GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Somebody here is bound to be an expert on this random topic, so here goes...

For the last month or 2, when shifting my 2010 base w/ AT from park into reverse, I will often hear an audible "beep" inside the cabin. it is not the same beeping noise as say, the seatbelt alarm. it is quieter and of a lower tone. i get a single beep, then nothing. it doesn't happen all the time-maybe 2 out of every 3 times. it only seems to happen just after startup, and only when going from park to reverse. nothing if i go from park to D, and nothing after i back out of my driveway or parking spot and into D. no other symptoms or driveability issues.

car is at about 65,xxx miles and has never had any significant drivetrain service. i'm thinking about a trans drain/fill next summer. fluid level was fine when i last checked, but i'll admit that was a while ago.

i know that these cars are totally beepalicious. this is the first with an indeterminate source.

Did you or a previous owner ever install an aftermarket security system/radio?
Do the 2nd gen vibes have any 'maintenance reminder' beeps?

I can't think of anything else that would cause a 'non-factory beep'.

sideshowalan wrote:Did you or a previous owner ever install an aftermarket security system/radio?
Do the 2nd gen vibes have any 'maintenance reminder' beeps?

I can't think of anything else that would cause a 'non-factory beep'.

thanks for the reply. i too wondered if there were some sort of maintenance or broken part beep.

FWIW, the car is 100% stock. no add ons or tinkering.

I'll be keeping an eye on this thread out of sheer curiosity...

after a week or so of no beeps, i got 2 today. one when "cold" starting, the other, not so much.

the only thing i can think of is that it might be more likely to happen when i quickly move the shifter into place as opposed to doing it more casually.

Could it possibly be a 'squeak' instead of a 'beep? Maybe something is rubbing in the shifter linkage.

sideshowalan wrote:Could it possibly be a 'squeak' instead of a 'beep? Maybe something is rubbing in the shifter linkage.

good question. my initial thought would be no because it's absolutely uniform every time, but i will definitely be testing to see if quick shifting is related, and will definitely be listening more closely to the noise.

sideshowalan wrote:Could it possibly be a 'squeak' instead of a 'beep? Maybe something is rubbing in the shifter linkage.

Or the brake hardware just rubbing only creaking out of reverse? Possibly even the exhaust getting pushed back when the engine rocks when shifting, the insulators can make a perfect beeping noise at times and I can't stand it but am too lazy to jack up the car and lube them.

i finally figured out what it is! those of you who suggested a squeak were right. the sound is coming from the lock in the tailgate, squeaking as it closes when the car is shifted into gear. i happened to be standing by the back of the car today when i locked the doors via fab, and heard it quite clearly.

Wow! That's an odd one. Thanks for updating the thread.

Thx for the update on that

My suggestions was gong to be getting several people stand at various places around the vehicle and listen. Someone would likely be closer to the sound and hear it 'differently' to help pinpoint

Mystery solved!