GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello all! I've gotten pretty tired of the problems/inconveniences on my Vibe. Is there any kind of a checklist for the 'important things' to check? I'd really just like to get the car running the way it's supposed to. Any input or advice is greatly appreciated!

Here's the one on this forum. There may be a few more topics.

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There is a maintenance schedule in the back of the owners manual, but that's for routine maintenance, and it sounds like you're experiencing problems. The index star-deceiver linked is a good one but it might not cover all the issues you're having, and I don't think thee is a thread that gives a comprehensive cross reference of symptom to possible corrective action.

If you list out the individual problems you're having, it might be easier to offer targeted help.

joatmon wrote:There is a maintenance schedule in the back of the owners manual, but that's for routine maintenance, and it sounds like you're experiencing problems. The index star-deceiver linked is a good one but it might not cover all the issues you're having, and I don't think thee is a thread that gives a comprehensive cross reference of symptom to possible corrective action.

If you list out the individual problems you're having, it might be easier to offer targeted help.

I guess I explained what I'm looking for incorrectly. There are many issues I'm having, front end rattle, delay in acceleration, serious lack of power - especially uphill, etc.

Have you done the PCM/ECM recall? Just wondering because of the lack of power and acceleration delay.

lannvouivre wrote:Have you done the PCM/ECM recall? Just wondering because of the lack of power and acceleration delay.

I've only had the car since April of last year, but I haven't participated personally. How might I go about checking to see if that was ever fulfilled?

EDIT: After some quick checking, it seems that the recall was limited to 2005-2008 models, but mine is a 2003. Is there something else I haven't seen? All I'm seeing for my model year are: windows, axle assembly and the new air bag problem. Still, how might I find out if past recalls have been addressed?

If you create an account at GM Owner Center and tell it your Vibe's VIN, you can your car's recalls. However, the new air bag recall doesn't show up yet for mine

The axle recall applied only to he first few 2003 AWDs

Front end rattle could be some missing trim clips/pins. I Ihad some missing from the thin plastic on the bottom, and at certain speeds it would flap and bang at what seemed to be a speed dependent rate. Power loss and hesitation could be a number of things, from a clogged cat converter to just needing a tune up (plugs, air filter, clean the MAF, etc)

joatmon wrote:If you create an account at GM Owner Center and tell it your Vibe's VIN, you can your car's recalls. However, the new air bag recall doesn't show up yet for mine

The axle recall applied only to he first few 2003 AWDs

Front end rattle could be some missing trim clips/pins. I Ihad some missing from the thin plastic on the bottom, and at certain speeds it would flap and bang at what seemed to be a speed dependent rate. Power loss and hesitation could be a number of things, from a clogged cat converter to just needing a tune up (plugs, air filter, clean the MAF, etc)

I have a GM Owner Center account, and it's showing 'no active recalls'. Oh well, I'll just see if I can squeeze some information out when the recall letter comes in. Are the clips on that splash guard the same part number as the rest of them? Would you happen to know where you can get odds and ends like that (ESPECIALLY those little blank covers next to the hatch button and dash change holder)? The catalytic converter was replaced a few months back, but I had to take the cheap route and weld in a universal cat, so I'm still getting a little rattle and not much improved performance. I think this summer I'm just going to pony up and go Direct Fit. Plugs just changed about 2 weeks ago, air filter is old, but immaculate. I'd toss a new one in just for good measure if I weren't waiting on a short ram. Is CRC QD Electronic Cleaner MAF safe?

LeaveMyHatOn wrote: Is CRC QD Electronic Cleaner MAF safe?

Don't know. First time I cleaned mine I used brake cleaner, seemed to do no damage, but I'm reluctant to admit that because someone else may try it and mess theirs up and blame me. Second time I cleaned a MAF I got MAF cleaner from autozone. I don't have MSDS's on either product, and don't know the chemical difference between them

joatmon wrote:Don't know. First time I cleaned mine I used brake cleaner, seemed to do no damage, but I'm reluctant to admit that because someone else may try it and mess theirs up and blame me. Second time I cleaned a MAF I got MAF cleaner from autozone. I don't have MSDS's on either product, and don't know the chemical difference between them

From my own personal experience(today!), I have formed the opinion that it's not only safe, but effective. This is not to say that I think anybody else should try this, blah blah blah...

I wish I would have heard what good cleaning the MAF Sensor could do a long time ago. I've still got a somewhat rough idle, but it's more like a slight vibration. No pun intended. I figured it would have maybe made it a little quieter or something, but it made an incredible difference. I can't wait to see what improvement the new O2's, TPS and ATF change brings!

Brake cleaner is not intended for use on plastic. The solvents used can damage it. Electrical cleaner or MAF cleaner are probably the same thing and are safe for plastic.

LeaveMyHatOn wrote: From my own personal experience(today!), I have formed the opinion that it's not only safe, but effective. This is not to say that I think anybody else should try this, blah blah blah...

I wish I would have heard what good cleaning the MAF Sensor could do a long time ago. I've still got a somewhat rough idle, but it's more like a slight vibration. No pun intended. I figured it would have maybe made it a little quieter or something, but it made an incredible difference. I can't wait to see what improvement the new O2's, TPS and ATF change brings!

I should have specified, I was referring to the CRC QD Electronics Cleaner I had asked about.