GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

My 04 base model with 68K:A couple years ago my milage had gone down from a steady 31 to 27.I'd noticed that there was a ticking under the hood which the dealer said was normal purge solenoid operation. Months later the engine light finally came on and it was a bad purge solenoid. They replaced it. Mileage improved for about 9 months then back to 27. Lately it's gotten even worse. I'm getting 25mph and never better. Motor runs fine but the solenoid seems to be ticking away everytime I take time to notice; like after a 34 mile drive home and just getting out to knock the snow off the mud flaps.I read somewhere that you could test it by dissconnecting it (not sure if electric side or vacuum side). That if the mileage improved then it was bad.Is this true or can you cause damage or a problem by disconnecting it?I know it used to get great mileage and now it ticks away and gets lousy mileage. What's a new one cost?I'm not so sure the dealer ever really replaced it. Sounds hokey that the dealer had one in stock that day. Try to get a blinker switch in one day!!!!

Nothing from anyone???? Everyone else got great mileage???

Well I think maybe I've filled the charcoal canister with gas from overfilling or maybe the tank by-pass valve is stuck...etc.Can an abused charcoal canister be....drained/dryed? Or only replaced

The purge solenoid is supposed to allow gasses to be sucked into the intake from your gas tank. I don't think it's supposed to be ticking. Are you sure it isn't the fuel injectors making the noise? The purge solenoid shouldn't activate until the engine is warmed up either. Did they replace the "VSV" Vacuum Switching Valve - I think it's the same thing.I'm guessing the only way GM new it was bad is if a wire broke or the solenoid part burned out. Disconnect the wires and you'll get an engine code.