22
Views: 6857

Re: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?

I noticed yesterday that Discount Tire is running a 10% rebate in the form of a prepaid Mastercard this weekend. I looked at their options again yesterday and decided to go with the Cooper Evolution Tour. The RT43 is a very good tire but came in a little too high for a car that's just going to sit a...
by ColonelPanic
Fri May 24, 2019 3:01 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: 2005 Wheel Covers
Replies: 3
Views: 1897

Re: 2005 Wheel Covers

That style of wheel cover was used for the entire run of the Vibe. Any cover from a 2003-2008 will work fine on your 2005. 2009-2010 1.8L models retained the same bolt pattern as the 2003-2008, so that would work as well. I'm not sure what's different between the two part numbers... Looking up pics ...
by ColonelPanic
Fri May 03, 2019 5:59 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Thanks! I went out to see what it looks like at night... Ouch, the LED's are a bit bright! usb_before.jpg I have some "LightDims" film that I use around the house for various devices with obnoxious LED's that light up a dark room. I cut out a piece to cover the LED's, much better. Granted,...
by ColonelPanic
Fri May 03, 2019 1:58 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I had the SDM and inflator recalls performed this week, so I spent some time today I reinstalling all the good trim and the JVC radio. The guy at my Chevy dealer who did the recall work didn't add a single scratch when doing the repairs, so I probably would have been OK to leave the good stuff on th...
by ColonelPanic
Wed May 01, 2019 4:06 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

tpollauf wrote: Wed May 01, 2019 1:43 am
Nice! Did yours fit in the lighter opening without modification?

As my comment stated " still NEVER mounted it! So I have no idea if it fits.
LOL, I totally missed that. :)
by ColonelPanic
Tue Apr 30, 2019 4:12 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

I ordered a 2-port USB thingy from Amazon to replace the cigarette lighter socket, will see how that works out. Don't be like me and wait a couple years to install it. My son ordered me a couple of them and I still haven't installed them yet! :o He ordered Red LED backlit glow to match my red Vibe ...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Apr 28, 2019 5:27 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Today I reinstalled the sacrificial dash trim (the stuff that a prior dealer destroyed during the first air bag control module recall.) She's finally going in Tuesday for the non-Takata inflator. Hopefully they also will be able to get the new control module in there too, hence the reinstallation of...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Apr 16, 2019 5:20 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Before/after speaks for itself... :D before.jpg after.jpg This is the 3rd time I've redone the headlights. This time I used the kit from Rain-X, though with a few tweaks... Given how tedious this has been in the past, I enlisted my DA polisher, Meguiars M105 and the Harbor Freight compound and polis...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Apr 06, 2019 4:46 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Replacement blower motors
Replies: 3
Views: 739

Replacement blower motors

The old, tired blower motor has been making noise for a while (a constant whine.) It's not very loud and only noticeable on 1, but I know it's there and that bothers me. :D Looking at a replacement but not sure what is a good choice. There are some super cheap options in the $30-40 range on rockauto...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Mar 30, 2019 4:11 am
Forum: Washing, Waxing, Cleaning
Topic: Best Way to Protect/Restore Different Parts?
Replies: 9
Views: 6093

Re: Best Way to Protect/Restore Different Parts?

303 is fantastic stuff. There's also a version with a sponge applicator that makes quick work of applying it to weatherstripping. Link
by ColonelPanic
Sun Mar 10, 2019 4:43 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: I've Got the South Florida Vibe...
Replies: 5
Views: 1283

Re: I've Got the South Florida Vibe...

Great looking Frosty there. 8-) You found yourself a fantastic car!

Welcome!
by ColonelPanic
Thu Feb 21, 2019 3:44 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Received a Takata recall letter today.
Replies: 10
Views: 2108

Re: Received a Takata recall letter today.

Don't mess with this recall.... Indeed. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eBjxprHh3QI The above looks like the style of inflator fitted into our passenger air bag assemblies. That's great that you were able to get yours replaced. I still haven't received a call back for parts availability. It was ear...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Feb 19, 2019 6:42 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Would like a bluetooth + better stereo installed
Replies: 10
Views: 2541

Re: Would like a bluetooth + better stereo installed

With that said, I'd replace the head unit first. You might be pleasantly surprised how much better it sounds with just a new head unit still using the OEM speakers. Couldn't agree more! If the speakers haven't rotted out and still work fine, it's definitely worth a try. We'd still have the OEM spea...
by ColonelPanic
Sun Feb 10, 2019 5:41 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Since water intrusion claimed another victim, I replaced both front speakers yesterday. When I pulled out the old Kickers, both had rust around the magnet and metal was flaking off. The labels on the back were trashed from being wet as well. I managed to get 3 years out of this set. Went with the Pi...
by ColonelPanic
Tue Feb 05, 2019 3:57 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall
Replies: 17
Views: 2608

Re: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall

Bookworm wrote: Tue Feb 05, 2019 10:57 am Good thing I rarely have a passenger.
As of now, those of us who have received the latest notice are warned to not allow anyone to ride in the passenger seat. Again.

Went through several months of that the first time around while waiting for the replacement inflator.
by ColonelPanic
Sun Feb 03, 2019 6:06 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: How many miles on your Vibes?
Replies: 1043
Views: 1417457

Re: How many miles on your Vibes?

ihaveavibe wrote: Sat Feb 02, 2019 3:09 pm Base '03
Looks like all LED segments work for the fist 5 digits :)
odo 88888.JPG
That's the kind of picture I would take. Yep, all the segments work! :D

And 88k on an '03 - amazing!
by ColonelPanic
Sat Feb 02, 2019 4:26 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Water damaged speakers !!!!
Replies: 5
Views: 1503

Re: Water damaged speakers !!!!

No rust in the doors on ours. Seems to be that water is running down from the windows into the door.

Every time I've taken the speakers out, the labels on the back showed obvious signs of having been wet. And a little corrosion on the speaker terminals.
by ColonelPanic
Sat Feb 02, 2019 4:13 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall
Replies: 17
Views: 2608

Re: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall

Looks like they found me .... that is the 2004 Vibe GT that I got a year ago :o First airbag recall was done when the prior owner had it. Now I have to have it done. Should I wait for the THIRD recall and save the poor car from being butchered up again ??? Na, I would say go for it now. My letter s...
by ColonelPanic
Sat Feb 02, 2019 10:41 am
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Water damaged speakers !!!!
Replies: 5
Views: 1503

Re: Water damaged speakers !!!!

I'm guessing I need to revisit this as well, I didn't have things adequately sealed up. Took the ol' Vibe out today now that things have warmed up a bit. Hasn't been driven in about a month, last time I drove it the speakers were sounding fine. Today the front driver's side gives out. The speakers a...
by ColonelPanic
Mon Jan 28, 2019 5:55 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall
Replies: 17
Views: 2608

Re: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall

Received the letter in the mail today for the recall.

I had already stopped by my Chevy dealer about it, they were going to order parts but said it could be 3 weeks or so. Haven't heard back from them yet, I'll check back in with them tomorrow.
by ColonelPanic
Mon Jan 07, 2019 4:36 pm
Forum: Wheels & Tires
Topic: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?
Replies: 22
Views: 6857

Re: Cheapest tires that are worth a damn?

The Vibe needs tires soon. Mainly interested in finding something with a smooth and quiet ride (because Vibe) as well as good wet weather performance. Not as concerned with snow as the Vibe stays off the roads when they're salty. We put a whopping 3600 miles on the Vibe last year, so obviously any s...
by ColonelPanic
Thu Jan 03, 2019 4:39 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Replacement Head XM Receiver Compatibility
Replies: 10
Views: 1663

Re: Replacement Head XM Receiver Compatibility

That's awesome. I would have saved a bundle if I had went with a lifetime subscription on that tuner I bought so long ago.
by ColonelPanic
Thu Jan 03, 2019 3:50 pm
Forum: Audio, Electronics, Electrical
Topic: Replacement Head XM Receiver Compatibility
Replies: 10
Views: 1663

Re: Replacement Head XM Receiver Compatibility

I can't say for reusing the stock XM, but unless there's a reason you had to keep the stock service (e.g. "lifetime" subscription) it seems the Sirius XM tuners are getting pretty cheap. Best Buy has the tuner on sale for 33.99. Crutchfield has it free after rebates, haven't looked into wh...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Jan 02, 2019 10:37 pm
Forum: GenVibe Announcements
Topic: Forum Software Updated
Replies: 12
Views: 4375

Re: Forum Software Updated

Everything is looking good now! :)
by ColonelPanic
Wed Jan 02, 2019 7:36 am
Forum: GenVibe Announcements
Topic: Forum Software Updated
Replies: 12
Views: 4375

Re: Forum Software Updated

Only other issue I've found so far is that the buttons for edit/quote/report/reply do not have any icons. The mouseover works for them at least.

I tried to attach a 12kb screenshot of the area but got a "could not upload attachment to" message.
by ColonelPanic
Wed Jan 02, 2019 7:28 am
Forum: GenVibe Announcements
Topic: Forum Software Updated
Replies: 12
Views: 4375

Re: Forum Software Updated

I had the same last night (using a Chromebook that's on v70.something.) Try in incognito mode / private browsing / whatever your browser may call it and see if the site looks normal. Incognito mode worked fine for me, so I assume there was something cached from the old site version that was causing ...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Dec 26, 2018 9:10 am
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: keyless entry
Replies: 8
Views: 2185

Re: keyless entry

Interesting that the newer ones didn't automatically lock themselves back if no door was opened. The newer ones also received programmable door locks (on automatics) so they made quite a few changes with the system it seems. I've had a love/hate relationship with this automatically re-locking busine...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Dec 19, 2018 4:54 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall
Replies: 17
Views: 2608

Dec 2018 Passenger Inflator Recall

FYI, another new passenger air bag recall. 2003-2007 model years. https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls?nhtsaId=18V883 Received an e-mail from NHTSA about it this morning (they have a handy service where you can receive e-mail alerts.) Per the notice, the recall also includes vehicles that previously had th...
by ColonelPanic
Wed Dec 19, 2018 4:48 pm
Forum: The Vibe Lounge
Topic: New member from Pickering Ontario saying hi
Replies: 8
Views: 2250

Re: New member from Pickering Ontario saying hi

Only 55,000 km on a 2009? Wow! Sounds like you found a great car.

Welcome aboard!
by ColonelPanic
Sun Dec 16, 2018 1:56 pm
Forum: Maintenance Bay
Topic: What did you do to your Vibe today?
Replies: 3701
Views: 6087313

Re: What did you do to your Vibe today?

Got to mess around with the aftermarket head unit some today (JVC KW-R910BT) after it freaked out. The right front speaker started crackling, then whatever sound that was coming from that speaker was covered up in static. After a while, the speaker went silent save for electrical whine which varied ...