Just bought a new 2005 Vibe - Engine seems a bit loud when idling?

[NetRyderz]

Hey Everyone,I am a newbie to this site and a newbie to the world of Vibes. After researching the Vibe, Matrix, and several other cars, we finally purchased a 2005 Base Vibe this past Friday (day after thanksgiving). The color is Moonstone with the power package and automatic transmission.The car is for my wife and we both wanted a wagon/suv but wanted a sporty look (we’re both 24). The Vibe was perfect. We also rented one last summer when we took a long road trip to visit some family so that helped make our decision a little easier. We love it!My wife mentioned last night that the Vibe’s engine is a little loud when in idle. I checked it out and it sounds the same as when we picked it up but it does seem pretty loud (she had a Sentra before so I would understand a little difference), especially when the AC is on. Has anyone else experienced this? Just wondering if it is something I should call about or if it is common?Look forward to hearing your replies!Thanks!

[ToolGuy]

Sounds normal to me without hearing it. Wait until you get some miles on it and an oil change or two, should quiet down a bit. BTW, change the oil and filter at 1,500. I always do and gets the break in oil out.Welcome and have fun with it...

[nismo]

Hey,Welcome to the forums. This problem should be very big. Does it do when the engine is cold? If so, that quiets down a lot. But, if it's loud all the time, then, that should not happen. See where the car is revving at. If it revs at like 1500rpm's when it's warm, then there is something wrong.Inder

[ShadowRuleZ]

What do you mean loud? The engine is loud (idle, etc) or the fan is loud? All my previous cars have always had belt driven fans with clutches, and the electric fan on our vibe is pretty loud.

[steves76]

Welcome.. GREAT choice of color you got there

[ColonelPanic]

Welcome aboard! As far as the noisy idle, more than likely you're alright. As long as it isn't knocking (like mine is) you should be fine. The Vibe's engine is a bit noisy at times, but nothing alarming. Not completely sure, but I attribute that to the fact that the Vibe is using a timing chain as opposed to a belt, and therefore will be a bit noisier than other engines in its class. I've noticed those with a belt tend to be significantly more quiet at idle.I wouldn't worry too much about it, but if it is loud enough to be a concern, have the dealer check it out...

[Merzbow]

It echos a whole lot in a garage. BTW what color is moonstone?!?!

[rated_w]

ehh the 1zz engines were alwyas loudremember that because the exhaust manifold is closer to the cabin than the intake .. I wouldn't worry about it.

[Mavrik]

welcome to the fold all Vibes idle high (loud?) when cold until they are warm, then the engine SHOULD idle down from that 1800rpm range to about 800rpm. Mine is VERY quiet once its warm even with the CAI I mounted on there.

[NetRyderz]

Hi all,Thanks for all the replies. I have been out of town for the past few days so haven't had a chance to reply.My wife finally let me take it out for a spin so I could see for myself. It does seem to idle pretty loud when cold but frops just below 1000 RPM once warm. I guess this is about normal?One other thing - I noticed that when you first turn the car off, we hear a slight dripping sound, like something dripping onto the exhaust? My first thought would be the AC compressor but we hear it even without the AC. Any suggestions?Thanks again!

[Mavrik]

the AC runs if you have the setting on defrost, even if you don't actually have it turned on. It could be dripping moisture on the exhaust that your hearing.