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HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!!

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:02 am
by bullwinkle727
I need all of the Vibe owners to post their "check engine" light problems and solutions-namely the apparently unsolvable cylinder misfire codes-I have made 7 dealer trips, so far they have changed plugs,2 ignition coils,2 #4 fuel injectors, and a complete cylinder head-none of it has helped. I may need to prove a pattern of GM's indifference to Vibe problems-the first dealer I had look at it BLEW OFF the check engine light problem(because it went off by itself), probably stealing my chance to use the state lemon law to get my Vibe replaced. Thanks in advance!!! Mark

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (bullwinkle727)

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:28 am
by pmh013
If you do a search on check engine light codes, you'll find a lot of various codes & what set them off.Do you know what codes were read off the car? Even if the light goes out by itself, the code is still stored in memory. If you don't have access to an OBD2 scanner, you might want to go pick one up (or get Pep Boys or a similar place to do a scan for you). I got mine for $175 CDN, on sale. I've used it once, and a friend used it once. I haven't had any problems since, so I think it's good insurance!

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (bullwinkle727)

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:35 am
by ragingfish
Here's a thought.Go to a different dealer.

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (ragingfish)

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:43 am
by bullwinkle727
Good ideas, but already tried-on my THIRD dealer service department, GM Tech Support acts like they're stumped, it's always the same code"#4 cylinder misfire". I've done a search, there are a lot of similar problems posted(CD player related???), but not a lot of solutions listed. I'm asking for posts because I'm afraid I may be forced to go to court on this (or at least threaten to) and need ammo to use to try to get this apparently not rare problem resolved. It seems to be most common on early 2003 Vibes(min was a factory official car).

Posted: Sat Jan 22, 2005 9:59 am
by kostby
I know this puts the burden of proof on you, but have you searched Matrixowners.com and other Toyota forums?I would guess that there are MILLIONS of 1zz Toyota engines out there in daily use worldwide.Surely ONE of them has also encountered a cylinder #4 misfire CEL.

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (bullwinkle727)

Posted: Fri Mar 25, 2005 9:05 am
by SatelliteJonny
I had a check engine light problem early on and the codes that came up weren't the cause of the problem (dealer was kind enough to take the time and check a few of the possible causes). Dealer came and saw me and after a quick discussion it turned out to be the locking gas cap (it's a neighbourhood activity to steal gasoline it would seem...) I had installed that wasn't sealing properly, putting the OEM part back on fixed my probs. Maybe this will help.

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (SatelliteJonny)

Posted: Sun Mar 27, 2005 8:28 pm
by ToolGuy
A bad or not normal firing fuel injector (clogged) can cause an engine misfire. Maybe have their pulse widths checked again...

Posted: Mon Mar 28, 2005 1:21 am
by dsegundo
I had the same thing....have them call Strausser at GM. That's what Joseph's did. They replaceed the sparky plugs w/ new ones and something else and it's fine now.

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (bullwinkle727)

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 12:07 pm
by slowvibe
similar problem my 05 GT has been stumbling under full throttle at first the check engine light flashed once then went away, then the next day it came on and stayed on. code P0304. the dealership said they couldn't replicate the problem while testing but found code stored in ECM. they just put a bottle of injector cleaner in and sent me on my way, yet the problem still persist and i'm waiting for the light to come back on so i can go back to dealer and tell them to fix it. if this keeps up they won't have to worry about threats cause i will have my lawyer take care of it. (he owes me)

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 7:13 pm
by ragingfish
Just what we need, another person who has nothing better to do then make frivolous lawyer threats...Only in America.

Re: HELP!!! Calling all "check engine" light victims!!! (SatelliteJonny)

Posted: Fri Oct 07, 2005 11:44 pm
by jake75
Quote, originally posted by SatelliteJonny »I had a check engine light problem early on and the codes that came up weren't the cause of the problem (dealer was kind enough to take the time and check a few of the possible causes). Dealer came and saw me and after a quick discussion it turned out to be thelocking gas cap(it's a neighbourhood activity to steal gasoline it would seem...) I had installed that wasn't sealing properly, putting the OEM part back on fixed my probs. Maybe this will help.Why do you need a locking gas cap when the gas filler cover has to be opened from inside?

Posted: Wed Oct 12, 2005 6:24 am
by Limeliz16
I would take it to another dealer. There are a couple TSB's (Technical Service Bulletin's) for different SES light problems. Did they give you the codes its been throwing? If so I may be able to help