GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I've had a long standing high idle issue, which I've tried to deal with in various ways, but nothing has really fixed it. I'm open to new ideas if anyone has any...I thought I'd post my photo log of cleaning the MAF, since many women seem to feel intimidated by doing easy, but specialized work on their cars. The instructions are in other, better threads, so I won't go into them, but it was SUPER easy. Way more so than replacing the starter motor on my old Jetta! The hardest part was disconnecting the battery terminals...photo of my favorite lube is there too. It probably took me all of a 1/2hr, including the rusted out terminal screws.I did this early last summer, but have had a lot of life changes & haven't been able to post in a looong time! Unfortunately, the photos reversed themselves when I uploaded them, so you'll have to start from the bottom if you look @ it.And yes...I do ALL my engine work with those nails! http://s811.photobucket.com/al...pairs/

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can you come teach my wife.

Great pictures . I'm going to be cleaning the MAF sensors on both our '09 GTs tomorrow. I am hoping it will increase our gas mileage a little. Did you see any differences in performance, etc. after cleaning your MAF sensor?

Nope...she has you for that! Quote, originally posted by keithvibe »can you come teach my wife.

It definitely did...temporarily. I don't think that the MAF was my problem. I've also tuned it up a couple of times, replaced all filters & the O2 sensor appears to be fine. Perhaps I just need to adjust the idle...~sigh~

Cleaning the MAF was easy, I did it last year when I changed the intake (better safe that sorry!) Girls really shouldn't be so scared of maintaining their cars!I will add it to my "yearly" maintenance in the spring in addition to the detailing, cleaning, rain-x, filters, and the usual fluid/tire check (which I try to do more often). I wonder if there are any other easy things I should check while I'm at it...

Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »Cleaning the MAF was easy, I did it last year when I changed the intake (better safe that sorry!) Girls really shouldn't be so scared of maintaining their cars!I will add it to my "yearly" maintenance in the spring in addition to the detailing, cleaning, rain-x, filters, and the usual fluid/tire check (which I try to do more often). I wonder if there are any other easy things I should check while I'm at it...x2 on girls/women not being afraid to maintain their cars. Unfortunately most just don't give a crap about their cars.Michelle, when you check your tires don't forget to check the spare as well. You don't want it to be low, or worse... flat if/when you need it .On a bit of a side note, I cleaned our MAF/IAT sensors today. The Vibes do seem to idle a little smoother now and the best part is there are no warning lights or anything . I ended up using CRC QD Electronic Cleaner that I got at Walmart for less then $5.00.

With nails like that I'd thought for sure all you had to do was point and your BF would jump right to it.As a side note, many many years ago I had my GF change out the shocks and water pump on her Rambler. But, then again, her nails were not as nice as yours.

You catch babies with those nails?!

Cool!The first time I cleaned the MAF I noticed better throttle response. It was a bit dirty & im sure it was never cleaned before. I clean it about twice a year just for good measure now. So easy a woman can do it ???Im joking of course.

Speaking of filters...when I did my glovebox one, I was HORRIFIED!!! Whomever had the car before me obviously had never changed it and it was FULL of mouse poop! I was appalled that I had been breathing that in...~eww~ Photo below.Quote, originally posted by ponta2147 »I will add it to my "yearly" maintenance in the spring in addition to the detailing, cleaning, rain-x, filters, and the usual fluid/tire check (which I try to do more often). I wonder if there are any other easy things I should check while I'm at it...

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Invariably, I wind up with men that are vehicularly challenged. It would be nice to have one who could @ least change the oil...I'm not willing to compromise my nails for $30...Quote, originally posted by Water boy »With nails like that I'd thought for sure all you had to do was point and your BF would jump right to it.As a side note, many many years ago I had my GF change out the shocks and water pump on her Rambler. But, then again, her nails were not as nice as yours.

You know, I've had this high idle thing since I got the car & I've never once had an engine light come on...if I did, it would @ least point me in a direction! ~sigh~Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »On a bit of a side note, I cleaned our MAF/IAT sensors today. The Vibes do seem to idle a little smoother now and the best part is there are no warning lights or anything . I ended up using CRC QD Electronic Cleaner that I got at Walmart for less then $5.00.

Actually, I use my hands...babies are too slippery to just use nails! :DQuote, originally posted by Kincaid »You catch babies with those nails?!

Thx! As you know, it was a piece of cake...so easy, a man could do it! Quote, originally posted by cptnsolo77 »Cool!The first time I cleaned the MAF I noticed better throttle response. It was a bit dirty & im sure it was never cleaned before. I clean it about twice a year just for good measure now. So easy a woman can do it ???Im joking of course.

Quote, originally posted by BabyCatcher »Speaking of filters...when I did my glovebox one, I was HORRIFIED!!! Whomever had the car before me obviously had never changed it and it was FULL of mouse poop! I was appalled that I had been breathing that in...~eww~ Photo below.Ewwww is right ! There have been quite a few posts on here about people buying pre-owned Vibes and later discovering the cabin air filter has never been changed . It makes me so glad that both our Vibes were bought brand new by my mom and I so I don't ever have to worry about finding mouse poop, or worse yet... mummified baby mice in our cabin filters . I use the air compressor to clean ours out every time I change the oil and they will be replaced every 15,000 miles. I think a lot of people don't realize their vehicle has a cabin air filter and/or they're just too lazy to pull it out and clean it every so often .

Mummified baby mice in your cabin filters!?!?! (removed)! I would have a freakin' heart attack!!!I am so grossed out, I can't even speak.

Quote, originally posted by BabyCatcher »Mummified baby mice in your cabin filters!?!?! (removed)! I would have a freakin' heart attack!!!I am so grossed out, I can't even speak.I know! Same here !Here's a good thread about forgotten cabin filters.This is another good one. LOL!Basically, just search 'cabin filter' and about 40 threads come up. I can't seem to find the one where someone mentioned the mummified baby mice though .

Those were gross/funny & helpful! I think I'll take the cowling off & put some screening in there. I definitely don't want mummified baby mice next winter!

I do ALL the maintenance on my GT. I have changed my own oil in my vehicles since I was in high school 18 years ago MAF cleaning I usually do if I notice a drop in my MPG or a rough idle or just every 2-3 months or so. I was taught very early in life that I have to know how to maintain my vehicle on my own - and not have to rely on a Man to do it for me (Thanks to my Dad) So, You Go Girlz

Quote, originally posted by J_TO_ENVY »I think a lot of people don't realize their vehicle has a cabin air filter and/or they're just too lazy to pull it out and clean it every so often .A lot of cars don't have one, I believe it's fairly new. My husband's car doesn't either.

GenVibe Girls rock out engine repair on their GTswhile the boys play with rims and stereos on their granny auto awds+1 Ladies