2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

1.8-liter VVTL-i (2ZZ-GE) and VVT-i (1ZZ-FE) engine, transmission, exhaust, intake, and performance tuning discussions
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kc27
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2018 4:00 pm

2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Post by kc27 »

What brand thermostat do you recommend? I read opinions that aftermarket thermostats either have a shorter life or get stuck open, it's better to use OEM thermostats. I did a search for an OEM thermostat part number for my Vibe and got mixed results depending on the parts site I visited:

GM Part # 19114499/ACDelco Part # 12T35D - available
GM Part # 88974571 - discontinued, no substitute number provide

A thermostat for a 2005 Toyota Matrix base is the number below. Would it be compatible with the Vibe?
Toyota Part # 90916-A3003 - available
Jbenrod
Posts: 108
Joined: Mon Jun 17, 2013 7:58 am

Re: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Post by Jbenrod »

Either of the two OE thermostat's would be the best choice, however I would go with the Toyota one that you identified.

Nevertheless, why are you wanting to replace the thermostat? Has the coolant been changed as recommended or was it neglected?
My 2005 Vibe is at 237k miles now on the original thermostat. I probably will proactively change it out in the 280-300k area.

I would say in the unlikely event you had to replace the alternator I would go ahead and change the thermostat then because you are right there.
2005 Base - 235k
kc27
Posts: 33
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2018 4:00 pm

Re: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Post by kc27 »

Nevertheless, why are you wanting to replace the thermostat? Has the coolant been changed as recommended or was it neglected?
I am considering replacing the thermostat because the car is taking about twice as long to start blowing really hot air out of the vents than it did in the past. It's a longer, slower.build up to serious heat, which is problematic for keeping the windshield clear in the winter. I have changed the coolant every five years.

Also, when the car is finally fully warmed up, while the heat output is good, the temperature at the vents drops slightly when stopped at a traffic light vs while the car is underway.

This car is just behind yours in mileage at 235,000. I believe this is the original thermostat. Another owner put the first 80,000 miles on the car - their records showed they kept up with regular maintenance, but no thermostat replacement.

I was going to replace the thermostat, water pump, upper and lower radiator hoses, and while I was at it, have the local electric shop.rebuild the alternator. No problems with the alternator now, that would just be preventative maintenance. I will pick up the Toyota thermostat.
chewy999
Posts: 7
Joined: Mon Jul 25, 2022 11:16 am

Re: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Post by chewy999 »

I've always had good luck with Stant thermostats. Never had one fail prematurely. But yeah, OEM is always a safe bet if you can find one at a reasonable price. The Matrix one should work, they're practically twins.
SSizler
Posts: 172
Joined: Tue Jan 21, 2020 7:06 pm
Location: Urbandale, Iowa

Re: 2005 Vibe Base, 1ZZ-FE Engine Thermostat Question

Post by SSizler »

Just picked up 2 thermostats and gaskets at my local Toyota dealer.
Part numbers and price (for 2 each) copied from my invoice:

Engine Coolant Thermostat 90916a3003 2 $52.32
Gasket, Water Inlet Housing, No. 1 1632562010 2 $15.16

Keep your Toyota engine all Toyota........ ;)
2003 Vibe Base/ Frosty White Mono/ Total Loss 1-23
2006 Vibe AWD/ Lava Red Mono/ Loaded w/Leather and Sport Pkg/ 150k mi
2006 Vibe Base/ Stealth Gray Mono/ Loaded w/Leather/ 180k mi
40 years with a wonderful woman / 2 adult kids
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