Aftermarket maplight, power locks?

[dmichaelson]

I just bought a brand new 2006 base Vibe and love it. But already I'm missing a couple little features that my previous beater of a car happened to have.. the car I test drove was better equipped than the one I purchased, so some details escaped me.First, my Vibe has no map light of any kind. I don't have a sunroof that it might be a part of, and there's no maplight in the mirror either. Anyone know a good way to add one, either from a different Vibe or Matrix, or aftermarket?Second, I didn't get power locks and now kind of regret it. Especially, I didn't realize that the trunk (a) cannot be popped from the front (normal for a hatchback I guess) but also (b) once you go around and open it, it stays unlocked until you lock it again with the key; and there's not even a switch in the hatch to lock it before you close it. I wish it would just lock automatically when I close it; I'm sure I'm gonna forget.So first of all, does anyone know how hard is it to have aftermarket power locks installed, and would they work on the trunk, or possibly could I just get install a power lock for the trunk only? Or as a plan B, does anyone know a way to at least get the trunk to lock automatically when I close it?

[zionzr2]

Welcome to Our Vibedom!!!!I too do not have the power package.What i do when I use the key to open the tailgate is:either leave the key in the lock while its open then lock it before removing. oras i open the door crack the door - relock then open all the way

[joatmon]

My understanding is that if you didn't get the sunroof, there should be map lights in the mirror. Seems like if you didn't get them, then they put the wrong mirror in your car. Perhaps another 2006 owner without the sunroof can verify that they did get the mirror map lights. You could go back to the dealer and find another Vibe with no sunroof and check to see if there are mirror map lights, and if so make them fix it in your car. I did not get the power windows/locks, and have not felt it was worth the money to add them aftermarket, although I wish I had them. Some people have. For the rear hatch, I usually often just open the glass instead of the entire hatch, but in general when I park somewhere I feel the need to have the car locked, I just give the hatch a test pull on the handle to verify it's locked. It's a habit now.in http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=13201 there was a link to a power lock kit that is supposed to work in these cars, but it looks to me looks their hatch kit will open it but doesn't support locking. I could be wrong, just making that judgement from the picture.

[etd]

My 2006 Vibe, which doesn't have a sunroof, has maplights. They are recessed into the rearview mirror. There are two switches for the two lights...one on the bottom of the left side of the mirror, and one on the bottom of the right side of the mirror.

[mcgusto82]

if you JUST GOT yur vibe, most dealers will take it back and get youa more equiped one. they ofcourse charge you the difference. i think the law is 3 days. not sure, but thatt would be the EASIEST way.

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by zionzr2 »What i do when I use the key to open the tailgate is:either leave the key in the lock while its open then lock it before removing. oras i open the door crack the door - relock then open all the way I used to leave the key in the lock while opening the rear hatch door, but noticed that the other keys on the keyring were scratching up my paint. I now unlock the door, open it partially while locking it and removing the key, and then let the door fly fully open. When closed, the door is already locked.

[vibe-04]

Welcome: long story about my door lock experience.I got the base and reget not geting the power door locks. I investigated doing it my self then it got cold here so I hired a professional for 400~ CDN to install all four locks and the rear lift glass. Well worth the money, however, there are some issues..so please read on..The Vibe uses cables to open and close the locks as opposed to the older rod style (think slim jim). Cables are a problem for novices and pros alike. You have to cut open the cable to expose the inner wire (like a bicycle brake cable) then pin the cable and actuator to the inner door frame so the actuator can push and pull the door lock. Now the installer I had used a different approach by fixing the actuators to the inner door then running a rod to the hole he made in the door latch assembly. (Yes I will get pictures) He said the cables will frey and break using the cable method so th rod was superior, except, the plastic in the latch broke on one blistery cold morning here in the frozen north. So my driver's side latch doesn't work on the inside and only from the key lock outside. Went back to the installer and they ordered a replacement door latch, took 2 weeks, then the installer quit, and the new guy didn't know what to do so I took the latch and will redo this myself in the spring.Summation. You are in CT so snapping cold plastic is not a problem for you. You can buy the kit (I'll follow-up with the exact after market part number if you want) and do it yourself. It does not look easy -- I'd say two solid days of screwing around untill you get it right -- but it is do-able. OR find a really good shop and get them to do it. Ask first how they are going to do it and their experience. And check out the remote. Mine sucks because the button are raised, hence, I open and lock the door by accident all the time. The rear door "I believe" does not have a remote lock even with the power package. Only the lift glass. Good luck,Andrew

[Mavrik]

I bought an 04 Vibe, no power package so I didn't get the power locks and the map light on the mirror. I went and had aftermarket alarm and locks installed on the vehicle. The locks are on the driver's door and the passanger door. I could have had all four done and the truck but just had the front two done. But the alarm will go off if any of the doors are opened without disarming the car. As for the mirror with the map. I do not know if the wireharness for it is under the roof panel... if one exists you could just buy the mirror, replace it and plug it in.The rear door does lock and unlock with the remote or power switches on Vibes it comes from the factory with I believe. At least I used the remote to unlock the trunk on the wife's old Vibe to open it.

[vibe-04]

Here's the email response about the kitTheir email info@a1electric.com***********************Andrew,I will assume you have a 4dr. vehicle, we'll start with your keyless/remote door lock system for all the doors. part#W02C-RF104, US$129.95, http://www.a1electric.com/Merc...RF104for the rear lift gate remote keyless entry you will need an additional actuator part#W15F, US$15.95 ... http://www.a1electric.com/Merc...=W15Fand you will need to supply your own electrical wire to splice into the door lock system. We only have the power window universal kit part#KIT4, US$299.95. We're not familiar with all the tools required for each model out there, you will need general tools and you might need a special tool to take the window crank off so that you can take the door panel off. All the kits we offer comes with instructions any "Novice" can understand. Example http://www.a1electric.com/cablelock.htm We do not have any suppliers with our products in Canada and there is nothing I can do on the taxes & duty involved if we were to ship you the parts. I believe I answered all your questions. If you wanted to proceed with this situation I will need your complete address to qoute you a UPS shipping cost. Regards, ArtSales

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »IAs for the mirror with the map. I do not know if the wireharness for it is under the roof panel... if one exists you could just buy the mirror, replace it and plug it in.yeah, but if it's a brand new car with no sunroof, it should have the mirror with map lights, and if it doesn't the dealer should put it in for free. Standard equipment is not optional. Maybe it's a mistake from the factory, but he shouldn't have to accept it and pay his own money to get it fixed.

[mcgusto82]

you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.Uhh, settle down, take a deep breath... I don't think they are cheap, in many cases I'd say smart! There's an old saying that goes something like "less stuff to go wrong" and it appears to hold true to this day... I should have taken that advice myself and kept away from the one with the stinkin' moonroof! I won't be doing that again, even if it means *gasp* I have to lose other "convenience" options or whatever. Added (and unnecessary) complexity can be bad.But besides the reduction in wiring, motors, switches, relays, etc. - all of which are possible points of failure, perhaps these things simply aren't needed or wanted? Or what if you don't want all features that you're forced to get in an option package when you really only want one thing? Nothing wrong with trying to add that! For everything else, if the stuff isn't needed or wanted, it doesn't make sense to pay for something that you didn't need or want in the first place. If you're using this car as a commuter type vehicle or a second car to have around, you don't necessarily need all the bells and whistles. Technically, hardly any of us actually need this stuff to be able to go places, many people drove for a long time without any of this junk. Perhaps we have been spoiled, due to the last decade or so where we have been seeing more cars with the power stuff than without.If there is a problem with power windows and door locks not being on a Vibe, perhaps it would be better to take that up with GM and let them know they need to add said equipment as a standard feature. Maybe the problem should be with them for letting cars leave the factory without this type of equipment in the first place, as opposed to the problem being with the owners who chose to not have this stuff.

[joatmon]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.You people are ALL LAZY! It is not really a big deal to have to operate the windows and locks without electronic assistance.Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.You people are ALL SELFISH! One Thousand Dollars just so you can hit a button to lock the doors, or sit back reveling in your opulence and operate the windows at the touch of a button. How many people are in more need of that thousand dollars, how about tsunami victims, Katrina victims, Pakistani earthquake victims, genocide and drought vitims in Africa, etc? Every time you use your power package, another kitten starves to death. Think of the kittens!Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.You people are ALL CRAZY! Your remote keyless entry is a lot easier to hack than the key lock. People have mentioned how sometimes they hit the remote on their Vibe and a different car unlocks. And nobody with manual windows has had the glass suddenly explode when closing the window. I'd pay money to avoid that "feature". And if you drive off the bridge into the river and the water shorts out your electronics, you'll be wishing you had manual windows then. They could save your life!Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »you people are ALL CHEAP! no way in hell should a ANY new car have manual locks or windows.You people are ALL LUCKY! A series of circumstances conspired to make me really need to buy a car at the time, and I was lucky enough to find a Vibe, great car, but I couldn't find one that had all the options I wanted. the MPG of the 5 speed was a higher priority than the power package, and not being able to find one with both, I went for the MPGs. Wish I could have found both on the same car at the time. I still would make the same decision again., but I still wish I had the power stuff.

[vibe-04]

a) Yes I was cheap. I'm financed so the cost is higher that the base 1250 CDN plus tax 15% plus 4 % financing. All this to open the window or a door????? b) I'm not lazy. None of my previous cars had any power features so I lived without so who cares. I have AC so the windows here not an issue.c) The problem happend when I had a child. Now I need to get into the back seat on a regular basis and reaching around when wearing a thick winter parka is a Pain in the A. So I got it installed and man-o-man it is great.So if you are single, save your money. If you have a family, get the upgrade.

[Mavrik]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »yeah, but if it's a brand new car with no sunroof, it should have the mirror with map lights, and if it doesn't the dealer should put it in for free. Standard equipment is not optional. Maybe it's a mistake from the factory, but he shouldn't have to accept it and pay his own money to get it fixed.I've got no sunroof and was made well aware that this was optional... a sunroof isn't going to make it any lighter in the car at night lol... reading lamps on the mirror is very non existant in all the base non-power package Vibes I have seen. At least in Canada anyway. I know the Matrix seems to have a different idea.And I'm cheap I didn't fork over the $1000 for the power package. Sure its nice to have but I can just as easy roll down my windows by hand. Plus if something breaks... mechanical repairs without electrical components are cheaper.

[joatmon]

I thought map lights in the mirror was standard on all VIbes with no sunroof. Power package didn't have any effect on mirror lights,. It was map lights in the mirror, or sunroof, one of those for sure, but not both. At least that's the way I thought it was supposed to be

[dmichaelson]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »I thought map lights in the mirror was standard on all VIbes with no sunroof. Power package didn't have any effect on mirror lightsDunno, seems to me that with no power and no sunroof, you get no maplight. If anyone has this setup and has a maplight, chime in!Quote, originally posted by Mavrik »The rear door does lock and unlock with the remote or power switches on Vibes it comes from the factory with I believe. At least I used the remote to unlock the trunk on the wife's old Vibe to open it.Hey what are you saying here? Even without the power package, my trunk is already "electrified" and just needs a button or remote to work it? Or you're just saying that with the power package, the trunk can be locked and unlocked remotely along with the doors.Re: Cheapness vs. laziness, yeah the salesman was probably right when he said "you'll have the car for 5 or 10 years, so $500 or $1000 to get the options you want isn't really much when you spread it out over that time." But I actually never had a 4-door car before and just didn't really think about it.. I just wanted side airbags and ABS. Don't care much about the windows, it's not hard to reach across or whatever, just worried I'll forget to lock the doors one time. All good though, don't think I'm gonna return the car, might rather upgrade it later as people have suggested.. if anyone else has aftermarket power lock experiences to share I'm sure it would be good for all to see! Know a good shop for this sort of thing in New York or Connecticut?

[Mavrik]

The doors will need power lock actuators and be wired in... it would take more then remotes for yous to work.Well I get into a habit really quick when it comes to my car. Since I'm the only one in it most of the time, only the driver's door gets unlocked.

[joatmon]

well, I looked in the 2006 owners manual, and the key word in it is "may". Quote, originally posted by "2006 VIbe Owners manual page 3-16" »Reading LampsIf you have a sunroof, you will have a reading lampnear the sunroof switch. Press the button to turnthe lamp on and press it again to turn it off.If you do not have a sunroof, your vehicle’s insiderearview mirror may be equipped with reading lamps. Ifyour vehicle is equipped with reading lamps, thereare two buttons located on the bottom of the mirror.Press the buttons to turn the lamps on and press themagain to turn the lamps off.I thought it was either/or, no "may" about it.

[mcgusto82]

may be equiped??? how does "your vehicle may be equiped with a tranmission" sound to you guys? loli also thought all the non sunroof vibes had the mirror lights.

[ColonelPanic]

Quote, originally posted by mcgusto82 »may be equiped??? how does "your vehicle may be equiped with a tranmission" sound to you guys? lolMine was that way! One day it had a transmission and the next day I didn't know whether it would have one or not! And it turned out to not have one as I later found. lol

[Baltovibe]

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »I thought map lights in the mirror was standard on all VIbes with no sunroof.I have a 2004 base Vibe, with the only option the automatic transmission. I have no map lights.According to the 2004 Vibe sales brochure, the mirror map lights were only available on the Power Group Value Package.

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[joatmon]

I had the sunroof map light, which sucks, so I replaced the mirror with one that had map lights, and tappedd into the sunroof map light wires for power.The question is, if you have a vibe with no sunroof and no powerr package and therefore no mirror map lights, is the wire for the mirror map lights still there, tucked up in the headliner?

[vibe-04]

I remembered this pic from a headliner removed thread (it has power and with sunroof). There could be power there. I also did some more research on power locks and the difference between the power and non-power is the lock (key) assembly. So, you could possibly buy one or two locks from GM/Toyota and hack your own system. Looks like an easier system than the cable lock system I posted earlier.cheers.Andrew