GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Why doesn't the Vibe have the SCV option on the head unit, like all other Pontiacs? Is it because Toyota's involvement? I just found this out after reading it somewhere and I'm kinda bummed now! It was one of the features I was looking forward to in getting a Vibe. I'll be able to live with out it, but I was just curious why it's replaced with RCL?

Not sure if you've ever had a car with SCV before...but...it doesn't really work as designed. I had it in my truck and the stereo would get too loud too quick and you'd actually have to turn it down, even with SCV on its lowest setting. I have to say it's something I don't particularly miss JMHO

My best guess: On GM cars, the radio is part of the data bus that is used to link many parts of the car's electionics... The Toyota is lacking the bus all together so that translates to the radio being completely independent from the rest of the car.. I'm guessing the radio needs input from the PCM for the speed sensor; which that isn't available on this car.Granted, one doesn't necessarily need the speed sensor to tweak the volume automagically... I had a JVC head unit circa 1997 with a form of SCV that actualy sensed changes in voltage to function... i.e. you're speeding up, hence there is a slight increase in voltage, and the radio turned up. Vice versa for slowing down. Not sure if there are any aftermarket HU's these days that have anything like that.

Higher-end Pioneers have it. And the factory Navigation system for the Vibe did too..

I've never really had the need to really fine tune the volume on my stereo, if the thing is too loud, I turn it down, if it's too quiet, I turn it up.

It's not a big loss. I recently had a couple of GM rentals (Grand Am and Monte Carlo) with SCV and I didn't like the implementation that well. I had to set it to the minimum adjustment level to be workable, and for all that twiddling, I could adjust it on my own.

I have not owned a car with SCV, but I have driven one before and I kind of liked it, but yeah, it's no big deal! Thanks for your input guys.Another quick question: Does the radio remain on when you turn the ignition off, remove the key until you open the door?

It doesn't on my '03.

Quote, originally posted by airee85 »I have not owned a car with SCV, but I have driven one before and I kind of liked it, but yeah, it's no big deal! Thanks for your input guys.Another quick question: Does the radio remain on when you turn the ignition off, remove the key until you open the door?It does not. The Vibe radios are unique within GM because of the Toyota internals. The 04 and 05 Owner's Manuals both show the SCV button, but it's not on the units. Also, there is a speed signal; it's used on the navigation systems. I guess it hasn't been worth it to GM to spend the money to change the Vibe-only version of the radio.

I am with Kari. I drove a Grand Am for a few days while my new Vibe was having the undercoating put on. And I did not like the SCV at all. The first thing that I did was turn it off after about 15 minutes of driving. It works in theory, but not in the real world.

Cool, at least I know I wont be missing something major. I did say I liked it on the car I drove for a day or so, a 2003 Alero GLS, but I didn't really drive it that much on the highway, so it probably wasn't enough time to see if I would have really liked it or not.