GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

We just returned from a long road trip and nearing the end of the trip I noticed that when I woul dshift into 4th or 5th the vibe didn't want to accelerate as it should and it sounded like it was sputtering or taking in a lot of air...when I put it into neutral and revved the engine it sounded fine...any clues as to what the problem might be?

Could you tell us a little more? Like your mileage, year, model (assume it's a base 5 speed), any mods, how fast you were going, did you have the a/c on...etc....

Sounds like a possible clogged catalytic converter.

We ordered our Vibe in May 2002 and finally got our 2003 vibe on August 13 2002...it has 83,000 kms on it (we have driven out to Halifax 3 times..thus the mileage). The drive was through the white mountains of vermont and appalachians, therefore there was a lot of shifting and up hills...the air conditioner was on for most of the drive. I just had the oil changed and the filter changed, but was told that my air filter needed replacing soon...the sparks have not been changed out either...

Maybe some bad gas.When was the last time you ran some injector cleaner through it?

welcome to genvibe!Do you have the loss of power and rough engine any time you try to accelerate, or is is just on the 5 to 4 downshift? First thing I'd check would be to make sure that whoever changed the oil didn't knock anything loose, and they when they checked the air filter they got everything put back the way it is supposed to be.

Its most noticeable in 4th and 5th, but I can feel it in all gears...its drives sluggish.

Watch your revs when in gear, it may be clutch time for your GT. If the revs don't climb faster then the wheels turn then try some techron on your next premium fill-up.

Could be the MAF. You might try cleaning it. Welcome to GVC!

sorry, unfortunately I am not "auto" literate....where and how do youclean the MAF...I am assuming this is the Main air flow sensor? Any other suggestions would be of great help.

not to shout down the other "clean your MAF sensor" but when that goes, it goes. You can't really clean this other then remove it from the airbox tube and blow on it. WHICH I do not reccommend as its not a cheap part if you break it. Plus it won't be causing what your experiencing. It will keep your vehicle from reving over 3000RPM and does not effect accelloration if its malfuntioning. It will accel just fine to 3000RPM then cut out.What your experiencing sounds to be more like clutch, bad fuel or converter but my suggestion since your Vibe is canadian, you have a powertrain warranty to 100,000km. Take your Vibe in to have checked out. Now the clutch is not covered but exhaust or transmission concerns are.If I could remember what dealership in London my friend Jason works at, I'd say take it to him and have him check it. Sorry.