GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

hey guys (and girls)- I did do a search with no luck to my specific problem. Just bought a 05 2wd Base w/ 2500 miles, AT. Is it expected / OK to have engine pinging/clicking/ticking w/ hard acceleration?My search here yielded many threads on idle noises (no prob on mine), noises when shifting (no prob), noise when hood open and listening (?).My problem is confined to hard acceleration, especially aroung town like the 20-45 mph range (not as bad on highway surprisingly). It sounds like popcorn popping or BB's knocking around a coffee can. It is not super loud-if radio is on fairly tough to hear. goes away as soon as i let off gas. Have not yet tried high octane but i'll be pissed if thats the fix considering I bought this car to save on gas.thanks in advance

That is not normal at all. only the GT uses the good stuff. I would take it in for a look see since it is under warranty

Ouch, that doesn't sound good. Like was mentioned above, higher octane fuel is required in the GT but not with the base engine, where 87 octane is recommended. At any rate, you should not be hearing the noises you described. Almost sounds to me like the timing is out of whack which induces the pinging, as if it is not being adjusted properly by the PCM as you accelerate briskly... I don't know, sure doesn't sound good though. Good luck to you and let us know what you find.

Tried a different fuel brand? Could be bad gas...

Are you sure the sound you are hearing is not just the exhaust system? The vibe does have a rather raspy some may call it sporty exhaust note or a light rumble when you accelerate.

thats possible...the sound only occurs with hard acceler at medium speeds when engine/exhaust noises are at their peak anyway. Sound not noticiable on highway when going up hills/etc. when pinging should also occur. I guess I am paranoid since I bought this car w/ 2500 miles, a past rental car, and I have noticed the right headlight pointing low the first time I drove it at night. There are also scratches on top of the right air bag top panel. Its safe to assume it had a right front accident (carfax is clean). But for an 05 base with those miles and power locks/windows/AT/AC, $13,900 is not too bad. I may buy an extended warranty just for peace of mind.Thanks for the input....

btw brought it to dealer who said noise is "normal", thats typical....

Quote, originally posted by macman »btw brought it to dealer who said noise is "normal", thats typical....Typical for a dealer, but definitely NOT typical for a Vibe...

problem much improved with non-generic gas and a bottle of dry gas-thanks y'all!

i thought ive heard some exhaust pipe could be semi loose and raddle? mine was a previous rental vibe too with 26k miles on it great deal since its still under warrenty they just didnt rotate the tires! but i have a dash rattle at low/slow acceleration