GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've posted this question earlier, but always in a hurry. Now that I'm not pressed as much for time......When looking at an early AWD to purchase, what is the best way to check to make sure the system...transmission(other than normal shifting), viscous coupling, and differntial, are working correctly. I know what bad bearings sound like(wheel and Diff.)Most of the used cars I know of are not coming from original owner, so finding out if Diff. oil has been changed is problematic, until I am the owner and change it myself, which could be too late. Is the a way to check the physical operation of the system, to ensure the drive is acting as it should, that I can do before purchasing?Thanks for all enlightenment you will share on this subject.

Listen for a slight whine from the rear of the car, if there isn't a whine from the rear chances are the AWD system is working properly.The other way to really check this is to put the car on a lift, start it and go around the car stoping each wheel and then letting it go to see if it starts to move again.

Or just find a really slick/wet road and hit the gas from a stop or while taking a corner to see if it kicks in with no noises.Take a look underneath to ensure the differential and pipings are in good condition and not leaking as well. Remember the system is mechanical and not electrical, so slippage of the front wheels causes power to be directed throught he differential so all wheels rotate for added traction.

Alrighty then! Just purchased an '03 Neptune AWD a couple days ago.First time owning an AWD anything, and this thing is great so far! Where my other cars, including my FWD '03 Vibe spin in the gravel going up my driveway, this thing just grips, and goes! Changed out the Diff oil(was pretty clean, so I'm thinking it's has service in it's past, since it has almost 98,000 miles on the clock).Same with the Transfer, but at least I know whats in there now and how long before it needs serviced again.I do have a question though, in reference to the Transmission pan. The RF corner(as seated in Drivers seat would put it), appears kind of "pushed up". There are not any signs of scrape/scuff, but it just looks strange to me. Does anyone have a picture straight up at there Trans. pan(AWD) for me to compare to? edit: I found a pic..need a pan Will shoot some photo's tomorrow of the new ride(replacing the '97 Bonneville).Thanks in advance.

Have you noticed a total lack of power yet. Most AWD Vibe/Matrix owners have seen. Here's a good link to start http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=24144. Goodluck and enjoy!

I LOVE my lack of power. Especially when it means I can climb hills, back out of steep driveways, make corners with confidence, and trudge my way home in the crappy slop and snow. I have never gotten my AWD Matrix stuck dispite plowing the road with 8" plus of powder. Unpaved roads are loads of fun. Sure you do slip a little but the car is not meant to fly like Subaru or sting like a Jeep in weather. It is meant for safety and control over your vehicle and to get you out of the problem areas and to your destination safely.Nothing spells confidence like sitting on a hill at a light and being able to hit the gas and just go.

It's a great car in that stuff! Last couple of winters around here proved it worth! However my experince going up the Rocky Mountains = FAIL! I mean blown engine, new block, heads reworked, it was under warranty but I was 700 miles from home . Heck I wasn't even pushing it. If your are happy with it that's all that counts .

Mine navigated the rockies just fine. It was a little starved for air at 11,000 ft. but who wouldn't be?

Well mine is AWD and a Toyota. You have a Pontiac! Everyone knows Pontiacs have more power. LOL! My uncle has NEVER own anything but Fords and GMs. He now has a 07 or 08 Base Vibe. I can't convince him it's basically a Toyota Matrix (albeit made in North America) with a Pontiac Badge. Now he's depressed. LOL! I told him it has more power because it a Pontiac.

Yes, Knew about the slight power loss before I bought. It's fine for what I want it for. Primarily nasty weather driving for my family and I, and gets slightly better mileage than the Bonneville. Smaller family now, so large sedan not needed any more. Whole lot less HP & Torque than the 3800 in the Bonneville. I will miss that car when I finally sell it this Spring.