New Owner with Used Vibe...Tune-up woes?

[VastOrangutan]

Hi all,Just picked up a used '03 AWD Vibe and thought I'd jump on the forums!It's got 115,000 on the odometer, so I plan on doing all the fixin's (fluids, filters, plugs) to ensure another 200,000 out of her! I'm planning my "attack plan" for this weekend so I can start enjoying her. I do have a few questions reguarding the tune-up and maintenance that I haven't been able to find...1. Coil-on-plug ignition? I'm used to wires, which I like to replace when I do the plugs. From what I understand, leave these be until they give you problems? I know they're expensive and just want to know the lifespan on something like this.2. Fuel filter. I'm also used to doing these for a tune-up. It's not scheduled in regular maintenance, and I don't feel like digging in the gas tank if I don't need to. Let it be until it also gives you problems?3. The rear brakes make a creaking/grinding (not squealing) noise, most noticable at slower speeds. It is intermittent, sounding like one spot on the drums has problem spot (glazing, perhaps). Pulled the drums for a quick once-over, and to check shoe thickness. Didn't see any wear indicators and thickness was good, but I'm still going to replace them since I don't know their history. Components and springs looked very clean and I nudged the assembly around to make sure nothing was bound to the inner housing. So I'm not really sure what would be causing the noise? I guess we'll find out after I replace them this weekend.Also on a related topic...the e-brake is waaay out of adjustment. Pulling the lever all the way only just takes the slack out of the cable running to the brakes. There is no way this could come from cable stretch. Maybe the shoes are worn more than I thought? I'd say there's a 1/8 inch of pad left on both the rears. Could the noise I described earlier be related to the e-brake problem?4. I know these engines have a nice purr to them, but this one's sounding a little throatier up towards the front when it's cold, and quiets down after it's had time to warm up. It's not clicking like a loose manifold, so that's a plus. Where's the first place to look? I noticed a couple different donut gaskets up there, and read up on the method of checking for leaks with soapy water...is there an easier way to find a leak? It's hard to maneuver around a hot exhaust checking for bubbles...Obviously I've got a pretty good idea of what needs to be done...this newbie just needs some collective experience on what works best to answer questions like I'm having! Thanks.

[joatmon]

0. Welcome to GenVibe1. I wouldn't replace the coils unless you think there's a problem with one. I'm at 233K miles, still have the original coils2. On some cars, the fuel filter is a scheduled service item, but not on these cars. Leave it alone unless you have a rpbolem, such as known dirty fuel3. The rear brakes shoes on these cars seem to last a long time, it's not unreasonable that there's still pad on them at 115K miles. I think I had more than 1/8 inch left on mine the last time I checked them. If you decide to adjust the parking brake after you've put the new shoes on and adjusted them, there's an lock nut and adjusting nut on the cable end at the parking brake lever end. You'd need to pull the center console (four 10 mm bolts, and the wire for the power outlet)4. I don't have advice on checking for exhaust leaks5. On the AWDs, be sure to change the fluid in the transfer case and rear diff

[VastOrangutan]

Hey thanks joatmon! It just blows my mind that vehicle parts can last that long without maintenance! Switching from a Ford Ranger...and it's good to finally get a car that I will enjoy driving.You've answered most of my questions...I guess I'll just tighten the e-brake, as I don't see any reason it should be that loose unless the adjusting and lock nuts have been creeping!Also, transfer case and rear diff is the heart of my AWD! I guess the just recommend a GL-5 80-90 gear oil? And i thought it was some special stuff for the viscous coupling...anywaym I'm ready for some heavy Michigan weather to hit and test her out...once everything is taken care of that is.Thanks again.

[Zimm]

welcome to a fellow michigander and grand rapidian (i grew up there, right behind ghetto meijer's-yeah, if you live in the city you know the one!)enjoy your Vibe!

[star_deceiver]

Ready for winter? What type of tires you running?

[VastOrangutan]

@Zimm - thanks! I guess there are couple 'ghetto' Meijers around though...@star_deceiver - I was going to ask that question on the forums! Right now there are some el-cheapo economy tires. I don't think I want to go all-out winter tire (I've got Nokian Hakkepiliita's on my truck...they're fantastic on the road, but are way too noisy for me to ruin the serenity of my Vibe's cabin.) Since I'm a college student with limited funds, I'm guessing a good all-season tire will suit me fine! I'm hearing good reviews on Hankook Optimos for their longevity, smooth ride, and great winter traction...and the price isn't looking too bad either!

[Whelan]

I can answer a couple for you:1) Don't touch them. They are fine until you have a problem, nothing really goes wrong with them from what I have experienced.2) Leave it alone as well. I would toss in a bottle of fuel system cleaner with your next fillup and call it a day.3) Rear drum brakes last as said forever it seems. I just replaced mine not too long ago with 100k on them. 4) the engine likes to be rev happy when warming up. Seemingly more so than most other cars I have encountered. Mine has no issue going 2000-2200 when it is dead cold. I know they say driving it slowly is the best way to warm it up, but when it's that cold out, I let it drop to below 2k before I start to drive. The cars also have a hold-back feature. If you have an automatic then the car will not allow you to shift up from 2nd gear if it is still cold and not ready too. So don't get nervous if your driving cold and at 40mph still in 2nd gear, it's normal.

[star_deceiver]

Quote, originally posted by VastOrangutan » I'm guessing a good all-season tire will suit me fine! I'm hearing good reviews on Hankook Optimos for their longevity, smooth ride, and great winter traction...and the price isn't looking too bad either!And that tire would be great for the 3 seasons that arn't winter. Hankook makes a great winter tire, the I-pike!!! Your AWD will be great for straight line acceleration but will do nothing for you when you try to take a corner or slam on the brakes unless you have the proper winter tires!!!I have 4 firestone Winterforce, fully studded on my Vibe and yes they are loud (2:49 of this vid is petty much what you/I hear http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eaIfx_IV0vU ). It's nice to be able to drive circles around all the slow idiots and their all seasons!

[VastOrangutan]

No studs for me, thanks. That video helped me reassure that. I'll have to do some more tire research I guess. The Nokians from my truck seem to have a really good rubber compound, and I've had them on the vehicle for 2 years and 20,000 miles with less wear than one would expect from a soft winter tire.It would, however, be nice to have directional tires...they really help with the slushy conditions, and in the summer greatly improve wet stopping. Decisions, Decisions...