GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

By now most, if not all of us got the letter in the mail for the accelerator pedal and floor mat recall.Have you had the recall performed on your Vibe and how do you feel it was handled?Also, post pictures if your dealer did something to alter the look of your floor mats or pedal.

I didn't get anything from my dealer and honestly I would like them to hurry up a little. I already have a service appointment mid-march and I would like to consolidate everything.

I'm not going to bother with it, it seems they really don't know the cause with all of the different theories put forth. That's assuming there is a problem.

I notice a little more pedal resistance now, which I like. I have in the past run it up to redline while in park and bending over to get something out of the glove box, because there was so little pedal feel.The whole job took about 30 minutes.

I imagine the Corolla recall for the power steering might affect us Vibe owners, since we also have the electric power steering.

made an appointment....they said to allow 1 hour....dealer/sales very accommodating plus letter from Pontiacthey/he seems to think it's getting blown out of proportion.

Nothing in the mail yet....

Got the recall notice in the mail.Havent done anything yet,my floor mat retaining clips are still in the org plastic bag. I have a extra mat from my old Trans Sport on top of the Vibe mat also.Igot clean the old mat,got some shop grease on it.

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »Nothing in the mail yet....+1

Do we really need that letter to get the recall done? I got it in the mail last week but I think I misplaced it lol

Letter came today... only for the acceleration issue, nothing for the floor mat. The letter says they will inform me (with another letter) when they have a fix for the floor mat problem.I doubt you'd need the letter to get the fix.

Just got mine done today and the pedal feels extra easy to depress now. It felt way better to drive with before. I think I'm going to go back to the dealer and see if the can tighten it up a little bit. When I hit bumps it feels like my foot just slams it to the floor with no resistance.

I finally got the recall letter today and booked an appointment for mid-march. What is weird though is that the letter mentionned that GM only has a fix for the sticking pedal and not the floor mat thing which is kinda stupid considering Toyota started fixing floor mat problem almost a month ago. Since they'll have to remove the pedal to install the metal piece, they might as well have cut it shorter at the same time to fix the floor mat issue.

Yes I got the recall letter last week. I went to the Pontiac Dealer today in the morning. I was out in about a 100 minutes. I ask if they are to do a firmware update as part of the recall. He claims they will. However, I can not verify any of that. However that is part of the check that they are supposed to do. The feel in the pedal seems smoother against the foot. I spent the rest of the day watching the Toyota House hearing on MSNBC online.

I just got it done today.. Is it just me.. or does the pedal seem a little more "springy".. Anyway.. It took them around and hour and fifteen minutes to get it done.. unlike the 30 the letter says.. But oh well.. Oh, they also took out my floormat.. It would be okay to put it back in right.. I don't really want to ruin my carpet... but also don't want to kill myself...

I'm getting my shim tomorrow. Funny: I first went to the dealer that almost killed me after the botched repair on my Malibu. They keep claiming that they have not received their shims. I told them that half of my genvibe board have gotten theirs fixed; what gives??? I then called another dealer 10 miles down the road; they have the shims and will do it tomorrow. I will NEVER set foot in that "pathetic excuse for a dealership" in my neighborhood again. I wish them nothing but the worst. They are beyond incompetent and should have their doors shut forever.BTW: the dealer I am going to told me that GM is paying them for 7/10ths of an hour to put the shim in and reflash the computer. The reflash is the first I have heard of on this board. Anybody else have that performed?

They told me they would have to reflash mine.. and they left the little door open where they plug it up.. it took them like and hour to do this..

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new shim installed. Service Manager said they did not do a reflash, merely a check of the throddle specifications to ensure the pedal was performing within specifications. Don't know how they can check that via computer, but one hour later, there you have it. I did not notice any difference in the flexibility of the pedal on the drive home. However, I did notice a new urge for the car to suddenly accelerate towards nice warm beaches!!

Both of my local GM dealers told me that they don't have the parts on hand. I would have to bring the car in, they would measure the pedal assembly for the right shim, then order just that size shim for my car. They told me this would take a couple weeks. I haven't had any unintended acceleration or floor mat problems.

good lord; once again another wrong answer from a GM dealership. Go somewhere else. There is no measuring. It is a custom sized part from Toyota that fits right into place. It takes 30 minutes to put it in, and illegedly provides some seperation between two wearable areas in the joint of the pedal. Again, don't use that dealership. Sounds just like my local bunch of clowns trying to impress me with what they don't know.

Actually, there is measuring. This article at thetruthaboutcars.com shows how the fix is done.

Sorry; enfield's post implied that the dealer indicated that there is some kind of custom measuring and that only then would they go back and order a shim. Toyota is sending out the shims. Your post indicates that there are two different sizes. I was told that there was only one shim. So yes, your post shows a measurement to determine which of the two shims to install. There is no need to believe that the dealer has to measure the gap, like some kind of fitting for a crown for your tooth. Toyota has mass mailed out the shims. Either your dealer has it, or they are behind the times. Good post gimmegimme; in itself, it shows that there is some variability in the gap and that excessive wear could be the actual cause of the problem.

I got a letter saying I will receive another letter telling me I can take the Vibe in for the pedal and floor mat (seeing as how the Vibe's floor mat is hooked in, I don't see it going anywhere)... wait, wha?

I undersatnd that there is a bag of 7 different thickness of the square shim. The tech measures the gap under the spring. (maybe the looseness under the spring) and notes the age and mileage of the car. He selects a shim that will give a tight fit. thickness are like 2.3, 2.5, 2.7 3.0mm etc.Note that when I got home, I used a small Dental mirror and a flashlight, and by looking up at the bottom of the pedal's box, I can see the shim.As I stated earlier, the pedal feels smoother and has less resistance to my foot pressure. I now feel I am going faster and I now must give it a lighter foot pressure to maintain a steady speed. This field fix is just to remove the built-in fiction of the rubbing block against the pedal arm. When the two rubbing surfaces get to smooth and closer together, they could then get stuck (fused) together. ( this is my thinking only???)I would think that the rubbing blocks act as a shock absorber.

Quote, originally posted by blamster »my recall was done but i still haver the same problem.http://lotusbjjny.com/pontiac/pedalvibe ... ibe2.mpgMR TODD YORLANOI have been experiencing the sudden acceleration in my Pontiac vibe 09 GT.The car is a 5 speed manual, I was able to put the car in neutral and come to a complete stop, then recycle the key and the car would go back to normal. (The motor would accelerate grenade loud in neutral)it happened 3 times I called GM and they took the car in to have it looked at, that was on Jan 25, 2010 then they had a guy drive around with my car for 1 week to test it to see if they can duplicate the problem, then the Toyota recall was all over the news and GM decided not to give me the car back rather have it towed to another dealer for further inspection, the car arrived at another dealer and they had the manager drive the car for another week trying to duplicate the problem, by then there was news that there was going to be a recall on the vibes with the pedals after almost 3 weeks with no car GM called me up and told me that the car was ready to be picked up, I picked up the car on Friday and by Monday the car accelerated out of control one more time on me and my wife, she got really scared and I was able to bring the car to a safe stop and I manage to record with my camera the accelerator, it had no interferences with nothing the car was just out of whack with something electronic rather than mechanic, I was trying to remain calm but my wife got me a bit scared yelling in the video.I am thinking to take the car over to Toyota rather than GM I don’t know if that is possible but they might be able to do something different that GM can’t do.(I got the car back from both of the dealers with scuff marks and scratches and they opened a case number for the paint damage and dents on the car) I don’t think I want to bring it to the dealers again, but I have to since the recall fix has not repaired the car. on the invoice it says that the pedal parts have been installed, recall was made for the pedal with 3 parts installed) I don’t know what to do my wife doesn’t want to drive the car and I have 2 little guys that I don’t feel safe with Them in the car, GM Probably is going to drive the car around for 1 more week and give it back to me the same way again.Conditions: that day 33 f there was some snow on the floor nothing on my shoes. I was driving only 20 mph maybe 27 or so 2nd gear maybe 3rd last time it was about the same speed, the problem is that I get nervous because it happens unexpectedly and it gives me little time to react but I have a game plan in case it happens again it’s hard to record the events on a cell phone camera and at the same time bring the car to a safe stop, good thing I am 100% aware and I can act quick , another person would had been in some serious trouble.in the video I almost hit the car infront of me because I was trying to pull to the side last time I turned the car off and removed the keys and the steering locked up on me and I had little brakes,I pulled the ebrake. I Think thats why my wife got scared, the airbag on the passenger side doesnt work it deactivates everytime, you can see it on the invoice from potamkin. I can duplicate it and recorded if my word is not enough.If you wish to contact me feel free to call me (917)225-8826Thank you for reading.Yours truly MARLON RYour vehicle has a manual transmission? Put it in NEUTRAL and press on the brakes... Of course if you turn the vehicle off you will lose your brakes....

About this sudden acceleration, the only thing that could have a "Control of it's Own" would be the Cruise Control System. I can not think of anything else that could make the throttle open INDEPENDENT of the gas pedal. Also the Cruise control arm can be used to accelerate the car with your hand. Remember you to not touch the gas pedal when using it. I think that it can take control of the car if the computer's mind got confused.Note this is Drive BY WIRE system. It is not like in the days before computer cars with a direct mechanical linkage to the carburator from the pedal.

Quote, originally posted by Ivibe »About this sudden acceleration, the only thing that could have a "Control of it's Own" would be the Cruise Control System. I can not think of anything else that could make the thottle open INDEPENDENT of the gas pedal. Also the Cruise control arm can be used to accelerate the car with your hand. Remember you to not touch the gas pedal when using it. I think that it can take control of the car if the computer's mind got confused.Note this is Drive BY WIRE system. It is not like in the days before computer cars with a direct mechanical linkage to the carburator from the pedal.Interesting theory... I like it.

I got the Recall Service done this week and I cannot tell any difference to the accelerator, of course my Vibe only has 5100 miles on it. I love the fact that they took my driver side floor mat out, threw it in the back, and told me to leave it there until a repair is available. Yeah, its the floor mat, right!Anyway I am still not 100% convinced that this is a mechanical problem, but it does make sense that this could be electrical.

Had mine done this morning. (09 1.8L base) One hour from the time of my appointment until it was done.Could be my imagination but the pedal action feels smoother. It does not require any more effort and the service manager said there was no computer reflash.I never had problems previously.They did put my Husky all weather mat in the back. I put it back in before ever pulling out of the bay. No way that mat is going to cause a problem, it covers the entire floor under the pedal. The carpet OE mat does not cover the floor under the pedal.

My dealer don't have anything on this yet either, and I have received NO letter., that option is not there in your pole

Went in today. Got an appointment first thing in the morning (8:00AM) on Saturday March 13 for both the accelerator fix and the vacuum brake line fix.

The car took of on me 4 times, it happends only in 2 second gear about 20 mph, The cruise control can only be activated at 4th or 5 th gear I dont know but something is not right with the cars computer, or something else. I hit the brakes and the car acellerates theres no way to stop it unless I turn the key off. recycle the key. Gm told me that my case is closed and that the car is fine. and they are not going to fix anything cause its already been fixed.

Quote, originally posted by blamster »The car took of on me 4 times, it happends only in 2 second gear about 20 mph, The cruise control can only be activated at 4th or 5 th gear I dont know but something is not right with the cars computer, or something else. I hit the brakes and the car acellerates theres no way to stop it unless I turn the key off. recycle the key. Gm told me that my case is closed and that the car is fine. and they are not going to fix anything cause its already been fixed.That is an issue with the ECU.

Quote, originally posted by blamster » Gm told me that my case is closed and that the car is fine. and they are not going to fix anything cause its already been fixed.I suggest setting up several cameras in the car and record every time you drive. 1 camera pointed on the gas pedal and one on the dash area. When it happens again, you'll have proof to show the dealer and demand something be done. If they still won't do anything, then I think it's time to get a lawyer. Good luck!!!

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Quote, originally posted by blamster »I also formally wrote a letter to GMC informing them of the acceleration problems I was experiencing. After speaking with GM personnel they informed me that there is nothing further they can do. They have performed the recall as instructed by Toyota and that they have no further remedies. As far as GM is concerned the recall has been performed and the car is safe to drive. (Even though, GM had a copy of the video I forwarded to them showing my car was still experiencing the unintentional acceleration even after the recall was performed). As a result, I requested that GM write me a letter indicating same, so, I may archive it for my records. In the event something was to happen, God Forbid, I could have it well documented, that I have put GM on notice on many occasions and via various means of communication. GM plainly declined to put their statements in writing. Only Saying that “With my reference number they will always be able to pull up my account and see the history log”. Which to me was a huge joke and a slap in the face. Talk about adding insult to injury. Because we all know that if something was to happen and law suit was brought against GM my file with would magically disappear…….. Words that I also expressed to GM personnel and still they declined to help me. Incredible….Honestly; why don't you just seek a different dealers opinion and or obtain a lawyer since the issue has not been resolved?

Blamster:This sounds like GM is posturing around what Toyota is telling them to do and if there are any problems that continue, that GM can point blame at Toyota by saying "we did exactly as you instructed."Just out of curiosity, do you have a Blackberry? I am starting to see a number of postings on the web that suggest that signals from Blackberry devices are causing interference with the electronics in Toyotas such as the power steering issues with the Corolla.

Quote, originally posted by JetBlack09VibeGT »Blamster:This sounds like GM is posturing around what Toyota is telling them to do and if there are any problems that continue, that GM can point blame at Toyota by saying "we did exactly as you instructed."Just out of curiosity, do you have a Blackberry? I am starting to see a number of postings on the web that suggest that signals from Blackberry devices are causing interference with the electronics in Toyotas such as the power steering issues with the Corolla. I have a BB and have not has an issue so far...

I have a BB as well and have no issues.

Quote, originally posted by blamster »I also formally wrote a letter to GMC informing them of the acceleration problems I was experiencing. After speaking with GM personnel they informed me that there is nothing further they can do. They have performed the recall as instructed by Toyota and that they have no further remedies. As far as GM is concerned the recall has been performed and the car is safe to drive...Have you contacted the NHTSA? I think they are the ones that take safety complaints on vehicles. I'm sure they would be happy to hear from you about your problem. Maybe even contact the media, with the recent gang bang on Toyota, I imagine the media would love to get ahold of some runaway car video.

Here is the article about the BlackBerry. They are talking about this on the CorollaLand Forum too.After addressing the issues related to floor mats, accelerator pedals and braking systems, Toyota could be under fire for a new problem: steering.The National Highway Safety Administration is considering a more formal probe into the problems reported by owners with steering on 2009-2010 Toyota Corolla sedans. The Corolla is one of the most popular sedans in America. In December, the last full month of Corolla sales prior to Toyota's recall of accelerator pedals in January, Toyota sold 34,220 Corollas in the U.S.NHTSA's Karen Aldana told AOL Autos this morning that the company is reviewing Corolla complaints just as they investigate problems of other makes and models."We are reviewing steering complaints with the Corolla to determine if a safety defect investigation is warranted, as is standard procedure with all complaints," Aldana told us in an email this morning.Automotive News reports that the Corolla's steering problem -- which is best described a "unintended veering" -- raised 83 complaints since April of 2008. The news report said that 76 of those incidents took place over 40 mph, with the cars inadvertently veering to the right or left.In total, ten injuries from six accidents have been reported.In complaints filed with NHTSA, owner stories of the events ranged from mild to terrifying."2009 Toyota Corolla EPS (electronic power steering) causes the car to wander at speeds higher than 50 mph," wrote one Toyota Corolla driver on June 18, 2009. "This makes for very dangerous driving conditions. Toyota needs to address the issue and do a recall to fix the problem."Another complaint drove home how frightening the issue could be."This was the most terrifying thing that has ever happened to me in my life as well as my grandchildren!" wrote one North Carolina resident in a complaint registered on September 11, 2009.While Toyota has not provided an official comment on complaints, some owners who filed complaints provided their own reasoning for why the car might pull to the left or the right." notice the steering wheel sometimes pulses only when my cell phone is...docked to the right of the steering wheel," wrote one Corolla driver in an official complaint on June 26, 2009. "It's strange I can sometimes tell if my Blackberry is going to ring or get an email. The steering wheel seems to shake or try to steer on its own. This is similar to my other 2009 Toyota Corolla that I resold to the dealer. I wonder if more shielding is needed to reduce any interference."NHTSA said through a spokesperson that they will continue to monitor the complaints and will consider a formal investigation.

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I can see how the pulsing in the steering could come from the BB. When I have my BB too close to the computer (less then 2ft away), the speakers will emit a chirpy static "chirp chirp.... chiiiirp" then the phone will ring or tell me I have a text. But it only does it with blackberrys, other phones (even with the same provider) do nothing to the speakers.Although I think this is more a problem for the FCC and Research In Motion then it is the Toyota steering unit.

Quote, originally posted by star_deceiver »I can see how the pulsing in the steering could come from the BB. When I have my BB too close to the computer (less then 2ft away), the speakers will emit a chirpy static "chirp chirp.... chiiiirp" then the phone will ring or tell me I have a text. But it only does it with blackberrys, other phones (even with the same provider) do nothing to the speakers.Although I think this is more a problem for the FCC and Research In Motion then it is the Toyota steering unit.See, my RAZR has always interfered with every speaker ever... including once at a department store where the entire sound system in my vicinity started freaking out... I actually blame AT&T for that one 'cause I've only had this problem with their phones. It has interfered with my Vibe speakers several times, but nothing with the steering. Though like I've said before on other threads, my steering is ridiculously loose at high speeds... unrelated.

According to the LA Time, some Toyota owner say recall fix still didn't fix accelerator issues. See ArticleToyota has sent out nearly 10 million recall notices for its unintended acceleration problem, and while dealers are working hard to install new equipment into customer cars, some consumers report that the current fix may not be enough to completely solve the unintended acceleration problem. In fact, NHTSA has received seven complaints in the past two weeks from Toyota owners saying that even after the repairs, the cars still experienced sudden acceleration issues.The Los Angeles Times reports that many experts feel the gas pedal, floor mat and brake override fixes aren't enough, as they don't deal with the actual root of the problem. Still, we'll have to take these new complaints with a grain of salt until NHTSA actually verifies that the allegations are, in fact, true. NHTSA Administrator David Strickland tells us, "NHTSA has already started contacting consumers about these complaints to get to the bottom of the problem and to make sure Toyota is doing everything possible to make its vehicles safe. If Toyota owners are still experiencing sudden acceleration incidents after taking their cars to the dealership, we want to know about it."

I am thinking to take the car to toyota, If their is something with the cars computer they prob would just flash it quick and dont tell nobody about it.....and problem fixed.something in those lines. (fustrated)

I would be surprised if 1) Toyota will even look at your vehicle, and 2) if they will do any recall service without charging you a fee.

"I would be surprised if 1) Toyota will even look at your vehicle.."Me too, shocked actually. Never going to happen in this day and age. Even a chevy dealer won't warranty another gm brand unless it's one that's being wound down.

Well I got the recall done... I'm not sure if I notice any pedal differences, or if it's just the psychology of it playing a trick on me. I'll have to drive it a bit more and maybe get a second opinion from my husband.Was kinda mad though, I specifically asked them not to touch my floormat, only to find it in my trunk. Don't know how in the heck they did that, since the hooks were dug into it very tightly (I modded the non-factory floormats that I have in there to have tiny holes that the hooks stick through). Found it in the trunk, put it back, at least I know I can take it off the hooks to clean it later...BUT I also got my fog lamps installed and they are fabulous, so I will forgive them. I will post pics in the relevant thread.