03 pontiac vibe awd base

[randyr316]

I have 03 vibe base awd, will the awd still function with my abs and brake light on? It doesnt seem to be working or is it a slow engaging process? Any help please

[Salsa Guy]

Yes the AWD systems works independent of the ABS. There isn't any traction/stability control on the 03-06 AWD cars. Also the AWD isn't really a true AWD. It only engages when the front wheels slip.
I suggest you get that checked out. It may just be a ABS sensor. Is your TPMS light on also?

[joatmon]

no TPMS on 03-04's

First check to make sure there is enough brake fluid in the reservoir under the hood. But get those lights resolved. Really, for a car, the most important thing it must do is be able to stop. lt's much worse to have a car that won't stop than to have one that won't go.

[randyr316]

Yes the AWD systems works independent of the ABS. There isn't any traction/stability control on the 03-06 AWD cars. Also the AWD isn't really a true AWD. It only engages when the front wheels slip.
I suggest you get that checked out. It may just be a ABS sensor. Is your TPMS light on also?

TPMS? i drove my vibe onto my snowy yard and only the front wheels spun like crazy? i know its a toyota/vibe, my nissan titan disables my 4x4 with bad ABS aka speed sensor, so wondering if vibe/toyota matrix is doing same thing?

[Salsa Guy]

TPMS=Tire Pressure Monitoring System. On the 1st Gen VIbe/Matrix the TPMS was a function of the ABS system when it saw one tire spinning more than the other it "assumes" the tire pressure is low. But as Joatmon stated it wasn't a feature on the 03-04, my mistake.

I'll look over the control system again for the ECT control but I'm 99% sure there's no "smarts" when it came to the ABS and AWD.

[Salsa Guy]

Again there doesn't appear to be any connection from the ABS to the Transfer case. Check your fluids brake, transfer case and rear diff. Also there is a fuse that if blown it will trip both lights

[KITT222]

The rear differential on the AWD is an electronically locking setup which knows the engage when the ABS detect wheel slip. That would explain only the front wheels spinning as you described. Get it checked out, it could be something as simple as a loose or cut wire.

[joatmon]

I thought the AWD first gen vibes were always on. The transfer case always spins the rear drivesharft. The rear drive shaft is connected to the rear differential by a "viscous coupling", a small oil filled can with a lot of impellers, some connected to the driveshaft side, some connected to the differential side. If no wheel is slipping, the front and rear spin at the same speed, and the viscous coupling is free floating. When the front wheels rotate more than the rear wheels, the two sides of the coupling spin at different speeds, and the fluid inside couples torque from the driveshaft to the differential. I do not think there is any electrical anything in this, straight mechanical from the output of the tranny to the wheels.

At worst you should have two wheels spinning, one front and one rear, but never just one. I've never owned nor driven an AWD VIbe, so my understanding is just what I've read here, and I could be wrong. I'm not sure what would cause just one wheel to spin, or to have both front wheels spin and neither rear wheel spin.

[randyr316]

I thought the AWD first gen vibes were always on. The transfer case always spins the rear drivesharft. The rear drive shaft is connected to the rear differential by a "viscous coupling", a small oil filled can with a lot of impellers, some connected to the driveshaft side, some connected to the differential side. If no wheel is slipping, the front and rear spin at the same speed, and the viscous coupling is free floating. When the front wheels rotate more than the rear wheels, the two sides of the coupling spin at different speeds, and the fluid inside couples torque from the driveshaft to the differential. I do not think there is any electrical anything in this, straight mechanical from the output of the tranny to the wheels.

At worst you should have two wheels spinning, one front and one rear, but never just one. I've never owned nor driven an AWD VIbe, so my understanding is just what I've read here, and I could be wrong. I'm not sure what would cause just one wheel to spin, or to have both front wheels spin and neither rear wheel spin.

I JUST REPLACED THE BEARING ON THE PART OF DRIVE SHAFT YOU ARE TALKING ABOUT, I EVEN HAD TO BUY A NEW EXTENSION THE COUPLING PRESSES INTO, SO I DONT THINK YOUR TOTALLY WRONG, THEY SHOULD SPIN TOGETHER, I HAD AN AWD SANTA FE AND THEY ALWAYS SPUN TOGETHER, THE WHEELS THAT IS, I DONO WHATS GOING ON

[randyr316]

Again there doesn't appear to be any connection from the ABS to the Transfer case. Check your fluids brake, transfer case and rear diff. Also there is a fuse that if blown it will trip both lights

IM ASSUMING FUSE IS UNDER HOOD? THEY LOOKED GOOD TO ME, I HAVE NO CLUE WHATS GOING ON WITH THIS DAMN CAR

[ehoff121]

If I'm not mistaken, there should be a brake error code that can be read using a Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS. I wouldn't drive around long with undiagnosed brake problems...

This is one scan tool w/ ABS (not saying you should buy it, but this has that feature for reference): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI ... UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if auto parts stores will be able to do this for free, but you might want to call a few of them and ask if they will read ABS codes.

There are replaceable wheel speed sensors in the hubs that can go bad or throw errors when there is a poor connection.

You mentioned trying to get the AWD to engage in your snowy yard- did you try to get the ABS to engage during a hard stop in the snow? It probably wouldn't and that is the higher priority.

Lastly, since there are two brake indicator lights on, are you sure the e-brake lever is all the way down?

[randyr316]

If I'm not mistaken, there should be a brake error code that can be read using a Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS. I wouldn't drive around long with undiagnosed brake problems...

This is one scan tool w/ ABS (not saying you should buy it, but this has that feature for reference): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI ... UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if auto parts stores will be able to do this for free, but you might want to call a few of them and ask if they will read ABS codes.

There are replaceable wheel speed sensors in the hubs that can go bad or throw errors when there is a poor connection.

You mentioned trying to get the AWD to engage in your snowy yard- did you try to get the ABS to engage during a hard stop in the snow? It probably wouldn't and that is the higher priority.

Lastly, since there are two brake indicator lights on, are you sure the e-brake lever is all the way down?

yes the E brake is all way down, that was first thing i checked when i bought car, and when i jump on it in snow or ice, the front wheels spin like hell and nothing from rear, i actually almost got stuck, i had to go back n forth to get out, good thing yard was flat, starting to hate this car, damn money pit, im trying to get it working properly cause my son drives it

[randyr316]

If I'm not mistaken, there should be a brake error code that can be read using a Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS. I wouldn't drive around long with undiagnosed brake problems...

This is one scan tool w/ ABS (not saying you should buy it, but this has that feature for reference): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI ... UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if auto parts stores will be able to do this for free, but you might want to call a few of them and ask if they will read ABS codes.

There are replaceable wheel speed sensors in the hubs that can go bad or throw errors when there is a poor connection.

You mentioned trying to get the AWD to engage in your snowy yard- did you try to get the ABS to engage during a hard stop in the snow? It probably wouldn't and that is the higher priority.

Lastly, since there are two brake indicator lights on, are you sure the e-brake lever is all the way down?

yes the E brake is all way down, that was first thing i checked when i bought car, and when i jump on it in snow or ice, the front wheels spin like hell and nothing from rear, i actually almost got stuck, i had to go back n forth to get out, good thing yard was flat, starting to hate this car, damn money pit, im trying to get it working properly cause my son drives it

and i had all 4 wheels of ground and throttled it, the front spun like hell and the rear kinda spun, it just seems like it wont do it on the ground, and is sucking gas like nobodys business

[randyr316]

If I'm not mistaken, there should be a brake error code that can be read using a Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS. I wouldn't drive around long with undiagnosed brake problems...

This is one scan tool w/ ABS (not saying you should buy it, but this has that feature for reference): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI ... UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if auto parts stores will be able to do this for free, but you might want to call a few of them and ask if they will read ABS codes.

There are replaceable wheel speed sensors in the hubs that can go bad or throw errors when there is a poor connection.

You mentioned trying to get the AWD to engage in your snowy yard- did you try to get the ABS to engage during a hard stop in the snow? It probably wouldn't and that is the higher priority.

Lastly, since there are two brake indicator lights on, are you sure the e-brake lever is all the way down?

ABS will not engage

[randyr316]

If I'm not mistaken, there should be a brake error code that can be read using a Diagnostic Scan Tool with ABS. I wouldn't drive around long with undiagnosed brake problems...

This is one scan tool w/ ABS (not saying you should buy it, but this has that feature for reference): http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001QI ... UTF8&psc=1

Not sure if auto parts stores will be able to do this for free, but you might want to call a few of them and ask if they will read ABS codes.

There are replaceable wheel speed sensors in the hubs that can go bad or throw errors when there is a poor connection.

You mentioned trying to get the AWD to engage in your snowy yard- did you try to get the ABS to engage during a hard stop in the snow? It probably wouldn't and that is the higher priority.

Lastly, since there are two brake indicator lights on, are you sure the e-brake lever is all the way down?

yes the E brake is all way down, that was first thing i checked when i bought car, and when i jump on it in snow or ice, the front wheels spin like hell and nothing from rear, i actually almost got stuck, i had to go back n forth to get out, good thing yard was flat, starting to hate this car, damn money pit, im trying to get it working properly cause my son drives it, i had all 4 wheels off ground and throttled it, the front spun like crazy and rears moved no wheres near as fast, but when on ground they dont seem to help the front

[vibrologist]

If it is guzzling gas that energy must go somewhere and convert into heat. You could drive it for 3 to 5 minutes. If possible stop the car without applying the brakes. Put it on jack stands and check if the transfer case, rear differential and rear brakes are excessively hot. There is a good chance you locate the problem this way.

[randyr316]

If it is guzzling gas that energy must go somewhere and convert into heat. You could drive it for 3 to 5 minutes. If possible stop the car without applying the brakes. Put it on jack stands and check if the transfer case, rear differential and rear brakes are excessively hot. There is a good chance you locate the problem this way.

i get this annoying clicking'ish sound when i apply brakes, they are all new around car, i just keep sinking money in car to get the AWD to work, and my front tires spin like hell and dont get any help from rears

[ehoff121]

ABS will not engage

i get this annoying clicking'ish sound when i apply brakes, they are all new around car

Not trying to upset you here- the ABS not engaging is a much bigger problem than the AWD not functioning. AWD may get you moving in low traction conditions, but ABS helps you stop!

Did you do the brakes yourself or have them done? The ABS sensor wires can be damaged if brake job is not done carefully.

Any luck reading the ABS codes? If you post them, we can help...

[randyr316]

ABS will not engage

i get this annoying clicking'ish sound when i apply brakes, they are all new around car

Not trying to upset you here- the ABS not engaging is a much bigger problem than the AWD not functioning. AWD may get you moving in low traction conditions, but ABS helps you stop!

Did you do the brakes yourself or have them done? The ABS sensor wires can be damaged if brake job is not done carefully.

Any luck reading the ABS codes? If you post them, we can help...

i did not mess with ABS wires, ive been working on my own vehicles for many years and understand how sensitive abs is, i hate ABS theyre death traps, i have no problems stopping, its the going thats the prob, i have not checked abs code yet, the awd is my priority

[Coolharts]

I will have to search some more but there is a way to check the ABS codes without using a scanner, you have to read the flashes. If I remeber right you use a jumper wire on the OBD port.

The AWD system is full time, basically a 70-30% split, I can tell this when mine engages on slippery intersections and even rainy roads.

As for the ABS it is a mean system. The pump is very finicky and new sensors do not work properly with them. Several years ago I had an ABS problem, the dealer replaced the RR sensor for $500. I picked it up and the ABS started to engage at a slow speed on normal stops. I took it back to the dealer and they diagnosed a bad pump, $1500! The replaced it, I picked it up and the same problem, ABS engaging at a slow speed. I took it back and they replaced the RR sensor under parts warranty, problem fixed. To this day I do not believe the pump was ever bad.

The last time I replaced a RR wheel bearing the ABS light came on, I ran the codes and it was a RR sensor. I went to Toyota and bought a new sensor. I have a brand new $200 sensor in the box for the RR wheel that cleared one code but caused erratic pump function again! I ended up replacing the RR axle and using the old sensor, the sensor ring was damaged.

As for rear axle, I had the hogs head bearings replaced but reused the viscous coupling and it has been fine for 40,000 miles. I bought the parts from Toyota.

The AWD works well in the snow until it gets so deep the under body drags.

[randyr316]

I will have to search some more but there is a way to check the ABS codes without using a scanner, you have to read the flashes. If I remeber right you use a jumper wire on the OBD port.

The AWD system is full time, basically a 70-30% split, I can tell this when mine engages on slippery intersections and even rainy roads.

As for the ABS it is a mean system. The pump is very finicky and new sensors do not work properly with them. Several years ago I had an ABS problem, the dealer replaced the RR sensor for $500. I picked it up and the ABS started to engage at a slow speed on normal stops. I took it back to the dealer and they diagnosed a bad pump, $1500! The replaced it, I picked it up and the same problem, ABS engaging at a slow speed. I took it back and they replaced the RR sensor under parts warranty, problem fixed. To this day I do not believe the pump was ever bad.

The last time I replaced a RR wheel bearing the ABS light came on, I ran the codes and it was a RR sensor. I went to Toyota and bought a new sensor. I have a brand new $200 sensor in the box for the RR wheel that cleared one code but caused erratic pump function again! I ended up replacing the RR axle and using the old sensor, the sensor ring was damaged.

As for rear axle, I had the hogs head bearings replaced but reused the viscous coupling and it has been fine for 40,000 miles. I bought the parts from Toyota.

The AWD works well in the snow until it gets so deep the under body drags.

I jump on my vibe in my driveway in snow or ice and all power is in the front these cars are bigger money pits than boats, now i have electrical issue, i start car with key and headlights come on but no tail lights and the light icon by guauges dont come on no more either, if i uss headlight switch to on position lights work but turn car off tail lights stuck on, then i have to remove relay above glovebox, but if i remote start car everything comes on as it should?????? I removed remote start and still does not work right, beginning to hate these damn inbred cars