GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My Vibe is missing the half inch round access cover which clips on top of the Automatic Transmission Brake-Shifter-Interlock release button located on the console. The dealer says other new Vibe automatics on the lot are also missing this cover. Does anyone else have a missing cover?

The cover comes wrapped in blue plastic around the shift lever from the factory. It is attached to a card which says do not throw this away, install the cover. Have the dealer check the trash barrell in the prep department. If they can't find them, they will order you one.

Thanks a lot! Isn't it strange though why a little part like this would need to be installed during dealer prep?

I think mine may be missing too, but the dealer said there wasn't anything that goes there.Anyone have a pic of this or can take a pic of the cover??Thanks!
[Modified by NSimkins, 9:25 PM 7/13/2002]

A very good picture of the cover is on page 2-32 of the Owner's Manual.

Thanks for the tip vibb! That will come in handy.Does anyone have an actual photo or can take one of the cover so I can make sure I don't make a trip the dealer for nothing? You never know what the service dept. will say and deny due to the 'newness' of the vehicle and it's options.Thanks again.

Can't provide a link but if go to http://www.pontiac.com go into Vibe and take the virtual interior tour. Go the the Plug and storage choise. The "Cover" smooths out the arear just to the right of the auto shift lever. Its round.

quote:Does anyone have an actual photo or can take one of the cover so I can make sure I don't make a trip the dealer for nothing? Here you go:
[Modified by NovaResource, 11:48 AM 8/22/2002]

That's perfect. Thanks!

Here's an update. My dealer said they could not find any covers for the Vibe in their prep area. Uh-huh.. So, I went to a Toyota dealership and bought one from their parts dept for two bucks. It is Toyota part number 33554-12110 and comes only in graphite color.

You should tell your Pontiac dealer to reimburse you for the $2 that you had to spend at Toyota. Car dealers are so damn cheap they don't want to fix anything for free, even when it should be.

My cover was on. When I picked up the vehicle, I asked what the button was for. The salesman said "that cover shouldn't be on there, the manual says to throw it away" and proceeded to pry it off. I said I would rather leave it on. When he put it back it was upside down, jammed and crooked. I nearly broke the cover trying to set it back properly. Also there is a scratch on the button beneath the cover.These little things really leave a bad impression of the dealership.

When I picked up my car it was missing, but then we found it in the glove compartment in stuck it in ourselves. In another compartment we found some sort of clips that look like they should go under the car. We asked the dealer and they are trying to find out where they go - but they assure me it is not important - Yikes, I hope not! I also had to install my bumper cover myself - it was left loose in the back. I was just happy the dealer got me the Vibe I wanted so I have not complained.

I have the cover but it is not on. After I read the tag I was confused on whether or not I should put it on. Do I?

quote:I have the cover but it is not on. After I read the tag I was confused on whether or not I should put it on. Do I?It is up to you. It is really for cosmetic purposes to keep the console area looking smooth so there isn't a little hole there.I myself did not get one and will be bring this up with the dealer soon.

I did not get one either, tomorrow I am taking a trip to Salem and seeing if my dealer has one, also couple little things i want them to look at...

Mine was missing also, I called the Pontiac parts dept. and he said it was going to cost $11 for one! They said it was not covered under warranty. It never came with one so I have to pay from one and wait 2 weeks for it also. what a bunch of crap. And the guy that sold me the car said he couldn't help me either. I geuss after they sell you a car they don't care what problems you have. they got there money!

Have you received your sales satisfaction survey from Pontiac? Perhaps the dealer would be more interested if they know that you will be unable to give good scores. Remind the dealer the amount of contact you have with people predisposed to Pontiacs. As far as $11 for the cap, it is very expensive for GM to buy the parts from Toyota send them to a central warehouse and the ship out to the dealer.

If you read back a bit in this thread, you will see I listed the Toyota part number and price of $2 for the cover. It may not be worth getting all worked up over two dollars.

Thanks for the info I was just venting a little. I will be heading over to Toyota this morning. thanks again!

My chev dealer is ordering me one free of charge since it was not on the car at the time of purchase, also, the dash rattles a little and they are fixing that too when I take it this afternoon. I must be lucky and just have a good dealer though.

My car did not have the cover installed when I bought it so I called and the next day they found one for me (from another Vibe). I can't believe there is such a hassle for such a small part that I think is left out for shipping reasons.

I went to the toyota dealer today to order my shift-lock cover thingy. I bought my car slightly used, so the pontiac dealer said they weren't liable although its got lotsa warranty left on it. My salesman was going to take one from a new one, but they didn't have any either. But that is the only thing they have said no to..... All the Toyota guys got a big kick out of the fact that I was ordering a toyota part for my pontiac car. But two of them did say that they liked the look of the vibe better than the matrix. Made me smile.Thanks for the part number vibb!!!!!!

I can't agree with you more. It has certainly been true for me that the dealership and GM do not care about me and my Vibe problems since they got their money. But you know what goes around, comes around.Do I sound bitter?

I got my shift lock cover thingy today from Toyota. I can't believe that such a little cheap part can make such a big difference. It looks much better now....best two bucks I ever spent

Mine was missing when I went to pick up my new Vibe today. Thanks to this thread, I knew to look out for the omission. I pointed it out in the owners' manual and the dealer cheerfully put it on the list of things to order for the car. Short list. One item.

I just ordered mine from my local Toyota dealer 2 days ago. Came in today. It was $3.33 (with tax). Matches perfectly and looks alot better, as was mentioned in earlier posts.My local Pontiac dealer couldn't even find the part in the computer, so I just went to Toyota. Alot easier with the part #.Toyota part number 33554-12110

this is weird!!! i remeber mine being on there when i bought the car in jan., but know that i've read this thread, i've noticed that it is missing!! do these things pop out easy? or is like the stolen antenna thread, someone took mine 'cause someone took theirs (but in this case didnt leave me a note )

quote:I honesty think that Toyota and GM should get together and get to know this vehicle and have the techs learn about it too. It is time that they step up to the plate.Hear, hear! I second the motion. We don't even need to take a vote because we're all in favour! GM, take note.

Mine was missing when I picked up my Vibe and I pointed it out right away to the salesman. He checked into, said there should have been one included and managed to find two for me within a week. He gave them to me free of charge but told me to make sure not to loose them or break them as it would cost me $15 (canadian dollars) to get another one.

I TOTALLY noticed it was missing, and never thought to ask the dealer for a replacement...I recognized it was missing, though, because my sunfire had the same thing, the little cover...but yeah, that button being exposed (granted, I dunno what that button even does) is driving me nuts. Adding it to my list of things to still get fixed. That list? Oh yeah, just one thing. Get that covery thing.BTW. I read in the manual about the shift lock button, but am still confused. Can someone explain the purpose of it to me in plain english? Thanks!

quote:I honesty think that Toyota and GM should get together and get to know this vehicle and have the techs learn about it too. It is time that they step up to the plate.Seriously, it's absurd how much the dealers DON'T know about this car. I'm seriously considering taking my car to a Toyota dealer next time I have trouble, finding out the problem, then going to Pontiac to get it fixed under warranty, after telling THEM what needs to be done. It's so aggrevating.Went to a Toyota dealer today, had to pay out the rear for a shift lock cap! It cost me a whole $2.42!!! I can't afford this! LOL! I figured it was easier than trying to get my dealer to find the part #, and then order it, and cover it under warranty. It's frustrating at times trying to get them to do little things, as if I'm wasting their time.The Toyota dealer was really nice, and he said to me, "those are great items...I was like, "the vibe?" He's like "and the matrix too." I said, "yeah, but come on, you have to admit, the vibe DOES look better," and he's like "oh sure, no contest."That's another Toyota vote for us!

Picked up my cover today. As everyone already knows, it makes ALL the difference! YAY!

quote:It locks your transmission so it can not be moved I believe when it is in park. I assume when you car is in park, press the button and it will unlock the transaxle. Nova, ya there...Basically what happens is the shifter can not be moved from Park unless the brake pedal is pressed. If, however, you still can not get the shifter out of park (because of a problem with the brake interlock system) the hole next to the shifter will allow you to override the interlock so you can operate the vehicle.But don't take my word for it. My car knowledge is merely adequate.

oooooh. Nifty. Now, is there something different about modern day shifters that requires that? Because my 94ish grand am didn't have that button...

Possibly. My '93 Sunbird didn't have the override button either but it did have the brake interlock. I guess they had alot of complaints about it locking up and added the override button.

I think the override button is also there for those in the towing business.

Huh?I believe you still need the key to release the shifter. Isn't neutral for towing?

Most cars use a common electrical solenoid to lock the transmission selector in Park. The solenoid is energised when the ignition key is turned or when the brake pedal is depressed. Since I don't own a Vibe anymore, maybe someone who doesn't have their button covered up can try pressing it to see if the shift lever can be moved without the key.

Most cars use a common electrical solenoid to unlock or lock the transmission selector in Park. The solenoid is energised when the ignition key is turned or when the brake pedal is depressed. Since I don't own a Vibe anymore, maybe someone who doesn't have their button covered up can try pressing it to see if the shift lever can be moved without the key.

The shifter is unlocked ONLY when the key is in the ON position and the brake is pressed. If the key is not in the ignition or the key is in the LOCK or ACC positions, the shifter is still locked with or without the brake pressed. The brake interlock may be an electrical solenoid but the key interlock is mechanical because you can't turn the ignition key to the LOCK position or remove the ignition key unless the shifter is in PARK.But don't take my word for it. My car knowledge is merely adequate.

Are those the clips for the rear storage area -- the tie down clips that go in the rear track system? Mine came stored below the rear storage floor, near the spare tire. You don't need to install them now, but should keep them for when you ever decide to use the track system in the back.

quote:Are those the clips for the rear storage area -- the tie down clips that go in the rear track system? Mine came stored below the rear storage floor, near the spare tire. You don't need to install them now, but should keep them for when you ever decide to use the track system in the back.Nah, we think they are clips and/or plugs that cover up holes used to attach chains or some other thing to hold the car in place while in transit...

Because of this line of posts (and especially the Toyota part number, 33554-12110) I ordered a replacement cover from the local Toyota dealer, which is much closer to me than my Pontiac dealer. They got the part in one day, said it would be a whopping $2.96. When my wife took the car to get the part, they installed it and it looks great. When she paid for it, the invoice showed a list price of $2.96, but only a net charge of $1.34, plust 12 cents tax. It must be that $1.62 GM discount?!? It was so much easier than hassling with the Pontiac dealer. Anyone in my area (Chicago northern suburbs) -- I recommend Northbrook Toyota, 847-272-0808. I am actually thinking of using them for any non-warranty repair work since the chassis, engine, etc., and interior of the Vibe is the same as the Matrix.

Are we talking about the small round thing to the right of the automatic shifter?

I have a stick, but have seen enough automatics... Most likely it's a "Shift Lock Release" Just like what they have on all Hondas, as well a good portion of other automatic shifters.I know in most cars (haven't been in an automatic Vibe), if you put the key in the shiftlock release (Honda), or press down the button (Toyota and others), you can push the shifter button in and shift it to any gear without the key in the ignition.I don't know the exact purpose of this, from a technical standpoint. I'd look through the manual, as I seem to remember seeing a reason in my Mom's Accord manual...I use it almost every day in Hondas, Much easier to install a radio when the shifter isn't an inch in front of it.So:You shouldn't need the key to unlock the shifter. At least, shouldn't need the key in the ignition.So try pressing down on the button, and shifting into a gear other than park. Please have your e-brake on for this... You shouldn't need to press the regular brake or anything..just hold the button down, push in the button on the shifter itself (like you would to change from park to any gear), and try changing into drive... Should work.. I think.

Yeah, tried it tonight.When the button is pressed, it lets you move the atuo shifter

Quote, originally posted by silverawd26 »Hey Mr., can I borrow a screw driver, I need it to steal your car.The shiftlock might be intended more as a safety interlock than an anti-theft device. When I was a kid, a cousin and I were playing in a car, I was in back, and he was pretending to drive. He shifted into neutral. When the car started rolling he just bailed out. The car took out a fence and a swingset, and I had to climb over the seat and put on the brakes. When it stopped, it was about 100 feet from dropping into a ravine. (Went back there as an adult, and the depth of that ravine scared me much more than it did when I was a kid) A shiftlock would have kept him from shifting out of park. The shiftlock keeps from shifting when the key isn't turned, but the shiftlock override doesn't let you start the car, or turn the steering wheel. If someone was going to steal the car by just overriding the shiftlock, they'd still need to tow it. Might as well let them shift to neutral so they don't mess up the tranny by dragging it, in case you ever get it back.

goto Toyota to get it, its about $2.Gm wants about $8........rip off.i will be getting my new rear wiper there too.

Here is a good link about this problem, from GM. They also mention missing rubber body plugs that go into the hole used to tie the vehicle down while in transport. Without the plugs it causes extra cabin noise and wet carpeting. Just click on "Pontiac Vibe Tips" button at this site.http://service.gm.com/gmtechli....html