GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Hello, Picked up the Phillips & Temro Cassette style block heater (pn #3100129) last winter, but never found the time to install. It appeared to be an easy install from reading other posts, however I can't seem to find the clearance to insert into the block. I've taken the air cleaner box off, but the bracket and cables for the transmission seem to be in the way-maybe 5sp stick install is a little more difficult. I think if I unbolt the cable bracket I can probably find the clearance to get it to go?-The vibe is low mileage so, I've tried to keep from tinkering too much, and its my daily driver so I don't want to screw anything up! It does look like unbolting this bracket is part of the procedure on the yaris. Will post a pic soon to show.




Olds88
2009 Vibe, getting ready for MN winter
1.8l 5sp

Go ahead and unbolt the shift cable. Should be easy to reinstall. If you start feeling nervous, just breath slowly and try to relax, you have plenty of time!

I've been surfing around the site and internets to find this thing, looks like I can go to the local auto parts store and order it up.

How difficult is it to install this thing? have I got to get under the car, or can I do all this with the hood up?

And for those that have used them, is this something I plug in a few hours before I go to work when it's mighty cold and below freezing or is this something I leave plugged in all night long? also, is this something that I've got to have the hood popped just a bit to plug in, or where could I route the cable so that the end sticks out enough to plug it in?

Link to installation thread on matrixowners forum:
http://matrixowners.com/index.php?/topi ... ck-heater/

exactly what I was looking for. Thank you very much!

just an update.

was able to get the car into my Brother in-law's heated garage (was raining the only warm day in St. Louis), and put the heater in. No muss no fuss, had to make a small cut on the grill (GT lower grill wouldn't let the cord end through) and zipped tied it off, yet to test it out, but it has not been that cold yet, but I know it's coming.

Congrats, and Thanks for the update Dairgo!
What year is your Vibe?
Did you clean the "pocket" before inserting the heater element?
Did you use thermal grease to increase heat transfer?
thanks,

I have an '09 Vibe.
We did not clean the pocket, nor did we use thermal grease.

While it was not a very hard part to put in, it was difficult enough to get at with the hoses in the way, and with a luke warm garage, it was more of a get the thing in and get back into the warm house.

I hear ya! Let us know how it works!

Yeah, when it starts to get cold enough, I will definitely give it a test, and see how well it works for me. But as of now, St. Louis is having a warm streak, but potentially when I go up to Wisconsin for Christmas, I'll be able to try it out.