GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

How do folks like the drive-by-wire accelerator in the new Vibes? I had a hard time getting used to it, initially. The manufacturers deliberately fiddle with the driver demand table to make the accelerator touchy to give the car the illusion that it's more powerful. There seems to be a slight processing delay between the time you press the pedal and when the car decides how much fuel to give it. Before I got used to that delay, I found myself pressing the pedal first to one stop, then a little farther than necessary at times causing the car to lurch when accelerating from a stop. I also found out that it's not adjustable. The dealer put it on the computer and the only adjustment was to "reset" it to factory spec. I would think a softer pedal adjustment option might lend itself to better gas milage. I have started to get the knack, though. The trick in slow traffic seems to be that you learn how far to press the pedal and then just stop and hold it there and let the car's computer manage the acceleration, rather than gradually depressing the pedal farther and farther like you used to do.

Well, I have the same issue with the gas pedal. I have to apply the gas very lightly from a stop. This gives me a lag. If I just press as I used to with my old car, this Vibe will take off. I also mentioned this problem a number of times on this site. With my light touch on the pedal in the Vibe, it feels like a pressing against stiff spring in my old car. This is the same with the steering wheel rotation.I have the 2009 Vibe with the 2.4L engine and 5 speed auto trans.I had the pedal issue since the first time I drove the car off the lot.

Between the drive by wire and the electric power steering I think I am glad I still have a 2003. 6 years 32,000 miles. At this rate if I can drive this until 160,000 miles I'll be 91 (if still alive).

Quote, originally posted by jake75 »Between the drive by wire and the electric power steering I think I am glad I still have a 2003. 6 years 32,000 miles. At this rate if I can drive this until 160,000 miles I'll be 91 (if still alive). Gramma, is that you?

Quote, originally posted by psiu »Gramma, is that you? OK - maybe I'll just drive it until Michigan again beats Ohio State!

hehe thems there some fighten words haha

I'm getting there. There's still a little "lurchiness" because of that half-second delay. The way to drive it seems to be:Press a bit and hold...press a bit more and hold....press a bit more and hold.... etc. Use the cruise a lot. LOL!

well...i adjust the throttle response by adjusting my seat...when i move it back it seems to have a delay but if i move my seat a bit forward the throttle response is very touchy...can't find in between =X

Our '05 has DBW.........don't give it much thought, it seems fine.

I notice the same issues and thought there was something wrong with my Vibe until I learned about DBW on this site.With snow and ice on the ground, DBW presents some new challenges.

Quote, originally posted by abbotlex »I notice the same issues and thought there was something wrong with my Vibe until I learned about DBW on this site.With snow and ice on the ground, DBW presents some new challenges. If you leave the traction control on it should automatically restrict the accerator when it gets slippery. Your driving should just be jerky when the roads are dry

Quote, originally posted by lowincash »well...i adjust the throttle response by adjusting my seat...when i move it back it seems to have a delay but if i move my seat a bit forward the throttle response is very touchy...can't find in between =XI just did the same thing of adjusting the seat forward a bit. It seems to keep my foot up more against the gas pedal. I'm a short 5'-7" and my other problem was reaching the far right radio controls without leaning over. So what I did was to move forward until I can touch the right hand radio controls with my arm out straight. I think this is best way to adjust your seat position. So I think you are right about this idea. And I think it does make the throttle response feel more even or smooth if you know what I mean. I was thinking earlier to raise my foot up with a support block to pivit my heal on.

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »I just did the same thing of adjusting the seat forward a bit. It seems to keep my foot up more against the gas pedal. I'm a short 5'-7" and my other problem was reaching the far right radio controls without leaning over. So what I did was to move forward until I can touch the right hand radio controls with my arm out straight. I think this is best way to adjust your seat position. So I think you are right about this idea. And I think it does make the throttle response feel more even or smooth if you know what I mean. I was thinking earlier to raise my foot up with a support block to pivit my heal on.[QUOTE=Ivibe]Why can't they just allow the dealers to adjust it? All they need to do is load an alternate "driver demand table (DDT)" into the computer. SUV's already have two different DDTs, one for on-road and one for off-raoad use.

I tought I was the only one that felt this ,I also have a kia rio (cable) instant response .the vibe has that slight response time ,especially when coupled with manual tranny (every shift )Dan