GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Check engine light came on at 100,200 miles. Not a single problem before this. Autozone said front o2 sensor. Bought one for $100. Pulled the nold one out at home. Somewhat difficult because there appears to be a chunk of metal lodged against the sensor. Took it to the Pontiac dealer. They say $850 for a new exhaust manifold because it is collapsing. Engine isn't loud...no other problems.They are also saying a month delivery on the new manifold.Any help or comments would be appreciated.

I had a spare manifold and it sold for $25. Its like cast iron and I dont really believe it would be collapsing. Do you have a 1zz or 2zz engine? (base, awd, gt).did the new sensor fit? can you take pics of what you are referring to?Welcome to the site by the way. There actually are a member or two in appleton...

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I too have a hard time visualizing an exhaust maifold collapsing, especially since it would be thick heavy cast and also would be pressurized on the inside when the engine is runningStill if there really is an exhaust maifold problem, you can try to find one at a junkyard, off a VIbe, Matrix, or a Corolla. Should be a bunch of them wrecked by now.

I wonder if they mean intake manifold. I thoght there was noted problems with the plastic intake manifold having problems.Just a guess...

Neither of them should be collapsing...unless you hit something hard with the exhaust manifold (it hangs down a tiny bit) that's the only way I could see part of the tube getting crushed. If it really is causing a problem, pick one up used or just get a set of headers. 850 bucks is total crap.

Quote, originally posted by RIT »I wonder if they mean intake manifold. I thoght there was noted problems with the plastic intake manifold having problems.Just a guess... I dont recall hearing of any issues unless people were using nitrous then there were a couple shattered IM's. The collapse of a IM if its a 1zz hard to believe would be visible. The EM like stated is thick cast and I dont see how its possible to collapse, the thing is short as heck and heavy and thick. IMO they are either throwing a part at it or are screwing you for money. theres something else to it.

Thanks for the advise. The pontiac garage has also been no help at finding a replacement (month delivery?) A junkyard option appears more likely. Is this what you always get when you trust the professionals instead of doing it yourself?

Well, professionals are just that, professionals. Most know what they are talking about and are good mechanics; however, they still work for the stealership and gotta try and make their money. Us hear at genvibe deal with our Vibes all the time and have you the Vibe in in mind, not your money in mind. A lot of these member have done tons stuff to their Vibes, check out the great write-ups on about everything you need to know on the Vibe, and are all willing to help if they can. Genvibe is definitely the place to check first before you committ to any work that seems fishy.

look at a junk yard or the celica, matrix or corolla forums for used 1zz exhaust manifolds. Like I said I sold mine for $25....Its also a consumer replaceable part, theres how to's on the matrix site as well.

Thanks for the guidance on this. The Pontiac shop took off the exhaust manifold and showed it to me (only had to ask three times). Turns out the manifold has some sort of ceramic or metal liner and that is what caved in. The Pontiac shop seemed confused about it. When I talked about it with the Autozone counter guy he seemed to know all about it...he even said "oh yeah, you probably have a 2003 or 2004 right?"...I had to stop at Autozone to clear the code because the Pontiac shop couldn't communicate. All in all a poor experience with the shop but glad the Vibe is back running well again.

You know, I just looked through my manual, and unless i'm blind, there was NO mention of the manifold.. mentioned every other part of the exhaust, but not the manny... odd...

The heat shield was caved in??? A few bends with a pair of vise grips will free it from the O2 sensor.