GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hey folks my car, 2003 Vibe Base Model, recently started doing what I can best describe as a slight misfire (vibration). It is noticeable when that car is at idle such as at a stop light. I bought the car 2 years ago and have put about 12K miles on it (currently at 123K), so far the only maintenance I have done is replaced the air filter, intake gasket, and scheduled oil changes. Does anyone have any suggestions as to what it can be?

Fresh plugs wouldn't hurt, but if it is missing I think it would throw a code? Check the serpentine belt and tensioner. With a cold engine you can run the car for a minute with the serpentine belt removed to see if the "misfire" disappears. Next try cleaning the mass air flow sensor, I think it is just two little wires that are pretty well hidden. Search for threads here. Try to do things one at a time to nail down the actual problem.

inline-4-cylinder engines naturally have balance issues that cause vibrations at certain engine speeds that increase with normal wear and tear. Newer Toyota engines, such as the 2AR-FE, have got a balance-wheel meshed to the crankshaft to keep the idle smooth as the car ages.

First of all thanks for all the comments so far

Update: It looks like I may have been the victim of bad gas. The symptoms started with my last tank fill-up; I have since gone through that gas and filled up at my usual location and the symptoms have decreased by 90%.