GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've noticed ever since I had my catalytic converter replaced under the TSB for the infamous "fart smell," I've gotten much better gas mileage than I had been getting, especially recently, with the old equipment. The first trip I ever took it on right after I got the car, I got 40 miles to the gallon, but I had never really seen that again until the last few weeks, post-replacement. Actually, it had gotten kind of crappy there for a while, right up until the point when I had the work done. Now I'm seeing 35ish for city driving and around 40 for highway driving, but all that's changed is the parts replaced under the TSB.Did anyone else notice this? I'm trying to figure out what's caused this sudden spike in great gas mileage, and this is the only thing I can think of that could possibly be the cause.

Quote, originally posted by Kari »...40 miles to the gallon...Wow! What type of gas do you use (87/89/91)? Since I average 27-28 mpg (about 25 city, 30 hwy), should I replace my catalytic converter even though it doesn't smell?EDIT: I just noticed the TSB is for the automatic only and I have a standard.

I just got mine done, so let me monitor for a few weeks and let you know. BTW, I didn't get any of that break-in smell, like you had Kari. I'm wondering if they took all the labels (Shipping and Part #) off your converter before they installed it.

Quote, originally posted by tnpartsguy » I'm wondering if they took all the labels (Shipping and Part #) off your converter before they installed it.Probably didn't, knowing my dealership. It was definitely a hot glue gun/burning plastic smell, so yeah I probably have toasted label on my stuff now...heh.Anyway, I'm just using the cheap stuff as far as gas goes. I don't go to any one particular gas station, and I always buy 87 octane.

It does seem that my mileage is up 2 mpg or so, still havn't really been on a road trip to see how it will do highway-wise, but I do know that it seems to have improved the power.

my father-in-law who has a base vibe reported an increase in mileage after the service!! I still need to get mine taken care of

What exactly does the TSB apply to?

Quote, originally posted by Kari »I've noticed ever since I had my catalytic converter replaced under the TSB for the infamous "fart smell," I've gotten much better gas mileage than I had been getting.Ditto for me too.... remember, It was the pcm also not just the converter...both were replaced per the bulletin...

does anyone have a copy of this TSB that's covering the converter and PCM

Quote, originally posted by joholste »does anyone have a copy of this TSB that's covering the converter and PCMI told my dealer of the continuing sulphur odour for my 05 5 speed, even after 7,000 miles...some weeks fine, other weeks noticeable.He called me afterwards and pointed out that the TSB I printed out applied to automatics. I just said that the car had a sulphur odour problem regardless of the tranny. I followed up a couple of days later and he said it was going to be awhile obtaining the Vibe cat. He had to make the request through the district service manager. But he also mentioned that he had found a more recent TSB which did not distinguish between auto and 5 speed for this problem. So now it is almost a month and still no cat. in.

i'm going to go talk to the service man on monday, and hopefully i'll get one soon.

surprisingly enough my gas mileage dropped dramatically this first gas tank after getting my CC and PCM replaced. i don't know if that's because i have been driving a little harder or not but will find out if it has really had any effect this weekend when i go up to DC.

When min. of 87 octane in required. `A Higher Octane of fuel used makes next to zero difference in performance or mileage under "normal" conditions....I said normal...Not towing, not racing.

since cat has been replaced there has been an increase a couple mpg city. I'll be going on a trip to CO in a few weeks and we'll see what i get on the hwy!

Just had cat/pcm replaced on my 03 base auto... around 10% better MPG now.