Ready to Roll

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JerryV
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 10:19 am
Location: Minnesota

Ready to Roll

Post by JerryV »

I've been meaning to post an update for quite a while, but just didn't get to it. My engine replacement project went pretty well. I ended up crossing my fingers and buying one of the JDM motors. I was reluctant to do that because of the unknown history, but it seems to have worked out ok. I had to replace the timing chain cover with the original because of differences in the motor mount boss. That meant replacing the crank seal and valve cover gasket too. While I had things apart, I had the flywheel turned and put in a new clutch.

When everything was back together and all the fluids filled she fired right up even on the old gas in the tank. Because of the Covid issues, I haven't been able to get current tabs for it yet, but I have been driving it a little.
Vibe 2.jpg
Vibe 2.jpg (205.88 KiB) Viewed 1698 times
Vibe 1.jpg
Vibe 1.jpg (192.46 KiB) Viewed 1698 times
There are still a few issues I have to work out. A couple of the TPMS sensors are not working so the low tire indicator is on all the time and I have a couple of intermittent codes I need to figure out. The VSC light comes on about half the time. Maybe an alignment will help that since I changed the front struts and the steering wheel is off about five degrees. I need to get the airbag recall done too.

I have a vent control cable on order because someone apparently was too rough with the knob or the dampers were jammed and the cable got messed up. Was going to change the rear struts a couple of days ago, but the KYB struts I bought do not have the right size bushing for the lower bolt. A 16mm bolt is a little sloppy in a 22mm bushing. I emailed their tech support to see what they have to say.

The adventure continues,
Jerry
zbyers
Posts: 1775
Joined: Thu Apr 03, 2014 6:12 pm
Location: Sheffield, Pennsylvania

Re: Ready to Roll

Post by zbyers »

Glad to hear the swap went well!

There is a way to disable the TPMS... I can't recall what it is, but I know somewhere on here is a write up about it.

As for the VSC, if the CEL or other dash lights come on, usually the entire Christmas tree lights up. I'd take care of the other issues first, and then see if the VSC light keeps coming back.

Regarding the rear struts, there are different struts for the AWD/GT and the base with the 2.4L. The big difference is that lower stud it mounts too. Have them send some for the AWD and they should work. The thread below has the info you're looking for.

viewtopic.php?f=26&t=44226&p=525191#p525191
'74 Thing, '79 El Camino, '83 VW DoKa '91 Vanagon, '03 Base, 04 GT
'06 CRV, '06 AWD, '07 Base, '12 Highlander Limited, '17 Frontier CCLB

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JerryV
Posts: 29
Joined: Thu Jun 07, 2018 10:19 am
Location: Minnesota

Re: Ready to Roll

Post by JerryV »

Thanks for the link. I wish I had seen it before I ordered them. Wish I had made time to work on them before the deadline for returns had passed also. Oh, well. Such is life. KYB emailed back and suggested the AWD units (340017) should work, but they didn't apologize for having the wrong info. I wonder if all the GT's had the AWD rear suspension or just some of them.

I have some new sensors for the wheels. Just haven't gotten to putting them in yet. Batteries are probably dead after 11 years.

The VCS is odd. Some days it seems to be on with the CEL. Other days neither come on at all. I checked codes and about all I saw was a P0607 which is a vague "Control Module Performance" code. Looks like it could have many causes. I will have to do some more work with the scan tool.
KingKrab65
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed May 24, 2017 7:25 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Ready to Roll

Post by KingKrab65 »

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Last edited by KingKrab65 on Wed Jul 08, 2020 5:44 am, edited 1 time in total.
2003 Base Vibe
KingKrab65
Posts: 165
Joined: Wed May 24, 2017 7:25 am
Location: Charlotte, NC

Re: Ready to Roll

Post by KingKrab65 »

Congrats on finishing your swap. Your Vibe looks great BTW -

I had to look up VSC since my Vibe does not have it. I came across this. Don't know if it will help you or not, but thought I would pass it along any how.

https://www.toyotaarlington.com/blog/20 ... yota-mean/
2003 Base Vibe
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