Hill Climb

[eger]

Any ideas on improving hill climbing ability? Can't pull interstate long hills without serious down-shift; even at 65 MPH. Would throttle 'reset' help?

[GrayFox]

The DBW reset won't help the Vibe do any hill climbing b/c it doesn't add (or "unlock") any power. It just seems to smooth acceleration & shifts out.

[drunkenmaxx]

have a big truck pull it!

[CanadianTim]

I have no problem with hills other than the occasional shift down one gear. Even towing a 1600lb trailer I have little problem on hills and there are serious hills where I live.You don't mention whether you have an auto or standard. My 5 speed is very good. I've driven autos and they do like to downshift loudly. Check the basics - tire pressure, fresh plugs, fresh air filter and MAP/MAF /Temp sensors cleaned in the intake, remove excess "stuff" stored in the back. You do need to be in the power band - above 3000RPM so an auto will kick down and with a standard you'll have to downshift to stay in the power band.Other than that you'll have to modify for more power. Even going to a smaller overall diameter tire next time you replace would help but I can't see this issue warranting major work to overcome...

[djb383]

Seems to be common with our automatics. Maybe someday the engineers will tweek the PCM programming, send it to all the dealerships and they will re-flash our PCM.........for free. Yeah, right!

[zionzr2]

turn off the O/D!!

[Mavrik]

A cold air intake system or unichip will help with that low end torque.

[Digger]

That is why I put the short ram on. It is a bit louder but has much more torque

[eger]

Thanks, all. I am considering cold air intake and unichip. The car is a base '06 with auto tranny. Turning off OD at 65 MPH is exactly the same result as the down shift!It's nice to know I'm among so many intelligent, helpful people.