GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I am having an odd noise. It only happens for a split second. It occurs after backing up. Then going forward for approx. 8' to 12' I hear a "ding" sound. It happens whether or not I actually use reverse. I live on a hill. So reverse is not needed to back out. Just put it in neutral. SO it's back up, go forward... "ding". It is quiet enough that the radio on low often makes it unnoticeable. It does it almost all the time no matter what the terrain. It is surely coming from the front...somewhere. Maybe it's a Jap tranny thing? Mine is a NEW AWD. Any ideas? ...... If it changes I will take it in. But the Dealers here suck.

I don't think I have that sound with mine. I will double check tonight, though.Did it just start recently or has it always done that?

always...the car only has 1500 miles. It is not loud. But I always start driving with the radio off or almost off. Like the sound of a fork dinging a crystal goblet.

My Matrix and Corolla make the same noise under those exact conditions. My Matrix sounds like a steel brush slapping the fender. The Corolla sounds like what you described. I've also read that other Matrix owners experience that noise as well.Most of us have come to the conclusion that it's probably just the brake pads or calipers reseating after changing drive direction. It could also have something to do with the parking brake cable adjusting.

WOW, I am not insane or have a broken car. I think it could be caliper/pad shims or some thing in that area. I ruled out the brake cable because I only use it on hills. My driveway is the only hill I park on. Now I can sleep....

I checked mine and I think I know what it may be. Mine makes a little bit of noise but not a ding. On mine its the ABS activating. That may be what you are hearing.

I know a bit about ABS. Such as most systems have to detect at least one full wheel rotation before it will work. Then "ding", Your Vibe is now ready to safely stop your (removed)... Maybe that's all it is...?

Well, as it turns out. It is the ABS system check. It is in the manual. A matrix owner informed me on the Matrix site. You have ABS, you should hear it also.

Hmm, after this thread surfaced, I started hearing a series of several metallic "dings" myself... Forward or reverse, doesn't matter. Almost sounds like I'm dragging a piece of very thin metal across something. Goes away after I get backed out or pulled out of my parking space, whatever the case may be. New brakes didn't solve it.I do not have ABS, however.

Southwest Airlines has invaded your car!