SeattleJeremy wrote: ↑Tue Mar 21, 2023 12:37 pm
This engine is designed to idle at 800 RPM.
The 2003-2006 engines all had the intake manifold gasket issues. If that has never been changed then it is the first thing I would focus on.
Due to the milage of the engine next would be spark plugs.
@SeattleJeremy and others,
I am jumping on here to ask about a related problem: My 2007 FWD Vibe had an exhaust leak that was causing bad exhaust fumes in the cabin and it was getting a bit loud, too. I brought it to a well-respected custom muffler shop last Wednesday (9 days ago), and they said the "downpipe gasket" needed to be replaced. After they replaced that for $125, they said they now found a leak in the front section of the cat, underneath the heat shield. They said I could replace that section with a "universal cat" for $400., which would cause Check Engine Light to stay on, or a "full cat" for $1,000. and no CEL light on. Given my Vibe has 315K miles and is starting to have other problems, I opted to do the $400 job, and not care about the CEL (as others have pointed out, in MA they don't check emissions after a vehicle is 15 years old). After I paid and was idling in the parking lot, I could still smell the exhaust leak in the cabin. I asked the owner to come over. He said something like, "The repair needs time to settle", so I accepted that answer and left. Now, 9 days later, the exhaust leak has been getting progressively worse.
I brought the car into a different shop today for a second opinion.(I admit, as a woman driver who doesn't know much about car repair, I am a bit nervous about going back to the original shop with a complaint, not knowing what to ask for) The second shop put the car upon the lift and right away said my gasket was the source of the exhaust leak I am smelling. They also said that Vibes and Matrixes are known for having this gasket problem and that we need to use a SPECIFIC gasket, and some folks attempt using different gasket before realizing which one is correct to stop leaks. So, they suggested that the other shop just needs to put a different gasket on. (They really like the other shop, refer folks to them, and feel confident that they will honor my warranty on the previous repair) They also said I could ask a dealership who services Vibes, which I can also do.
So, now, armed with this information, my question of you folks is this: Do you know WHICH gasket they should use now? I have no idea which auto parts supplier they use, and don't know if there is a Gasket # that is available to many different suppliers? I stopped at an AutoZone and when they looked up the gasket for my car, they show the "Fel-Pro Exhaust Flange Gasket" for $8.49. I also had them run a Check Engine Light diagnostic, which showed a P0171 Code and a P0741 Code.
Side note: I have owned the car since 88k miles, it has 315k now, and I have never had to replace anything on the exhaust system except one O2 sensor about 5 years ago.
It is now 12:30am, I am hoping to bring the car in tomorrow at 8:30am for this to be fixed, so my timing is tight. I welcome any and all feedback on this repair, and I am hoping I can get it done tomorrow so I can drive the long distance to see my Dad for Father's Day on Sunday.
Thanks, everyone!