New Owner - where to buy mud flaps, etc.

[tjguenth]

First, I love my vibe. Have had it 3 weeks, (2004) base with power package & 16" aluminum wheels, 5 speed. My 16 year old daughter loves it. She's been wanting me to get one for 2 years. I would like to know where the best place is to get mud flaps, hood bra, etc. Any other useful information would be appreciated.

[ragingfish]

Two good online places are gmpartsdirect.com and partszoneonline.com...

[Vibewatcher]

With the costs of shipping from the on line sites, it might be just as economical to order them from your dealer. Make sure they order the newly released front flaps to fit the '04s. Enjoy the car.

[tjguenth]

I'm also wondering about the battery in the 2004. I see there was alot of problems with the 2003 Vibe batteries not starting cars in the winter and was wondering if anyone knows if the 2004 have the bigger batteries. Don't know alot about battery numbers to know what size it is but in Michigan I know I'll need a good battery this winter.

[Raven]

I have an '04 and it has the baby battery. I had few problems last winter here in the wilds of Quebec. I'm going to wait until my warranty is almost up and then score a free upsized battery. Might as well get a couple of years use out of the original before having it replaced. I think the original battery is only 330 CCA.

[ragingfish]

If your battery is 560 CCA, it's the newer battery. Anythign less is likely the older battery.There is a TSB out to replace it, but I'd wait until winter to try and get it done. The TSB points specifically to trouble with cold weather starts. Likely to have your issue ignored except in cold weather.

[wagon lover]

I brought this up at the dealership when I bought my vibe a few days ago. I wanted it replaced before I bought the car, so I didn't have trouble later. The dealership didn't even know about the TSB until I told them. I was told they havent' had problems with any Vibe batteries yet. They said the TSB states it shall only be replaced if it fails to start in cold weather and shows the code for battery. I didn't push too hard, I figure I'll end up getting it replaced if I have a problem, but told the salesman it doesn't seem wise to wait until a customer's brand new car fails to start GM will correct the known defect. Oh well.

[tjguenth]

Where do I look on the battery to see if it is the 330 or the 560. I looked at it but didn't see any numbers like that. There were some numbers in the middle but the bar holding it in place was over it & I'll have to take it off to see them.

[ragingfish]

Try looking down the front side...

[tjguenth]

I want to thank everyone for answering my questions. I'm sure I'll have more but this site is great.

[michaelgt]

I have the 2003 with the small battery, and on the coldest morning this winter (-15 F), the car started. It had sat outside for 2 days (weekend) without being started. This was my test to see if I could get a new battery prior to my warranty expiration. You will probably want snow tires for winter if you have a young driver in the family.Enjoy!

[Mr. Poopypants]

Welcome!! and since Fish beat me to it, http://www.gmpartsdirect.com is your best bet.

[Fformula88]

Quote, originally posted by wagon lover »I brought this up at the dealership when I bought my vibe a few days ago. I wanted it replaced before I bought the car, so I didn't have trouble later. The dealership didn't even know about the TSB until I told them. I was told they havent' had problems with any Vibe batteries yet. They said the TSB states it shall only be replaced if it fails to start in cold weather and shows the code for battery. I didn't push too hard, I figure I'll end up getting it replaced if I have a problem, but told the salesman it doesn't seem wise to wait until a customer's brand new car fails to start GM will correct the known defect. Oh well.What a stingy dealer. I would think that they would put the replacement battery in just to help cement the deal and show some good customer service. Hopefully your battery stays reliable for you. They probably do not get reimbursed for the battery if it hasn't gone bad, but its much more of an inconvenience for you if you get up for work one morning over the winter and the Vibe is dead, or worse, you are out somewhere and the car sits a while, and then won't start the car in the cold!