To all 09 Vibe owners with 2.4L engine, Wellcome to the oil consumption club

[cq358]

It is official, welcome to the partyAt least we know our engine and transmission are CBU from Japanhttp://www.scionlife.com/forum...age=3

[star_deceiver]

Now is there a GM version of this TSB?

[Old Tele man]

...so far, not yet.

[jake75]

Quote, originally posted by cq358 »It is official, welcome to the partyAt least we know our engine and transmission are CBU from Japanhttp://www.scionlife.com/forum...age=3You could have had a V8 - I mean a 1.8.

[jake75]

Reading the TSB - they think no more than 1 qt of oil per 1,200 miles is acceptable?

[cq358]

my engine serial started with "H" so i guess it is from Japan. I am looking at the gm parts online and see if they change the PN of the pistons from 2009 to 2010. If the PN is not the same then there might be a running change with a redesign Piston and oil ring sometime in the production run

[cq358]

Based on the TSB this is strictly with 2.4L engine and only affecting 2009 MY

[cq358]

it seems the piston has been redesign at production date as May/June 08 since they use a different part number before those dates according to Nelly GM's online Parts catalog.The funny thing is , the crank bearing also redesigned since 12/08. I dunno is it related to noise or they use a tighter tolerance crank shaft.

[09vGT]

I've not noticed my Vibe using any oil at all. Ever. I will be checking the oil tomorrow though lol.

[vibenvy]

Neither one of our GTs consumes oil. Quote, originally posted by cq358 »it seems the piston has been redesign production date of May/June 08 since they use a different part number before those dates.If that's the case, both our GTs should be fine as their production dates are October 29, 2008 and November 17, 2008.

[j42.snyder]

Based on the above info, hopefully mine will be fine (built Feb 20, 2009), but my brother's was built in April 2008.So far, neither has indicated any amount of consumption. Possibly 1/8 liter nearing the end of a 8000km oil change if I've been towing, but certainly nothing notable. Any engine must consume at least a small bit over time...I know my brother virtually never checks his oil - and tends to go further than recommended. I've noticed his looking darker than I'd like to see, but the level has always been fine.At least we've got longer warranties than Toyota provides - so if something happens, we've got some chance at getting it looked after. I don't like the idea of a GM mechanic working on my car however - so hopefully it's never required! Although I've done every oil change myself (so I don't exactly have receipts to "prove" when it was done) - I've kept every oil filter since new - still partly filled with oil and the exact date and mileage of the change written on the boxes. I figure that's "proof" enough if a question ever arises... plus I keep detailed records of whatever I do in the owner's manual.I think the title of the thread should be more like "To SOME 09 Vibe owners with 2.4L engine..." I have yet to hear of anyone on here complaining about this. It would be interesting to know exactly what the change was to the piston/ring design that "fixed" the potential problem. Sometimes it's not even a real design change - just a tolerance adjustment that can make a difference - which would explain why only some may be affected.John

[cq358]

I do a quick search. Only 1 vibe forum member with 2.4 engine might experiencing oil consumption.It seem the thread dies down after someone convinced he switch into 5w30.He is also a "early adopter" of vibe, he join at Feb 08, I assume the production date of his vibe might be Dec 07-Jan 08http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=38929

[cq358]

Based on your bro's severe driving condition and doing oil change around 10k. It didn't indicated a problem trend. 1/8" is very minor loss can be attribute to not fully inserting the dip stick or the car not been sitting long enough time when inspecting oil level.The TC crowd are most vocal about oil consumption. I believe they run the engine the hardest among all 2AZ-FE user.(Xb, Rav, Camry,HL)

[j42.snyder]

Hah - yes, and I even posted a couple of times or more in that thread!However, it was only one member, and that was over 2 years ago - so I still wouldn't consider it to be a "common" problem. He also admitted to driving more aggressively at times - and the engine was still fairly new. Both of these conditions can add to oil consumption in any engine. I'm guessing that as it was broken in further, that perhaps the issue decreased - especially if it was due to oil consumption past the rings. Certain oils can tend to appear to "burn" more than others as well. On my previous Sunfire, I never noted any oil consumption except with Castrol GTX - and it used maybe 1/2 liter between changes. After that, other oils still had no issues. That car had nearly 250,000km on it at the time. My brother in law has had it for almost 3 years now, and to my knowledge hasn't had to add any oil between changes either - so it seems to me that most newer engines will last a long time with proper maintenance. If I didn't have issues with my left leg preventing me from driving manual transmission still, I'd probably still be driving that car. I'll sure be glad when this one's paid for! Hopefully in a few months now...John

[cq358]

I agree everything you have said.I guess "green" engine doesn't seal the oil as good as a higher millage engine (after break in period) can cause oil consumption. Further more, I believe even healthy engine could burn oil after 180 000km which is normal.I think the problem with different oil has different viscosity characteristics. Actually I got a 96 Corolla and the car start burn oil when using synthetic blend 1 L /3000km . But after change to Formula 1 Synthetic ( Canadian tire) the oil loss become less severe.. Given that I used to work as a grease Monkey at a Toyota dealership.You could be amaized after you driven your car for 20 km in city traffic in 0 C, the temperature at your engine oil is just luke warm, like 30C.

[tpollauf]

I wonder when ACTUALLY the problem was discovered & fixed? I have a late model 09 and possibly it is not under this engine mishap

[cq358]

I did a brief look at the Toyota Parts website. they did numerous running production change from 06/08, 12/08 and 12/09 with the pistons.

[ParknVibe]

Is the 2.4L engine for the Vibe built it Japan? My 2009 Vibe was assemblied in May 2008. I thought that the 2.4L was assemblied in the US. I don't know , I only read it someplace.

[csxt8058]

Decided to check mine...right where it belongs, and it's about due for a change. I'm at just over 20,000 miles. JR

[cq358]

If your engine serial the digit after "AZ" is H or 0 to 6, your power train ( included transmission) are built in Japan.Mine is "H". For more info check the TSB which showed how to find the serial plate.

[csxt8058]

Mine is a 4 after the AZ. Production date is May of 2009. JR

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by csxt8058 »Mine is a 4 after the AZ. Production date is May of 2009.Where did you find this information?

[csxt8058]

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »Where did you find this information?If you open your driver's door and look down to the right, you'll see this tag on the body panel. The number tag is also on the door itself, just below the latch, and under the hood on the top of the driver's side fender. JR

[cq358]

csxt might need to double check the transmission serial number again. which indicated from page 4 of the TSB.The VIN is different than the transmisison serial number.

[csxt8058]

I checked page 4 of the TSB, found the location of the stainless tag on the transmission, and it is in fact identical to the VIN number on my Vibe. Am I still looking in the wrong place? JR

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by cq358 »csxt might need to double check the transmission serial number again. which indicated from page 4 of the TSB.The VIN is different than the transmisison serial number.Yeah, I figured it had to be different from the VIN because neither one of our VINs has an "AZ" in it. They both have a "Z", but no "AZ". For some reason I couldn't get the TSB to come up, so where is the transmission serial number found?

[csxt8058]

Ok, so if I looked at the TSB correctly this should explain it. The black arrow points to the direction of the tag rivted on the engine, the white arrow points in the direction of the transmission tag, you have to get your head down there and look around, but you'll see it. On my Vibe, both numbers match each other, and my VIN number.I'm leaving for work, so hopefully I didn't start confusion, but I hope it's settled by the time I get home. JR

[cq358]

Thanks CSXTUnfortunely mine don't match. The VIN number at my ownership said 4 but the tag at engine and transmission said H

[vibenvy]

The plate on the transmission seemed to match our VINs, however directly above the plate on the transmission was a number stamped into the transmission itself. I am wondering if this is indeed what we are supposed to be looking for? The plate just seemed to be another location showing the VIN.

[csxt8058]

Ok..I realized the error of my ways with the whole VIN number thing, and I apologize for any and all confusion.So I found the proper ID number just now. It's the same number Carrie has mentioned. Mine is 2AZ in big letters, then a seven digit number below it beginning with 9. It appears to have room for another letter or number after the AZ, but there is nothing there. Not sure what that means? JR

[cq358]

Look like your engine serial number started with "9" means it is an engine that build locally. A common Toyota practice to use engine and transmission that build in Japan at the first model year. Then they source locally afterward.

[ParknVibe]

Looking at the location of where you pointed the BLACK arrow, The number engraved on my engine block is 2AZ-FE H115098. Below that mark is the black plate with my VIN number printed on two lines. It is hard to read it because it a black band. My question is what does H115098 mean or refer to?BTW, my 2009 was assembled in May 2008 so I am concern about this oil consumption issue, because someone said that it was fixed after May of 2008.

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by ParknVibe »Looking at the location of where you pointed the BLACK arrow, The number engraved on my engine block is 2AZ-FE H115098. Below that mark is the black plate with my VIN number printed on two lines. It is hard to read it because it a black band. My question is what does H115098 mean or refer to?BTW, my 2009 was assembled in May 2008 so I am concern about this oil consumption issue, because someone said that it was fixed after May of 2008. Are you going to sell the car if it is affected?

[ParknVibe]

Quote, originally posted by zaxellord »Are you going to sell the car if it is affected?No. I have very very low mileage (7300 miles) for being 3 years old. I have NO consumption issues yet. However, my last two cars started oil consumption within their first year of life. I kept them for 9 and 21 years respectively. Just kept adding a quart. I never had them fixed or rebuilt for this, and, I never could understanded what I did at their first oil change that could started their oil consumption. Oil was half the cost then then it is now a days. I am used to having bad luck with oil consuming cars.

[zaxellord]

Quote, originally posted by ParknVibe »No. I have very very low mileage (7300 miles) for being 3 years old. I have NO consumption issues yet. However, my last two cars started oil consumption within their first year of life. I kept them for 9 and 21 years respectively. Just kept adding a quart. I never had them fixed or rebuilt for this, and, I never could understanded what I did at their first oil change that could started their oil consumption. Oil was half the cost then then it is now a days. I am used to having bad luck with oil consuming cars.I see. Maybe your other two cars were more dependent on a good "break in" schedule, which can affect oil usage as the engine accumulates mileage.

[ParknVibe]

Quote, originally posted by zaxellord »I see. Maybe your other two cars were more dependent on a good "break in" schedule, which can affect oil usage as the engine accumulates mileage.I forgot to add that I was always using Mobil I Syn Oil. for most of the past 30 years at $4.00/qt and now it is about $8.00/qt.

[cq358]

That is very low mileage...You might wants to drive a bit more like taking it for a road trip or something. My friend learnt it the hard way, he got his 01 accord V6 EXL write off and with only 44 000km on the clock, the insurance company didn't really pay him back much despite with this low millage.To protect your investment, I would strongly recommend to take pictures of their car after finished detailed you car from bumper to bumper. To prove them our car is in A+ condition. Just in case you have dispute with the insurance company in the future.For the oil burning problem. Based on looking at the piston/ring part descriptions from Toyota Part Zone.They did redesign the piston and rings 2 times to solve the problem.It seems the final spec is from PRO Dec 2009. It seems the design from June 2008 didn't work out or something.As long as no high mileage owner (80k mil +) in here complain about oil consumption. we are ok

[kowell]

I missed this thread completly before. I bought the car in late february 2008 so I guess I'll check my S/N this evening. So far my car has 55,000km on it with regular oil changes every 6,000km and I did not notice any problem. Now that my standard warranty is over and that the dealer has stopped bugging me I'll be extending oil changes to 8,000km as per standard Toyota intervales.

[cq358]

for my best knowledge, we haven't seen problem trend in here yet. But it is a good idea keep monitoring your oil regularly.I guess based on our demographic, we don't trash our engines like the Scion crowd does.. with wife riding shot gun and the baby seat at the back.