Vibe Service Chart

[slmclarengt]

Hey, I would like to make a thread dedicated to providing service charts for all vibe model years, including things like:Oil changes (approximate)Fuel/Air filters (approximate)Spark plugs, etc...Similar to the GM manual, but taking into account realistic expectations rather than GM assumptive expectations. I have a friend who offered to write me a "little service chart" for when things should be done, but his seemed a bit liberal (oil every 3K miles even with synthetic).Note: I cannot write this accurately as I am not proficient with maintenance of cars, but would like to crowd-source this project so we can create an effective resource for everyone.SlmclarengtP.S. This forum really is addicting... As if I don't already play around in enough forums

[BlueCrush]

Quote, originally posted by slmclarengt »P.S. This forum really is addicting... As if I don't already play around in enough forumsWe got another one, boys!

[star_deceiver]

He'll be on holidays in Florida, forget his laptop at the hotel, and while the family is cruising Daytona Beach he'll be in town hunting down an internet cafe just to check genvibe.......... been there.... Last time I was in Portland for a concert, hit up backspace near the Roseland and the first site I went to was genvibe.Anyways.... An oil change schedule based on mileage and driving style!Engine oil:Aggressive city driver, dino juice, manual tranny, change at 3000mi, add 500mi for auto trannyAggressive city driver, synthetic, manual tranny, change at 4000mi, add 500 mi for auto trannyOvercautious city driver, dino juice, manual or auto tranny, change at 4000miOvercautious city driver, synthetic, manual or auto tranny, change at 5000miAll city drivers that drive less, change oil in september and aprilLong distance hwy driver, dino juice, man or auto, rpm constantly under 3000rpm, change at 5000miLong distance hwy driver, dino juice, man or auto, rpm at 3500/4000rpm, change at 4000miLong distance hwy driver, syntheric, man or auto, rpm constantly under 3000rpm, change at 7000mi Long distance hwy driver, synthetic, man or auto, rpm at 3500/4000rpm, change at 6000miLong distance hwy driver, dino, rpm 4000/4500rpm, change at 4000miLong distance hwy driver, synth, rpm 4000/4500rpm, change at 5000miHwy driver, dino, man or auto, rpm constantly around 5000rpm, change at 2000miHwy driver, synth, man or auto, rpm constantly around 5000rpm, change at 3000miManual Transmission:City driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 20000miCity driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 40000miPlugs:Spark plugs, city, if you run constantly at 3500+rpm, change at 60000mi, +10000mi for hwySpark plugs, city or hwy, if you constantly run at 2500rpm, change at 80000mi, +10000mi for hwyAir Filter:Blow out with compressed air every 2000miReplace every 15000mi, less if you drive on dirt roadsFuel Filter:Change every 100 fill-ups, about 35000mi

[iucu]

With oil, I am a little "maniac". Dump it at 2500 mile !!! Over all it is one oil change more per year. Same with transmission, at 30,000 dump it !!!Hey, if I change my blood daily with a glass of good red wine why should I preoced diferently with my car !? I like to take care about my car in any aspects ! Same with gas, I put only 89 to be sure that is at least 87 !!! He he !

[slmclarengt]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »He'll be on holidays in Florida, forget his laptop at the hotel, and while the family is cruising Daytona Beach he'll be in town hunting down an internet cafe just to check genvibe.......... been there.... Last time I was in Portland for a concert, hit up backspace near the Roseland and the first site I went to was genvibe.Anyways.... An oil change schedule based on mileage and driving style!Aggressive city driver, dino juice, manual tranny, change at 3000mi, add 500mi for auto trannyAggressive city driver, synthetic, manual tranny, change at 4000mi, add 500 mi for auto trannyOvercautious city driver, dino juice, manual or auto tranny, change at 4000miOvercautious city driver, synthetic, manual or auto tranny, change at 5000miAll city drivers that drive less, change oil in september and aprilLong distance hwy driver, dino juice, man or auto, rpm constantly under 3000rpm, change at 5000miLong distance hwy driver, dino juice, man or auto, rpm at 3500/4000rpm, change at 4000miLong distance hwy driver, syntheric, man or auto, rpm constantly under 3000rpm, change at 7000mi Long distance hwy driver, synthetic, man or auto, rpm at 3500/4000rpm, change at 6000miLong distance hwy driver, dino, rpm 4000/4500rpm, change at 4000miLong distance hwy driver, synth, rpm 4000/4500rpm, change at 5000miHwy driver, dino, man or auto, rpm constantly around 5000rpm, change at 2000miHwy driver, synth, man or auto, rpm constantly around 5000rpm, change at 3000miCity driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 20000miCity driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 40000miSpark plugs, city or hwy, if you run constantly at 3500+rpm, change at 60000miSpark plugs, city or hwy, if you constantly run at 2500rpm, change at 85000mi Question, is the Tranny fluid directly related to the oil used in the engine; so when you say "Change synth manual tranny fluid at 40000mi" are you implying synth to mean synthetic engine oil?Also, I may change the spark plugs a little earlier than that (75000mi maybe).

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »City driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 20000miCity driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change dino manual tranny fluid at 30000miHwy driver, change synth manual tranny fluid at 40000miThats manual transmission fluid, nothing to do with engine oil.The owners manual on most new cars says to change the plugs at 100000mi. When I owned the Sunfire, I changed the plugs at 80000mi. 2 of them had lost their platinum tips and were shot, the other 2 wern't too bad. That engine ran at about 3200rpm hwy driving for most of it's life. Wear on the plugs is directly related to how many times they fire so an engine that runs at constantly high rpm will need plug replacement more often.I'll edit that post a little

[slmclarengt]

I've drafted this excel sheet and would like to know if this is a good idea or if it is well thought out. It is a bit specific to my situation (mostly hwy driving ~150+ miles per trip with some city driving per week for a total of ~200mi per week for when driving the hwy trip, otherwise less than 50 miles per week). But just deleting the specific notes (like when I am noting to change oil/spark plugs/etc...) should make it good for about everyone. I have not figured out what/if anything I should check/analyze/change on a fixed monthly basis. But if you've got things that are good to do then, I'd love for them to be added!The 3 worksheets are: Monthly, Weekly and Mileage-based checks/changes. Mileage is the most populated with all the different things that need to be done, while Weekly only relates to checking tire pressures and tread depth (maybe tread depth doesn't need to be checked weekly but it's an easy/quick check)

Attached files CarCare.xls (32.5 KB) 

[slmclarengt]

So then if that transmission fluid is "dino" or "synth" does that mean when it comes time to change it the first time, I can choose Dino or Synthetic? Does the vibe come with Synthetic transmission fluid or Dino?- That's how up to spec I am with vehicles; I did not even know tranny 'fluid' was oil which could also be synthetic/dino.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »When I owned the Sunfire, I changed the plugs at 80000mi. 2 of them had lost their platinum tips and were shot, the other 2 wern't too bad. That engine ran at about 3200rpm hwy driving for most of it's life. Wear on the plugs is directly related to how many times they fire so an engine that runs at constantly high rpm will need plug replacement more often.Actually, an engine that runs at constantly higher rpms would be running mostly in a higher gears thereby running fewer miles per times they "fire". Consequently a higher % of "city" driving would prompt one to change the spark plugs at a lower mileage level.

[star_deceiver]

I believe the 09 1.8L's manual tranny comes with semi-synthetic fluid. When I change mine it will be with a full synth 75-90 gear oil. But you can run whatever your hear desires brand wise, synth or dino.Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Actually, an engine that runs at constantly higher rpms would be running mostly in a higher gears thereby running fewer miles per times they "fire". Consequently a higher % of "city" driving would prompt one to change the spark plugs at a lower mileage level. Yes, I've always been leery of 100000mile plugs. In a perfect world with perfect conditions I'm sure they will work fine but from what I've seen, the mileage numbers I put down should be about right.Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Plugs:Spark plugs, city, if you run constantly at 3500+rpm, change at 60000mi, +10000mi for hwySpark plugs, city, if you constantly run at 2500rpm, change at 80000mi, +10000mi for hwy

[slmclarengt]

I'm running a 2.4L Manual Tranny Frosty Vibe. Is that tranny fluid (oil?) any different than the 1.8L and is it like engine oil in which full synthetic is a good substitute?BTW, I'm running 5w-30 SAE Castrol full synthetic and am wondering why even the Dealer uses 5w-30 and not the 'recommended' 5w-20 or 0w-20 (albeit 0w-20 is virtually impossible to come by so I've found)I'd still love to know what y'all think about my CarCare Excel Chart. Optimally, it would be printed out and the owner would "X mark" by the things completed.

[star_deceiver]

Fluid should be the same.Quote, originally posted by slmclarengt »BTW, I'm running 5w-30 SAE Castrol full synthetic and am wondering why even the Dealer uses 5w-30 and not the 'recommended' 5w-20 or 0w-20 (albeit 0w-20 is virtually impossible to come by so I've found)I'd still love to know what y'all think about my CarCare Excel Chart. Optimally, it would be printed out and the owner would "X mark" by the things completed. They probably put in 5w-30 because thats what the standard dealer oil change uses. You probably need to specifically ask for 5w-20 or 0w-20 (and they'll probably charge you extra for it!)The chart is an exellent idea! Attach a copy of it to your next post.

[slmclarengt]

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Fluid should be the same.They probably put in 5w-30 because thats what the standard dealer oil change uses. You probably need to specifically ask for 5w-20 or 0w-20 (and they'll probably charge you extra for it!)The chart is an exellent idea! Attach a copy of it to your next post.Stupid that they [the dealer even] would charge more for the manufacturer's recommendation.I attached the chart above at this post: http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...74572But I've attached it again to this post.

Attached files CarCare.xls (32.5 KB) 

[Esteban]

You can set up a " My Service Schedule " from this website for all your cars. Click on link, click on Service Schedule on F., then on next page click on " My Service Schedule ." Not a bad site. http://www.driverside.com/serv...21234Also, there is a TSB about the new engines using some oil. Dealers/owners haev noticed an improvement by swith to 5, or 10/30.http://www.tundrasolutions.com...09230

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by Esteban »Also, there is a TSB about the new engines using some oil. Dealers/owners haev noticed an improvement by swith to 5, or 10/30.http://www.tundrasolutions.com...09230I posted a link to that topic weeks ago in another active ongoing thread on this forum.

[slmclarengt]

Quote, originally posted by Esteban »You can set up a " My Service Schedule " from this website for all your cars. Click on link, click on Service Schedule on F., then on next page click on " My Service Schedule ." Not a bad site. http://www.driverside.com/serv...21234I cannot see an Service Schedule actually detailed for me. It just says "The Service Schedule for this vehicle is currently not available." for both the 2009 Vibe and 2010 Vibe. Yes I did register and even added a custom service to my history, but no schedule is pre-populated or even gives me the choice to populate one. My excel sheet should work well as a chart to check off consistent maintenance. Quote, originally posted by Esteban »Also, there is a TSB about the new engines using some oil. Dealers/owners haev noticed an improvement by swith to 5, or 10/30.http://www.tundrasolutions.com...09230I've got the 2.4L engine and I used 5w-30 per dealer and mechanic recommendation. They even said 5w-20 practically does not exist.

[iucu]

I had the same frustration. At my first oil change, they put 5W30 not the one recomanded on the oil cap ! i wanted to dump the oil but I will put the right one on my next change...

[ou.grizzly]

Quote, originally posted by iucu »I had the same frustration. At my first oil change, they put 5W30 not the one recomanded on the oil cap ! i wanted to dump the oil but I will put the right one on my next change...Serra services many different brands of vehicles and I have never heard one bad thing about them. I have been using them for over 18 months for oil changes on many vehicles. It is one of the few dealers in the area that I trust on touching the vehicle. The 5W-30 will not harm your engine.

[djkeev]

Quote, originally posted by slmclarengt » They even said 5w-20 practically does not exist.Really? I guess those cases in my garage are a mirage? Huh. Look around, you are being snowed my friend. It exists.I've noticed that many many many newer cars spec 5 - ?? oil. In Many shops 10 - ?? oil is poured into these engines like water. This isn't a new spec, the question is why? Ignorance? Cost? Convenience?5 weight oil has been a friction reducer / MPG increaser for years.Dave

[iucu]

Wait ! I do not criticise here, maybe it just happened to me ! When I called other dealers before oil change, they justified theier high price because of "special" oil filter and "special" oil for Vibe ! I was frustrated because a GM dealer should be accurate and a honest one reletive to a GM car owner ! In fact they told me that if I want they will dump the oil and replace with 5W20. I will make a remark to dealer next time, put the right oil in !

[slmclarengt]

Synthetic 5w-20 that met the GM spec for the vibe was practically impossible to find hence my comment about it practically not existing. Could they have found it? I'd assume so, but the only 2 things I care about are: 1) Vehicle Reliability/Quality and 2) Warranty not being voided. Since the GM dealers insisted this was the only oil even they would use, I would presume this to not void the warranty as the weight is still the same. I will speak with my mechanic about seeing if they could use 5w-20 next time, but I'm quite sure they will not. From what I know/knew about oil, the number just signifies the temperature, which does not seem significant to me (not much knowledge of cars).Slmclaren

[star_deceiver]

Proper 0w-20 oil! http://www.genvibe.com/images/...e.pdf page 11-18 part D: Recomended fluids and lubricants - engine oil which meets GM Standard GM6094M.http://www.mobil.com/USA-Engli...y.asp Scroll down, it's GM approved.You can buy it at Walmarx or Autozone (and probably many more...).

[slmclarengt]

Ok since I already got the oil changed to 5w-30 just over 1000 miles ago I will not change it again for a few/several thousand more miles. Will this be ok for the engine (I've heard of burned oil more commonly with 5w-20), and would 5w-30 void any warranty by GM?Then I presume it would be recommended to switch back to 5w-20 or 0w-20 when the time comes for an oil change (probably in January 10 or a little after), but correct me if I'm wrong. I just want what is best for the car FIRST while considering what is my best for my pocketbook in the short and long-term.

[iucu]

OK, in your 2009 manual at section 9-10 it say : SAE 5W-20 is best for the vehicle but in my 2010 Manual at section 9-11 it say SAE 5W-30 is the best for the vehicle ! so my dealer used this oil (5W-30) .On my oil cap say use 5W20 or 0W20.

[iucu]

Because my next cange is at the end of December, what would be the best option 5W20 or 0W20 ? (is cold here in Michigan)

[star_deceiver]

My next oil change is going to be with 0w-20. As it's GM approved, theres no warranty problem. My engine burns no oil so I'm not concerned.

[kowell]

Quote, originally posted by iucu »When I called other dealers before oil change, they justified theier high price because of "special" oil filter and "special" oil for Vibe !Hehe.... My dealer also gave me a crap story about "special oil" for my Vibe which was why my oil change was 60$ insted of the usual 40$. I go to the local Toyota dealer ever since for oil changes and they charge me 40$. The service clerk told me they service a large ammount of Vibes.

[iucu]

"Best mileage, 827.5 kms on 49.332L. 5.96L/100kms or 39.47MPG40 mile per gallon ?"Did you drove a long hill down in Neutral !!!? What wher your driving conditions ? With my 1.8L I never got more then 32 mile per galon (city/HWY combined)

[Houston]

The best mileage to date on my 2009 2.4L was 31.76 mpg. That was about 90 percent expressway using cruise control at 65 MPH. The same drive going there (to Mackinaw City) at 75 MPH resulted in mileage of 26.75 MPG.

[Esteban]

My 2010 Vibe manual [ 1.8 engine ] says that 5w-30 wt is best for this engine Cap doesn't ! 5w-30 is what I will use, considering I live in Florida, too.

[jake75]

My 2009 manual says 5w-20, same as the oil cap. But I don't think using 5w-30 could void the warranty coverage. And driving in Florida, you probably have a valid point.

[iucu]

Hmm, 1.8L is not the same engine in 2009 and 2010 ? It is not 2ZR-FE in both ? Clear, on my Engine Oil Cap say 5W20 or 0W20 and in 2010 Manual 5W30 ! So I believe there is a mistake in 2010 manual.

[Eloi]

Quote, originally posted by slmclarengt »I've got the 2.4L engine and I used 5w-30 per dealer and mechanic recommendation. They even said 5w-20 practically does not exist.Really? Cause I've always used 5W20 in my 2009 Vibe and all places I went to do the oil changes (not just the GM dealers) tell me that new cars almost all use 5W20 oil now, that it is becoming quite the standard, as was maybe 10W30 before...Some bull****ters try to charge a lot more for the 5W20 though, which is a non-sense...

[slmclarengt]

Ok let's ignore the practically does not exist line as I was only inquiring about Synthetic 5w-20, which they did not have and they said they never did. I added the practically does not exist line because it was extraordinarily difficult to find online when I was looking a couple months ago. For some reason now it seems far easier to find.I will try to switch to 5w-20 as recommended for the next oil change (or 0w-20) but that will be in a couple month's time. Slm

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by iucu »"Best mileage, 827.5 kms on 49.332L. 5.96L/100kms or 39.47MPG40 mile per gallon ?"Did you drove a long hill down in Neutral !!!? What wher your driving conditions ? With my 1.8L I never got more then 32 mile per galon (city/HWY combined)http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=387881) Keep your foot out of the gas! 2) Never coast in neutral. 3) Keep it below 60mph. I ran that tank almost bone dry.

[iucu]