Well, I finally got a Vibe so...

[Ocean14]

I can now "officially" participate in this GREAT forum! A special thanks to Thomas (TRB) for assisting me with my many questions Here are some specs:2009 Vibe GT (Dark Silver/Pewter)MTTintTrailer HitchThe car is in pretty decent shape, I just have to do a nice interior detail and find out what the heck is squeaking (in the dash?)- I swear it sounds like a bunch of squirrels are having a dinner party.I got this car because of the reliability, utility, and good MPG (much better than my 2010 Edge); I'm finishing school and thought this would be a nice choice! However, I should probably read an article on driving a MT efficiently because I am averaging around 21 MPG Not one for modifying cars, but I am going to try a few things:First, I am going to have to replace the trailer hitch since the previous owner put on one that was not meant for the GT model and it's pushing up on the rear valance.Second, I'm going to attempt installation of some seat heaters. I have found some cheap ones on amazon and may give them a try.Lastly, I may search around for a bright white bulb to replace the headlights with...maybe try those Ebay xenon kits that we have all seen.I will try to post some photos of the car, but I will have to learn how to do that lol.Again,I can't say enough how great this forum is!

[vibenvy]

Congratulations on your "new" Vibe ! If it's a dark grey color, the name is Carbon Grey Metallic. If it's silver, the name is Liquid Platinum Metallic (see my signature picture).As far as seat heaters go, I would contact tpollauf as he just installed some in his son's 2009 Vibe GT not too long ago.As far as bulbs go, I highly recommend Sylvania SilverStar bulbs. Stay away from crappy no name eBay bulbs. SilverStars produce a nice white light and are good quality bulbs. I do recommend buying them on eBay though, as they are much cheaper than Auto Zone, etc. There are now 3 levels of SilverStars; SilverStar, SilverStar Ultra and SilverStar zXe. They get brighter and whiter with each level. Click my signature picture to go to my garage and see pictures of SilverStars in the fog lights (9145/H10) and SilverStar Ultras in the low and high beams (9006 & 9005) of my 2009 Vibe GT.

[tpollauf]

Congrats. Guess I don't have to tell you about my seat heater installation (thanks Carrie!) BUT I would definitely consider the ones made right there in Michigan Also it's nice to see another 09-10 GT owner with a manual transmission You're gonna love it

[star_deceiver]

Congrats on the new car!

[trb]

Great to hear you are enjoying it Adam! I too wish I had the manual trans, but my wife won that battle. I have hope for a newer Mustang once the Vibe is paid off, so I am saving the manual trans for that! :DSo you have a dash squeak also? Lol! Mine makes noise every once in a while, so I just turn up the radio. Maybe one day i'll look into it.One good thing about the manual, you can skip gears and get into fifth gear quickly for better gas mileage. Keep the rpms below 2,000 and you should get much better mileage.Good luck with it!

[DressedInBlack]

Just for fun, I hope there are squirrels having a dinner party in your dash! It would be easy to get rid of the problem and it would make for a great story.Contrats on your new ride!!

[ramenboy...]

Hey congrats on the purchase and welcome to the family !!

[Ocean14]

tpollauf- Nice job installing the seat heaters! Unfortunately, I think your posting, along with seeing a burnt seat from improper installation, will keep me from attempting this modification Oh, I discovered something that struck me as strange today. I pressed the traction control button and nothing happened...is there supposed to be an indication light or something notifying the driver when traction control is off?

[zaxellord]

Congratulations on your purchase.

[trb]

Quote, originally posted by Ocean14 »Oh, I discovered something that struck me as strange today. I pressed the traction control button and nothing happened...is there supposed to be an indication light or something notifying the driver when traction control is off?You press it once, only when you are stopped I think, and the skidding vehicle in the dash should light up to let you know the traction control is off, but only until you reach like 40mph. Hold it down for about 5 seconds and the "VSC Off" light on the dash turns on to let you know it will all stay off. This turns off the dynamic stability control completely, not just the traction control that keeps the tires from spinning. Maybe your light is out, does it come on when you start it? I know my salesman thought I was crazy, but I went through the entire dash section of the manual to make sure everything worked properly!And we need pics!

[Ocean14]

Thanks for the tip Thomas, the VSC is now working. Oh, and I will also post pictures soon Probably tomorrow.So, I am looking to replace my trailer hitch since it is a Curt model that isn't made for the GT. Does anyone know what hitch to get? I have read some issues with the hitch rubbing against the exhaust.

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by Ocean14 »So, I am looking to replace my trailer hitch since it is a Curt model that isn't made for the GT. Does anyone know what hitch to get? I have read some issues with the hitch rubbing against the exhaust.A quick search (2009 hitch) shows a few 2009-2010 GT owners here using Curt #12221 without any rubbing issues. This thread has a picture of it installed on a 2009 GT.

[Ocean14]

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »A quick search (2009 hitch) shows a few 2009-2010 GT owners here using Curt #12221 without any rubbing issues. This thread has a picture of it installed on a 2009 GT.Thanks! I am still learning to navigate around here...I'll catch on, promise

[vibenvy]

Quote, originally posted by Ocean14 »Thanks! I am still learning to navigate around here...I'll catch on, promise You're welcome ! LOL! No worries !

[dustie]

Congrats and welcome to the family

[Kincaid]

Sorry to be late with the welcome! Glad to have you here.