GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I'm having this blasted intermittent problem with my 2009 Vibe that is driving me nuts. It happens only when I am almost completely stopped - a loud whistle-type sound that is somehow connected with the brake system. It seems to be coming from under the hood, but I can't be sure. Are there vacuum hoses of any kind connected with the braking system? The problem never happens so that the technicians can hear it. I will certainly appreciate any suggestions. I'm about to take it back, get a loaner, and let them drive it around as long as it takes until they hear the sound and fix it.Do any of you have an idea of what might be causing this?

I would open the hood, start the car and have someone hold down the brake pedal, as you listen from under the hood. This should give you an idea of what or where it is for sure coming from. It is possible it is a vacuum hiss.

Your suggestion is a good one, but a major problem is that the problem is intermittent. I've done what you suggest, but the problem never happens. Both the neighbors and dealer think I'm hearing things that don't exist.

Yeah that is what I hate too! You drive it every day and then when someone elese looks at it, mostly dealers, they do not hear it or the noise is not there. Forgot you said intermittent...

It seems like my transmission tries to slow my "09 down... just a thought.

Quote, originally posted by tipdrill »It seems like my transmission tries to slow my "09 down... just a thought.This is called engine braking. It's common on most newer cars. To help conserve gas and your brakes.Does the whistling happen while only slowing down? Does it happen when you are completely stopped?

i remember having that sort of sound when my vibe was new...forgot how it sounded but there was some sound when i came to a stop. after a few thousand miles it went away and i've never heard it anymore.