just bought my first car (2005 base vibe)

[upriver]

Hey all,

thought I'd introduce myself. I've been driving my parents car to get to work for a while but after it had some minor issues I finally took the plunge an got my own, very first car. 2005 base vibe manual 5-spd, it's all black. I love it.155k km.

I want to keep the car going a long time, and to that end I'm wanting to learn to maintain and repair things myself. Once I've fixed the issues on my parents car I'm moving to tackle my Vibe.

Current problems:
RPM drops/ overally jerky acceleration. I was afraid the clutch was slipping at first but I'm now 90% certain the spark plugs just need to be replaced.
I smelled gasoline when driving up a big hill yesterday. Going to monitor for if this occurs again and maybe end up taking a look at the fuel tank.
I noticed the coolant was below the fill line (close to low) yesterday. I topped off with Prestone and will be monitoring levels going forward. I'll replace the radiator cap while I'm ordering parts, since maybe it's been gradually leaking from there.
Blend door actuator is clicking. I have the replacement part but the clicking doesn't bother me that much so I'm getting around to it later.
Previous owner informed me the 12v system doesn't currently work. Said he pulled it out once and "it was all fused together". Because I'm going to remove the dash for the actuator replacement anyway, I'll probably do my research and do these both at the same time.
AC needs a recharge (I have coolant and a hose already, should be easy)
A bit of a rattling noise underneath the car when taking off in 1st gear. Will just monitor for now.

Future projects:
I want to install power windows and locks.
I want to install an external fuse box to wire those to, and for any possible future upgrades.


I want to take the car for a camping trip. I love to be in nature and have never had my own transport like this.

Overall I'm just really excited to be a auto owner and to work on this car. I like to tinker and take on projects to learn so maybe I can keep you all appraised of my progress with it. I want to keep the car running as log as possible.

[VibeNation2024]

Welcome and congrats on your first car! You couldn't have picked a more reliable(once you get caught up on the maintenance!) or easy to work on car! There is also plenty of info, videos, knowledgeable people, etc to help. Good call on making small changes and monitoring while taking care of other items(incremental progress). I wouldn't expect the clutch to be failing at that mileage either unless the previous owner(s) were very hard on it.
If you are replacing the spark plugs, I would recommend the Ignition coils as well. It adds more cost but would be a good idea to replace both and as long as you are pulling the plugs. You might want to look at other items like fluids, filters, pvc, etc but you can look at the manual for that. Finally, this car is great for camping with the fold down seats. There are plenty of ideas to customize and make it a home away from home! Reach out if you have any questions!

[Phoneman]

You don't have to remove the dash to get to the blend door actuator. Remove the glovebox (one screw), then remove the near screw for the metal bracket in the upper left of the glovebox hole. Just push the bracket out of the way for a little bit of extra clearance.

A small 1/4" swiveling ratchet (sold at Autozone) will help to get the back screw of the actuator out. It's a tight fit but isn't too difficult with a bit of patience.

While you are in there, replace the cabin air filter. Chances are it's never been changed and it will be nasty.


When you say 12v are you talking about the 12v accessory outlet or do you mean the 110 AC outlet? Either one is accessible by removing the center stack which is fairly simple to do.

This video will show you how to remove the center stack, but I'm not sure where the actual inverter is located because I've never had to work on mine. It's only rated for 100w so it's basically only good for running small low draw devices anyway.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=44UV_UF-_ ... Z0IGxpZ2h0

While you have the center stack apart, you might as well replace the OEM rubber and steel shifter mount bushings with aftermarket solid aluminum bushings ($20) from Monkeywrench Racing. They will greatly improve the shifter feel compared to the worn out OEM bushings.

https://www.monkeywrenchracing.com/prod ... atrixvibe/

[andrewclaus]

Some other basic tune-up items:

Replace the engine air filter.
Add fuel injector cleaner to your gas tank.
Clean the MAF sensor. You can get spray cleaner at any parts store.
Clean the throttle body. Denatured alcohol, a lint-free rag, and some swabs work well.

Prestone antifreeze may not be right. You should use "Asian red." You might want to drain and refill. Look closely for stains indicating leaks. You might want to replace radiator hoses--that's my next project.

[tpollauf]

Welcome to GenVibe Excellent choice on your first car. You'll get hooked on it to where you won't want to get rid of it! Keep us posted on all reapirs & mods

[lexicon]

Looks like you have plenty to do on this vehicle. Once youve got the immediate issues addressed, it would be a very good thing to replace every fluid in this vehicle. Brake lines, PSteering, clutch cylinder, etc etc
Also, beware there are plenty of counterfeit parts out there.
Amazon and Ebay can not be trusted for genuine parts such as spark plugs or electronic components. A good deal can haunt you down the roard.
I prefere Rock Auto for parts or a local Autozone etc...yes prices are higher, but often times one gets what one pays for.
Are there genuine OEM sellers on Amazon and Ebay, yes, likely, but good luck finding them.
Also, that vent/door actuator can also very easily be unplugged and your clicking stops.... I havent had mine connected for many years and I dont miss it, its up to you. I did not want to try to replace the actuator due to the pain to access and bolt unbolt the thing....
Keep us posted on your project.

[upriver]

Wow, thanks everyone who replied and gave their thoughts. I'll give a few updates as to how everything is going.

I did end up having to replace the clutch, which hurt my wallet but feels so much better to drive now. The slipping clutch was increasingly in evidence so I had to quit denying things . I think the guy who sold me it knew, and was trying to get a quick sale before it became even more obvious. Oh well, still not a bad price for a great car!

And it is a great car, I love it. The fuel smell never came back, and I did put in some fuel cleaner. I've also just been exclusively fueling up with chevron and I think the cumulative techron treatment that comes with it has been helping as well. My gas mileage (kilometrage?) is getting better for sure.

Replacing all the fluids... I was trying to make time but I've just been too busy. Going to just pay my mechanic for the whole shebang of fluids, and going forward do oil and replace the other fluids on a schedule.

A few little bumps along the way. The exhaust pipe blew a hole so I drove around town like I was in a clapped out Honda until the local muffler man welded a new pipe section on for 100 bux. He also complimented the car, to the point of following me to the parking lot, "receptionist said that it was a Pontiac not a Toyota, I told her no that's a f**kin Toyota".


What else... I blew up my side mirror coming to work today. Opened my window as I pulled up to the ID scanner to enter parking, and rain and wind blew in my face. As I turned away, I pulled just a smidge too close to the scanner

I just got used to the door actuator noise in the end. I find the little clicking to be soothing.

I blew up my side mirror today... driving too close to the ID scanner at work and the mirror got squeezed underneath. The mirror and panel popped off the motorized screws that moves it. I'll try and fix it myself real quick after my shift, but worst case I'll just tape it until I can repair/replace it.

When you say 12v are you talking about the 12v accessory outlet or do you mean the 110 AC outlet? Either one is accessible by removing the center stack which is fairly simple.

I was talking about the 12v accessory outlet. Lots of stuff going on, haven't even had a chance to take a look. But thanks for your advice, I'll do the cabin filter and the shifter bushings as well, and the coolant as you say. Thanks for your thorough post.

And yes, I was able to go camping

[VibeNation2024]

Appreciate the update and glad to hear the car is getting some TLC! The good news is that a Vibe will be as reliable as you take care of it so it will pay you back in the end with years/miles of service. Sorry to hear about your mirror! Also, glad to hear it is working for your camping expiriences!

[Mark]

I've also just been exclusively fueling up with chevron and I think the cumulative techron treatment that comes with it has been helping as well. My gas mileage (kilometrage?) is getting better for sure.

I was going to suggest switching to a Top Tier gas for at least a few tanks but you've got that taken care of with Chevron. If you're not familiar you can visit the www.toptier.com website to get a list of brands and what the Top Tier label means (and no, it's nothing to do with octane). They also have a station finder app to help locate gas but it doesn't work here for some reason. Gasbuddy used to allow you to filter on Top Tier but they got rid of that function a few years ago.