TSB Repairs

[Petrucci914]

Hello,I have a 2003 Base Vibe and I am the 3rd owner. I keep hearing about people and these TSBs. My vehicle is obviously out of warranty but would a dealership do these repairs free of charge since they are a common problem or no? I'm specifically interested in that catalytic convertor one since it seems like my gas mileage isn't the greatest........ about 28mpg in mostly highway driving. Thanks!

[ragingfish]

No.Once you're out of warranty, only recalls would be repaired for free. TSB's are still only covered if the car is within the warranty period.

[ToolGuy]

The converter usually has a longer warranty with it since it is emissions related (7 year or 75,000 miles, used to be at least). Look in your owners manual to be sure I am at work and cannot look at mine. What is your mileage?If you have the Rotten Egg Smell TSB, or the current converter IS indeed bad and are under the above mileage, it may be worth talking to the dealer. You may have to really push the issue but will be worth it in the end and you may or may not have to pay for labor.

[Petrucci914]

My Vibe has 52750 miles on it. I don't really have that smell but if it was a possible issue, I'd like to get it replaced especially if it increases the mileage. I expected about 32MPG average since 95% of my driving is all highway but I'm not really getting that. I've put fuel injector cleaner in, replaced the stock air filter, did a tranny fluid change and nothing has really changed it. I was going to put in new spark plugs but I was told they don't need this until 100k miles. I also run 93 octane strictly.

[ToolGuy]

I was going to recommend changing some of the items you already did...If it were me I would do the plugs now. I always take the interval and cut it in half. Also, is your Vibe a GT to justify the high octane fuel? (EDIT: I see from above it is a Base Vibe)If not, than do not run the 93 Octane... If you run high octane in a non-high octane engine, the burn is not the same. Thus this too may be contributing to the poor mileage. Also have you aired your tires up to the proper PSI?Weak or poorly functioning Oxygen Sensors will cut your mileage. Did your check engine light ever come on? Lastly did you use Chevron Techron Fuel System cleaner in the engine? It IS one of the best, do not use anything else it works!

[Petrucci914]

I haven't run the Chevron stuff, maybe I'll try that. I'll also think about doing the spark plugs......... only use Iridium? I also ran higher octane in other cars and I seemed to get better gas mileage so I was justified in paying the extra amount and a lot of people always recommend using Premium. You have any literature on this?

[djb383]

Just about any carbureted engine would run better on premium, but that is NOT the case with modern computer controlled efi engines (unless it's required by the mfg.).

[21Rouge]

Quote, originally posted by djb383 »Just about any carbureted engine would run better on premium, but that is NOT the case with modern computer controlled efi engines (unless it's required by the mfg.). Lets not be too harsh. It is not as if using higher octane fuel will be detrimental to a base Vibe. Afterall, quoting from the car's manual:"...If your vehicle has the 1.8L L4 (VIN Code 8) engine, use regular unleaded gasoline with a posted octane of 87 or higher...."

[goodvibe]

Because it will only work properly with 87 or higher but not so well with lower. Higher octane will give a slower and possibly less complete burn. It is also more likely to leave carbon deposits in the chambers for this reason. You're always best off running the lowest octane that doesn't retard the timing. If you would like extra detergency, use some lube control on a regular basis or a bottle of techron before an oil change. Try regular and mileage should improve but this is a bad time to check since the pumps are changing to winter gas in your area and mileage drops up to 10% this time of year. If you noticed a recent reduction, this may be why.

[ToolGuy]

Quote, originally posted by Petrucci914 »I haven't run the Chevron stuff, maybe I'll try that. I'll also think about doing the spark plugs......... only use Iridium? I also ran higher octane in other cars and I seemed to get better gas mileage so I was justified in paying the extra amount and a lot of people always recommend using Premium. You have any literature on this?Actually no I do not have literature on this... Just my knowledge from working on vehicles... Like Goodvibe explained, this is the reason you should switch back to 87. The Vibe engine will run on anything but it is best to use what the engine was designed for.And I say use the same plugs that came with the engine. If you switch plug manfs you will probably not see/feel any degree in performance.