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I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe.
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:09 am
by 5speed4
Just got my '05 Vibe about three weeks ago and I keep finding cool features that I didnt' know about.The other day my kids pointed out that there's a cup holder thingy that folds out for the rear seat occupants.Cool! Then a few days ago I noticed that you can fold forward the front passenger seat (noticed the lever, so naturally I pulled on it). I did not know that! Then just today I noticed that there is a "mini glove box" on the driver's side (right above my left knee). I had never noticed that before.What other gags are there?Seriously, I bought the car from a private individual (older lady) so I didn't get the full "guided tour" when I bought it. She showed me a few things and I drove it and loved it enough to buy it right there (plus it was a great deal! Trade-in price according to KBB). Just loving this car. I think I found the perfect automobile. The gas mileage of my base model 5-spd is unbelieveable (see my other thread on that subject...42 mpg!). The Platinum with monotone and alloy wheels looks fabulous to me in almost every lighting situation (whenever I park somewhere and get out, I can't help but look back and admire the beauty.). Sorry, didn't mean to make this an "Ode to a Vibe", but this is a really cool car!-Tim
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:30 am
by keithvibe
there is yet another storage container just behind the rear seats, ment for snow brushes and the such. Move your rear cargo mat twards the back of the car and you will find it.I pointed this one out to my father who has a matrix and when i opened his, there were actual cobwebs inside.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:42 am
by tribalman
there are the 2 compartments all the way in the back on either side.how about the pockets in the front doors?i knew about the compartment right behind the seats, didn't know what it could be used for. : D yeah, i did that too for a while. i also have a jacket like this car, sooo many pockets. i've owned the jacket for 6 months and i just found a new one. we should play a game, how many hiding spots are there in the vibe.
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:44 am
by psiu
Wait...where? All I have is the spare tire underneath the cargo mat, and there are the 2 access holes for the rear lights on either side?edit: and I mean compartment behind rear seats? whhhhahaaat?
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (tribalman)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 5:47 am
by BlueCrush
Quote, originally posted by tribalman »i knew about the compartment right behind the seats, didn't know what it could be used for. : D I have my Cargo privacy screen in there on my Vibe. Perfect fit!
Re: (psiu)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:07 am
by keithvibe
Quote, originally posted by psiu »Wait...where? All I have is the spare tire underneath the cargo mat, and there are the 2 access holes for the rear lights on either side?edit: and I mean compartment behind rear seats? whhhhahaaat?remove the cargo mat. and just front of the spare tire compartment is another one LOL
Re: (keithvibe)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:26 am
by psiu
Hmm. Never noticed it there, sounds like about the last place I would put anything for convenience anyway. Snow scraper goes on the floor passenger side, if I have a passenger it goes rear floor passenger side.Is it big enough for jumper cables?
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:29 am
by prathman
In addition to the extra storage compartments (we use the long one behind the seats for the cargo cover and one of the ones on the side in the back for an auto vacuum), there's also the option of putting in another 12 VDC outlet in the bottom of the console. The wiring is already in place under the console and an $8 outlet from Radio Shack is easy to install. And if your Vibe doesn't have cruise control, that's also easy to add since you just need to install the control stalk. The other circuitry, wiring, and control hardware is already in place. Costs about $40 for the stalk. Also note that the little hooks that slide in the slots of the luggage compartment floor to tie down loose items will also fit in the roof rack rails and can be handy for tying things down on top.
Re: (psiu)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:44 am
by zionzr2
Quote, originally posted by psiu »Hmm. Never noticed it there, sounds like about the last place I would put anything for convenience anyway. Snow scraper goes on the floor passenger side, if I have a passenger it goes rear floor passenger side.Is it big enough for jumper cables?my jumper cables are in the center of the wheel well for the spare.I keep my torque wrench and a hazzard triangle in the long skinny compartment behind the seats.
Re: (psiu)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:45 am
by keithvibe
Quote, originally posted by psiu »Is it big enough for jumper cables?yep
Re: (keithvibe)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:07 pm
by 5speed4
Cool! Thanks to all you guys for your clues.
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 2:40 pm
by lowincash
i just found my vibe has a bag hook thing in the passenger side near the glove box lol actually my mom found out and didn't even noticed it...she was using it to hold her bag and i saw it dangling there haha
Re: (lowincash)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:21 pm
by tribalman
Quote, originally posted by lowincash »i just found my vibe has a bag hook thing in the passenger side near the glove box lol actually my mom found out and didn't even noticed it...she was using it to hold her bag and i saw it dangling there hahawhat year is yours? i don't think it's in mine. at least i haven't seen it whenever i clean the dash or the passenger area
Re: (tribalman)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:14 pm
by Caretaker
The bag hook is only on the 2009 Vibe. I found mine while detailing the interior. The hook is a great idea. Why they did not put more of them in the rear cargo area is a mystery. I still have not figured out the cup holders on the door. Why is the bottom angled back? To help you spill your drink?.....and what is the other smaller area next to the beverage holder? Must be a great idea since they put them on all four doors. I just can't figure it out.
Re: (maxx4me)
Posted: Wed Nov 05, 2008 7:43 pm
by nygiantzz1
Quote, originally posted by maxx4me »I still have not figured out the cup holders on the door. Why is the bottom angled back? To help you spill your drink?...They are for plastic bottles with caps. if you look close, you will see a little symbol showing a cup with an X through it, to warn you not to put a cup in there, only bottles.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:42 am
by rareorange1
there is also two compartments in the console, and a place under the shifter. that inverter comes in handy tootheres also another cigarette outlet in the console, thats where i run my neons off of. lol
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (rareorange1)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:48 am
by awfavre
One of the neatest discoveries for me was realizing the driver’s side sunshade extends/lengthens to cover a larger area. When I move it from by the windshield to the door window, it’ll extend another several inches toward the back seat area. Very cool!
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (awfavre)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:52 am
by bull77
Quote, originally posted by awfavre »One of the neatest discoveries for me was realizing the driver’s side sunshade extends/lengthens to cover a larger area. When I move it from by the windshield to the door window, it’ll extend another several inches toward the back seat area. Very cool! hmm --- I'll have to check this on my 06 tonight
Re: (nygiantzz1)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 5:05 am
by Caretaker
Thanks nygiant. I see the pictures, but still don't get it. The configuration almost looks like they expect you to put some maps lying on their side (closest to your body), and then put a bottle in back of the maps. If you look at the door, it is carved out to allow the tall bottle to come out from the holder and not get crushed by the door panel. I just don't undertand the rest of the angled space, other then where the bottle goes; maps are all I can figure
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (bull77)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 6:14 am
by keithvibe
if your vibe has side air bags, you will not have extendable visors.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (keithvibe)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 9:41 am
by bull77
Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »if your vibe has side air bags, you will not have extendable visors.i have neither
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (bull77)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:04 am
by 5speed4
My 2005 has neither as well.
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 10:41 am
by Kevzaz
Everyone has failed to mention the button that extends the wings to make it fly. Its right by the base of the steering wheel, you pull the lever down that adjusts the steering wheel, then you turn the lever and pull it down. The steering wheel then turns into a pilot's wheel, and wings sprout from the side. GM included this feature as an easter egg.
Re: (Kevzaz)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:20 pm
by addev
Quote, originally posted by Kevzaz »Everyone has failed to mention the button that extends the wings to make it fly. Its right by the base of the steering wheel, you pull the lever down that adjusts the steering wheel, then you turn the lever and pull it down. The steering wheel then turns into a pilot's wheel, and wings sprout from the side. GM included this feature as an easter egg.Nice one!!!!!There is another magical feature ...... if you put fuel in the fuel tank and drive about 300+ miles .... it somehow disappears. Kidding This might not be that exciting but for the rear door if you turn the key to your left then only the hatch opens and if you turn it to your right then the whole door unlocks (or the other way round) ..... I thought that was neat!
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (keithvibe)
Posted: Thu Nov 06, 2008 3:49 pm
by DownTheShore
The 2005 Vibe is a great car - I loved mine, to the point that when I got a new car, I got a 2009 Vibe. First time I ever bought the same model twice in my life.
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:24 am
by 5speed4
addev,Good tip about the rear hatch. I went out to try it. I also noticed that when you unlock the driver or passenger front doors using the key in the keyhole, all the doors unlock simultaneously which is pretty cool.-Tim
Posted: Fri Nov 07, 2008 6:08 pm
by psiu
I think the key in door only works the 2nd time you twist it, or maybe in the other direction? I have the keyhole inserts so I haven't used the keyholes in a long time.Oh yeah,there's a secret compartment behind the rear seats! hahhaa...had this car since Nov 06 and never found it!
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Sat Nov 08, 2008 12:06 am
by sk8r78
Then a few days ago I noticed that you can fold forward the front passenger seat (noticed the lever, so naturally I pulled on it). I did not know that! There are actually levers on both sides of the front passenger seat for that, If you use the lower handle it will return the seat back to the vertical position and then the upper one to fold the seat back forward it will be flat
Re: (addev)
Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 3:55 am
by rareorange1
who uses keys???
Re: (rareorange1)
Posted: Sun Nov 09, 2008 4:02 am
by BlueCrush
In the cold Tundra of the Minnesota winter I use 2 keys. One to start the car and one to lock the door to let it warm up while I'm inside.
Re: (BlueCrush)
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 9:21 am
by sk8r78
If you are inside already why do you need the second key to lock the door? Do you roll the window down to lock the door from the out side? sounds like a case of paranoid-dimensia. some guys just have a thing about keys. Will that work with the Saturn?
Re: (sk8r78)
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 11:48 am
by psiu
by inside, inside his warm house while his locked and running Vibe warms up. I assume that anyway....
Re: (psiu)
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 6:15 pm
by tribalman
hehe, i had my dealer show me the door tricks with the keys. never used them. (i actually forgot about it for a while. i was going to use it about a month ago for kicks and giggles but decided not to. i have the fob.) the only thing i use the key for is to turn the ignition. i have been lightly thinking of a way to use a RFID or push button switch to turn the car on and off.
Re: (tribalman)
Posted: Mon Nov 10, 2008 10:36 pm
by 5speed4
Having key "features" comes in handy if you have two or more cars in your household and don't want to carry around two or more key fobs. I carry around the key and fob for the Vibe and just the key to my wife's Impala while she carries around her Impala fob and just the key to the Vibe.
Re: (sk8r78)
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 5:22 am
by addev
What he meant was ....... it is a normal practice amongst us Minnesotans to start the car and go back to the house for that half cup of coffee while the car warms up.What say blue crush?
Re: (BlueCrush)
Posted: Sat Nov 15, 2008 5:24 am
by addev
I second that!The car gets warm and you can go back to the house and finish that half cup of coffee. Since the car is locked and running ..... that car jacker gets his puzzle of the day.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (BlueCrush)
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:21 am
by immortalight
Hi!I would love to get a cargo privacy screen for my Vibe. i bought it used and it didn't come with one. Did yours come with your car, and if not, where did you get one that fits?Thanks!S. Landrum
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (immortalight)
Posted: Thu Dec 18, 2008 8:42 am
by keithvibe
Quote, originally posted by immortalight »Hi!I would love to get a cargo privacy screen for my Vibe. i bought it used and it didn't come with one. Did yours come with your car, and if not, where did you get one that fits?Thanks!S. LandrumPost a thread in the wanted section for what you are looking for. Posting it here won't yeild may results.
http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=26819
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (5speed4)
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:37 am
by ned23
Quote »there is yet another storage container just behind the rear seats, ment for snow brushes and the such. Move your rear cargo mat twards the back of the car and you will find it.I pointed this one out to my father who has a matrix and when i opened his, there were actual cobwebs inside.The long skinny one? In my 2004, that had the cargo area cover rolled up inside of it. If you notice, your rear cargo area has slots in it. You can get hooks that go into the slots that you can use to lash down cargo with bungee cords or tie-downs. There should be two storage compartments inside the rear quarter panel, unless you've got a subwoofer, then you only have one. There's also a third glove box under your shifter.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (immortalight)
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 1:59 am
by shemp
My '09 didn't come with the privacy screen either, but I picked one up from the dealer for about $65. They are pretty cheesy, but do the job.
Re: I keep finding cool doohickeys in my Vibe. (shemp)
Posted: Fri Dec 19, 2008 6:14 am
by ned23
Quote, originally posted by shemp »My '09 didn't come with the privacy screen either, but I picked one up from the dealer for about $65. They are pretty cheesy, but do the job.Yeah, I was going to buy one for my 09 until I saw the price. So, no sale. You know the thing could not possibly cost more than like $3 to make. There's no reason for such a ridiculous mark-up. I would have gladly paid $20 or $25 for the thing. For $65 the thing better be made of Corinthian Leater and light up for holidays and include a nice warming pad so I can set my gloves on it. .