My trip to Tarrytown, NT to talk to Vibe engineers

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 2:45 am

WOW! If anyone gets a chance to go to these: DO IT!There is so much to say, where do I start?It was 2 hours and 120-miles one way just to get there but it was well worth it. The people are great and they really want your advice and opinions. They were also very interested in fixing anything that was wrong. They had bays open with technicians and engineers to fix anything: electrical, HVAC, paint and body, chassis and drivetrain, interior noise, etc. For me, they fixed the dash squeaks, speaker rattles and touched up 3 paint nicks on the hood.They also adjusted my A/C slightly. I keep a thermometer in one of my vents all the time and it would get down to about 40-41 degrees with the A/C on. After the adjustment they said I should see as low as 38 degrees. This is a common and easily fixed problem. They said a bulletin about it was put out so go to your dealer if your A/C was not as cold as you need it to be.They kept asking what else I needed fixed. For me, there wasn't much.Big News: The Vibe engineers visit this board and are listening! They can't reply for legal reasons but they are reading our posts so keep posting about what you want or need!Other interesting notes: - of all the Vibes there (when I was there), Silver (Satellite) was BY FAR the most popular color - there was one Envy Vibe (see pictures below) - most Vibes had steel wheels and hub caps. About 10% had the 16" factory aluminum wheels; only 1 had the factory 17" wheels and only 1 (mine) had aftermarket wheels (17" aluminum). - monotone / 2-tone was about 40% / 60% - base / GT was about 80% / 20% - moonroof / non-moonroof was about 50% / 50%OK, here are some pics. The first 4 are a pan of the area (going left to right). My Vibe is half in the 2nd pic and centered in the 3rd pic:My Vibe:HVAC bay:Chassis/Drivetrain bay:Electrical bay:Gifts:Aside from the $100 check they gave out a Vibe hat, accessories brochure, lint brush, Vibe keychain and a follow-up questionnaire:Thank you GM, Pontiac and RDA Group.

Vibe Rater · Post by **Vibe Rater** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 3:10 am

Geesh. Did they walk your dog too?

cohocarl · Post by **cohocarl** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 3:13 am

Nova, THANK YOU for going and giving us an update on the meeting. I think it's very cool that they have a meeting like this. Great to hear they'll be watching the fourm!!

cibomatto · Post by **cibomatto** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 4:56 am

Great pictures

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 6:48 am

Scott-Do you remember what they did to your A/C. Was it freon or a cold air mix door adj? Thanks James

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 7:08 am

It was a cold air mix door adjustemnt. They said that some Vibes have been off buy as much as 10mm which would equal the A/C being about 10-degrees to warm. They only had to adjust mine about 2mm. They said I should expect a 2-3 degree drop in temp.

Vibe · Post by **Vibe** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 7:28 am

BTW___SCOTT , I like the removal of you crossbars on the luggage rack and just might do that to mine. Thank You for being our spokesperson. I'm sure you represented us well. James

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 7:43 am

Screw laws tell them to respond on the forums. LOL Did you happen to hear anything about a powerplant change for the 2004 model? Or a auto being offered with the 2ZZ?

Bdaz1 · Post by **Bdaz1** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 8:30 am

NovaResource,This sounds GREAT! I only wish I would get the same opportunity. I've had my Vibe to my dealer twice for rattles and they STILL haven't fixed them. Maybe these folks could. I'd also like to discuss features (pro & cons) with them. I've got a "vested interest" here too because I work for Delphi.

sawtooth · Post by **sawtooth** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 9:41 am

Long-time lurker, first-time poster.I also got to participate in today's customer car clinic. It really was an awesome event. Everybody there was really nice and all of the engineers and technicians bent over backwards to fix any problems that you had. And if they couldn't fix it they had a GM customer service rep ready to take down the problem to have your local dealer fix it. Excellent. One thing I'd like to add is that my engineer told me that the Vibes ship with a tire pressure of 40 psi (he explained that it's better for transport that way, but I can't remember the exact reason why) but that the Dealer is supposed to make sure that the car has the proper psi when the customer takes delivery. My tires were low by about 4-5 psi each--they should have been 32 psi (I have the 17" wheels/Dunlops--it may be different for the other wheel/tire combinations). It was a quick and easy fix (obviously) but he stressed to me that I should check it every month. The proper tire pressure for your Vibe is listed on a sticker in your glove box. If you haven't checked it recently--do it.Scott, I saw you there (at least I thought it was you--who else would be wearing a NovaResource.com t-shirt?). I want to say hey but you were busy talking with engineers. BTW, that's my silver monotone Vibe (sawtooth) in the background of your second photo.Anyway, did removing the crossbars on your roof rack help reduce wind noise? I find that wind noise is kinda loud in my Vibe too (only at highway speeds). I asked about it, but they said everything checked out o.k. Dan

Sputnik · Post by **Sputnik** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 9:56 am

Wow this sounds great! I wish they would do that in Canada! BTW love the photos with all those Vibes in the shots.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:18 am

Basically you just remove the black plastic end pieces on the back of the rack side bars. They pull off straight up. Once they are off, remove the antenna, one screw at the end of each side bar, loosen the lock screws on the lateral bars and slide them off.Here are the pics:

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:21 am

quote:Did you happen to hear anything about a powerplant change for the 2004 model?No news. I don't expect any changes.quote:Or a auto being offered with the 2ZZ?No go on that. Even Toyota killed that option.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:26 am

Welcome offically Dan!quote:Scott, I saw you there (at least I thought it was you--who else would be wearing a NovaResource.com t-shirt?). I want to say hey but you were busy talking with engineers.Yep, that was me. Sorry we couldn't meet up.quote:BTW, that's my silver monotone Vibe (sawtooth) in the background of your second photo.Yours was the only one I saw with the factory 17" wheels that I mentioned above.quote:Anyway, did removing the crossbars on your roof rack help reduce wind noise? I find that wind noise is kinda loud in my Vibe too (only at highway speeds). I asked about it, but they said everything checked out o.k.A little bit. Not a ton but every little bit helps.

VibeSalsa · Post by **VibeSalsa** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 11:55 am

quote:I wish they would do that in Canada! I wish the same thing!NovaResource, you made a very good report on this event!!! Thanks a lot!

Flip-Side · Post by **Flip-Side** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 1:20 pm

I would really like to know if these workshops are GM run with GM engineers or vice versa with Toyota guys, OR privately run and hired to do the testing for the Big Companies. I've heard of this kinda thing before, but much more isolated occurances. Truthfully, I've worked on projects in the GM tech center in Warren, MI and the Chrysler Center in Auburn Hills, and niether times were engineers so kind and willing to please. Sounds like Private sector to me.....

The Sauce Boss · Post by **The Sauce Boss** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 7:00 pm

I was also present and I too was very impressed. I was the one with the Lava GT and tinted windows. They adjusted my A/C and fixed a few road chips. They also ordered a new radio for me as my CD player was skipping. It was really an excellent day.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 9:47 pm

quote:I would really like to know if these workshops are GM run with GM engineers or vice versa with Toyota guys, OR privately run and hired to do the testing for the Big Companies.The survey was run by a company called "RDA Group" however the people doing the work and doing the interviews were GM engineers. Some were from the design team that built the prototype. There were even people from the NUMMI plant. All great people. Also, the address labels for the follow-up form was to a GM address.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:14 pm

quote:No go on that. Even Toyota killed that option.I just checked the main Toyota webpage and the auto option on the XRS is still available. I doubt that option will ever be taken away. It makes Toyota alot of money.Pontiac needs to step up to the plate and offer the same.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Sun Oct 27, 2002 10:25 pm

From what I've heard, the auto option was discontinued a few weeks ago.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 9:35 pm

I called a local Toyota dealer here is Louisville, KY and they haven't heard anything about the auto XRS not being made anymore. I talked to the Service deptment manager he said he wouldn't know why they would ever take this option away because a lot of owners really like it.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 11:28 pm

quote:I called a local Toyota dealer here is Louisville, KY and they haven't heard anything about the auto XRS not being made anymore.Go to the Toyoya site http://www.toyota.com mouseover VEHICLES and click on "Build Your Own"Next select MatrixThe only models listed are:base 4x2, 4cyl, 5 speed manual - MSRP $14,670.00 base 4x2, 4cyl, 4 speed automatic - MSRP $15,470.00 XR 4x2, 4cyl, 5 speed manual - MSRP $16,180.00 XR 4x2, 4cyl, 4 speed automatic - MSRP $16,980.00 XR 4x4, 4cyl, 4 speed automatic - MSRP $18,445.00 XRS 4x2, 4cyl, 6 speed manual - MSRP $18,750.00 There is no XRS 4x2, 4cyl, 4 speed automatic listed anymore.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 11:33 pm

I just went there and it's availablehttp://www.toyota.com/html/shop/vehicles/matri ... specs.html

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Tue Oct 29, 2002 11:56 pm

I didn't say go to the specs page. Yes, I know it's under the specs but those are old specs. That page hasn't been updated since the car became available. Look under the more current page about building one. It is more current because it gives details on what is available in your area.

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 12:11 am

I just went to the link where you can build your own and the auto trany is still listed with a XRS.http://www.toyozone.com/commonfiles/ind ... ode=01073I just called 1-800-go-toyota they transfered me to the Toyota headquarters at 1-800-331-4331 and talked with customer service there and they said it's still a option and they haven't heard any news that would make them think it will be dropped as a option.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 12:17 am

Why do you refuse to go to the Toyota page I was telling you about. That link you listed is just another rehashing of the old specs.Try here: http://www.toyota.com/toyotaConfigApp/t ... oAccording to either Car and Driver or Motor Trend (I forget which) they said that the XRS was being dropped. In a later issue they clarified that the XRS was staying but the XRS auto was actually what was being dropped. Anybody remember that article or have back issues of those magazines?

d_m_kolb · Post by **d_m_kolb** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 1:32 am

Did you read my post above? I just called Toyota Headquarters. They said it's available and they have no plans to take it away. The local dealer has said the samething.If someone doesn't believe me I posted the phone numbers to call.Also the link you provided is the one I used where you can build your own Matrix and you can pick the auto option on the XRS.

ShaneV · Post by **ShaneV** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 1:46 am

Go herehttp://www.shopatgst.com/shopatgst/step.asp?Ye ... e&step=2It is still listed

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 1:49 am

quote:Did you read my post above? I just called Toyota Headquarters. They said it's available and they have no plans to take it away. The local dealer has said the samething.Since when does the local dealer know the most recent info?quote:Also the link you provided is the one I used where you can build your own Matrix and you can pick the auto option on the XRS.Below is the dynamic-display page I'm talking about. Where do you see an auto XRS?This page lists every variation of the Matrix except the XRS auto. I could be wrong about this but I don't think so. And if I'm wrong, why isn't the XRS auto listed here?

Hawke · Post by **Hawke** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 1:58 am

What are you guys talking about? The whole XRS has been cancelled! Actually change your zip code and different options appear. I tried:55455: No XRS option at all!11103: No XRS auto option48067: Both XRS manual and AutoHope this clears things up. Not sure why they are limiting models to certain areas.

NovaResource · Post by **NovaResource** » Wed Oct 30, 2002 2:05 am

Interesting. I bet it's because only those areas who have a supply already are being listed. Very strange. I guess more research is needed.

rakster · Post by **rakster** » Thu Oct 31, 2002 1:19 pm

Where can I get the baseball cap and the key chain?

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 3:53 am

Let me know if you guys plan on making a request to have one of these held in canada

Cubanpete · Post by **Cubanpete** » Sun Nov 03, 2002 3:56 am

I agree....where??? LOL

ragingfish · Post by **ragingfish** » Fri Dec 20, 2002 6:46 am

How do you get on the "list" to be invited to one of these sessions? I would love more than anything to give feedback to GM engineers and DEFINITELY get some free service work! But really, I'd just be very eager to be a part of such an awesome thing...Scott, anything we can do to maybe be asked to attend down the road?

camthecanuck · Post by **camthecanuck** » Sun Dec 22, 2002 8:26 am

As another Canuck I would indeed be interested to attend such a session. Don't hold your breath with GM Canada however. I remain unimpressed with their attitude to customers! The spin doctor malarkey re GM Visa points, the change in the Ring and Win rules, the difficulty in getting a Vibe in the first place.. I would love to have my cynicism dispelled! Still love the car though.

robodog61 · Post by **robodog61** » Sun Dec 22, 2002 9:25 am

Hello, I would love to talk to the engineers also. I bought 2 Vibes and feel that I would provide enlightened input.

Mr. Poopypants · Post by **Mr. Poopypants** » Thu Dec 26, 2002 11:10 pm

How did they fix the speaker rattle?

LocDog · Post by **LocDog** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 4:33 am

they put foam around a wire that bangs against the inside

LocDog · Post by **LocDog** » Fri Dec 27, 2002 4:36 am

When I went to Tarrytown I had a problem with my roof rack and they said that there were gonna order a new one for me and send it to the dealer. They told me that the dealer was gonna call me when it was in..... im still waiting....................

Charlievibe · Post by **Charlievibe** » Mon Sep 22, 2003 12:37 am

Nova,I have been looking and looking for your post and am glad I found it again. I printed out the information on the A/C that you had posted to your personal web page, took it to my dealer, and they came back and told me that was what was wrong with my A/C.Thanks for posting the info.