GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I spoke with Jeff Strausser (Vibe Brand Quality Manager at GM) today and got some good updates on many of the recent and popular issues varying from problems to improvements. SUPERCHARGER The Vibe/GM SuperCharger has been officially released recently, contrary to word from dealerships - I won't have any specific details until tomorrow (date, time, part numbers, etc.). HEADLAMP DELAY Around June of this year, a revised relay for the Automatic Headlamp Sensor was released and rids the system of the 15 second delay and also increases the accuracy of the sensor so as to not trigger under bridges or in varying sunlight. I still need to inquire the availability of this via a TSB. BATTERY A 560 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery was sent over to Japan for testing by Toyota before they can be officially released for replacement in the Vibe. Since the beginning, they (Toyota) were made aware that the 310 CCA battery was insufficient in cold climates, but still needs a final approval by engineers at Toyota Japan. They're hoping to get final arrangements before winter sets in for those mainly in the northern US and Canada. DAYTIME RUNNING LAMPS (DRL) GM considers the DRL function of their vehicles a safety feature and hence will not officially provide means to switch this feature ON or OFF. The only ways to do this (disable DRL) would be the DIY modifications that are floating around the forums - but of course this is not recommended by GM as problems caused by doing this would not be covered under warranty. Their only recommendation for the Vibe (ex. for military base personnel) would be to stop your vehicle and turn it off, pull up one click on the emergency brake, and start the vehicle to keep the DRL's off until entering the facility. CLADDING REPLACEMENT (2003>2004) The TSB released to replace worn 2003 Vibe cladding with the new 2004-style mentioned in this thread is a valid TSB for both the USA and CANADA dealerships. All Pontiac dealerships should be able to pull this TSB # in order to determine if you quality for the replacements and get the parts ordered for you. MUDFLAPS Unfortunately, delays are being incurred with the design and release of the new mudflaps in order to fit the redesigned lower rocker of the 2004 two-tone cladding (and replaced 2003 cladding). GM SPO is currently designing this product and will still have to be released for quality testing before release. Updates will be posted as received. Mudflaps will NOT be made available for vehicles with the Sport Appearance Package installed. This package was only meant for vehicles with on-road/cruise (pavement) use thus not needing mudflaps. DISCOLORED CLADDING "WEATHERSTRIPPING" Discussed by a few affected members in this thread, I made Jeff aware of this issue of the discolored weatherstripping behind the monotone cladding (possibly two-tone affected?). Members with this issue, please read the thread I posted just previously and let me know if you feel you have this problem. They will have to determine a bad batch of this product and the environment from where the vehicle resides (UV damage, etc.). GAS CAP TIP Be sure to tighten your gas cap after refilling appropriately. Be sure the gas cap does not screw on crooked and also tighten to as least 3 clicks to ensure no leaks will surface causing a Check Engine Light (CEL). Environmental standards require the gas cap to allow no more than a 20,000th of an inch leak with the cap. This standard will change soon and this number will get even smaller. This has been a major culprit of CEL with the Vibe and Matrix. PAINT CHIPPING GM is currently looking into the Vibe Paint Issues and trying to find any links to how the vehicle is prepared in the paint shop. I mentioned how the Matrix owners have virtually no paint problems while the Vibe owners seemed to be far more prone to this issue. Obviously these vehicles are made in different plants, in different countries, with different environmental operating procedures. They are currently testing parts of the Vibe that have been replaced for this issue to determine the exact cause. CLUTCH WEAR/SMELL Research is currently being done with Toyota in order to determine the problem with premature wear and smells of the clutch of the manual transmission. This problem resides with both the Vibe and Matrix - forum thread here. Parts from affected vehicles have been taken to their labs for testing and will be used to determine how to fix this issue. For people driving their vehicles under "normal" circumstances may be given the opportunity for warranty replacement. This will only be done on a case-by-case basis. More information will be given as it's available. A/C NOISE Some members have mentioned some noises coming from the Air Conditioning system (from the glove box/dash area) while operating the A/C. This may sound like a liquid/gurgling noise when the system is being used. From what I was told, there is a Thermal Expansion Valve in correlation with the Evaporator - this valve may be causing the noise as it regulates the system. This is a new issue and will be checked into as more information can be obtained. ACCESSORIES THREAD ragingfish started this thread by recommendation from Jeff. He has since sent this information received so far to GM Marketing and GM SPO for further analysis. Check it
out and add more to the list! VIBE NEWS According to Jeff, the Vibe is the #1 seller of GM Accessories of any passenger vehicle they sell (Hummer H2 for the truck line).I'll have a few more updates tomorrow and will update this thread. Please feel free to respond here or IM me with any questions or comments.I have to add that Jeff has continued to be more than cooperative with us with all the questions and inquiries. He and GM are very motivated to make your experience with the Vibe and your Dealer as pleasant and efficient as possible. He also plans to make it to as many meets/rallies as he possible can, schedule allowing.

Thanks for all the info nick!Tell Jeff he rocks the party!

Definitely thanks to you for passing this on Nick! Jeff is a great help. I'll send you an IM about the cladding weatherstrip thing.

Yeah, definitely get more info on the light sensor thing...I want the new system! If it's not a TSB thing, tell me what it would cost to buy the new "system"

That is a LOT of info. and all good information at that! Thanx for posting all of it and a big shout out goes to Jeff for always helping us out whenever he can (going far above and beyond as well).

Thanks for a big update!!! James

thank bunches nick. your a wealth of valuable information!!!!

Thanks Nick for the awesome updates! A couple of those issues I am really interested in. I will definitely keep my eye out for more updates.

Thanks a lot Nick.I hope a TSB will be released shortly for the battery issue. Winter is coming soon....

Thanks for taking the time to type up all of that information. A direct link with GM through Jeff is a huge benefit to being part of the GenVibe community.

i like to know more on the battery replacement also, i look forward to the outcome

I'd love to get a stronger battery...but unfortunately...I don't think NJ can be considered as a "northern climate."

Great info Nick. Thanks! I'm very hopeful we'll be able to get a new battery!

Thanks for the updates!!!

with winter soon approaching, i'm concerned about my battery! snow predicted this weekend for Fairbanks.... glad i'm not there anymore!

I really hope for a TSB on the clutch issue. My GT has never been raced (believe it or not) and has about 17,400 miles. If I give it a little extra gas just to get across an intersection (with no wheel spin mind you), I can smell the clutch burn. Same thing if I am on an incline (even a small one) and need to start from a stop. It seems I am smelling the clutch all the time. I am 33 and the only automatics I have owned were my first two vehicles when I was in high school....so I do know how to drive a manual .Jim

Thanks for the update. I live in the Chicago area with an AWD Vibe. Do I need to worry about the battery? That would be quite disturbing. I searched but couldn't find a thread about batteries.

quote:Thanks for the update. I live in the Chicago area with an AWD Vibe. Do I need to worry about the battery? That would be quite disturbing. I searched but couldn't find a thread about batteries.Here's some:http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id ... ad?id=2976

Thanks a lot Nick!Hope the same thing as many of us for the battery...

Thanks, Nick for the great update. Jeff's got a long haul ahead of him to keep just us 2000 or so GenVibe members happy. I would think that the biggest problem in dealing with all of the above issues is the knowledge base (or lack thereof) at the dealership level.Could you imagine if we got more & more Vibe owners involved? Dealerships would really need to get it together!

That is helpful to know. I am new to manual trans and always worried cuz I would smell the clutch on small inclines.

Thanks alot man...Very helpfull info.... got a few isues you coverd. Clutch smell, head lamp delay and clading...

Thank you.

Thanks I can't wait until they sedn out a tsb for the Light Sensor and Clutch problems hopefuly soon

Thanks for all that info! It's good to hear GM is aware of the clutch problem and is doing some R&D for a fix, although covering the first repair under warrantee (assuming "normal driving conditions" sounds like a way out for the dealer) would not fix the problem , just delay it. I'm hoping for something better from GM, like an upgrade.

TRD has a sport clutch available for the GT/XRS. I am considering this option regardless....

Thank you Mr. Nick!Much appreciated!

Nick, any followup info for this thread? You said you'd have more solid answers on some issues within a few days...

quote:Nick, any followup info for this thread? You said you'd have more solid answers on some issues within a few days...Missed Jeff before he left to travel out of town. I'll hit him up on these follow-ups next week.

quote:Nick, any followup info for this thread? You said you'd have more solid answers on some issues within a few days...Missed Jeff before he left to travel out of town. I'll hit him up on these follow-ups next week.Cool beans.

Thanks for the great info, Nick! Hope to hear more about the battery replacement as I live in Toronto, Ontario.

quote:Definitely thanks to you for passing this on Nick! Jeff is a great help. I'll send you an IM about the cladding weatherstrip thing.I still haven't gone to the dealer to report mine.....Millster anything new on yours'?

Thanks for the info.I guess I am not the only Vibe owner in the world with a paint chipping problem. It seems like anytime I wash and wax my Vibe that I notice a couple of new chips in the paint.

quote:Definitely thanks to you for passing this on Nick! Jeff is a great help. I'll send you an IM about the cladding weatherstrip thing.I still haven't gone to the dealer to report mine.....Millster anything new on yours'? Millster did you ever snap any pics? for informational purposes to "show" other members our problems.....

Here you go. I didn't post them earlier, I forgot about it.Please excuse the dirt. This gives a rough idea what it looks like, but it's much uglier in person.http://homepage.mac.com/wmill/ShadowVib ... bum12.html

Yep...exactly like mine looks, maybe "a hair" better!

[QUOTE]Thanks for the updates!!! [/QUOTEyeah!

ok whens the next update coming?

Hi Nick:Will GM be sending us recall letters for the problems stated above, like other MFR's do?? I am mostly concerned with the battery and paint chips at this time cause winter is rolling in.Merci!

quote: PAINT CHIPPING GM is currently looking into the Vibe Paint Issues and trying to find any links to how the vehicle is prepared in the paint shop. I mentioned how the Matrix owners have virtually no paint problems while the Vibe owners seemed to be far more prone to this issue. Obviously these vehicles are made in different plants, in different countries, with different environmental operating procedures. They are currently testing parts of the Vibe that have been replaced for this issue to determine the exact cause.Mabey I should post some pics so GM has an example of this atrocity in action. My calls to the Pontiac hotline helped me out soooo much. Lighter Note: Good update NSimkins. Glad we got you looking out fer us. Keep em coming bro!

keep me posted on that Supercharger. Imma try and make this my first mod for next summer

quote:Nick, any followup info for this thread? You said you'd have more solid answers on some issues within a few days...Missed Jeff before he left to travel out of town. I'll hit him up on these follow-ups next week.Any news now Nick?

UpdateQuote »SUPERCHARGERThe Vibe/GM SuperCharger has been officially released recently, contrary to word from dealerships - I won't have any specific details until tomorrow (date, time, part numbers, etc.).See here for update: http://www.genvibe.com/html/fe...shtmlI believe by now, the 5-speed S/C should be available for order.Quote »BATTERYA 560 CCA (Cold Cranking Amps) battery was sent over to Japan for testing by Toyota before they can be officially released for replacement in the Vibe. Since the beginning, they (Toyota) were made aware that the 310 CCA battery was insufficient in cold climates, but still needs a final approval by engineers at Toyota Japan. They're hoping to get final arrangements before winter sets in for those mainly in the northern US and Canada.See this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...87034Quote »MUDFLAPSUnfortunately, delays are being incurred with the design and release of the new mudflaps in order to fit the redesigned lower rocker of the 2004 two-tone cladding (and replaced 2003 cladding). GM SPO is currently designing this product and will still have to be released for quality testing before release. Updates will be posted as received. Mudflaps will NOT be made available for vehicles with the Sport Appearance Package installed. This package was only meant for vehicles with on-road/cruise (pavement) use thus not needing mudflaps.See this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...87030Quote » PAINT CHIPPING GM is currently looking into the Vibe Paint Issues and trying to find any links to how the vehicle is prepared in the paint shop. I mentioned how the Matrix owners have virtually no paint problems while the Vibe owners seemed to be far more prone to this issue. Obviously these vehicles are made in different plants, in different countries, with different environmental operating procedures. They are currently testing parts of the Vibe that have been replaced for this issue to determine the exact cause.See this thread: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=7323As for updates on any other topic that I haven't updated in this thread, it's still being worked on. Stay tuned.

Quote, originally posted by NSimkins » HEADLAMP DELAY Around June of this year, a revised relay for the Automatic Headlamp Sensor was released and rids the system of the 15 second delay and also increases the accuracy of the sensor so as to not trigger under bridges or in varying sunlight. I still need to inquire the availability of this via a TSB.Nick,Has the TSB for this ever been released? My dealer said they couldn't find and asked me if anyone on GenVibe knew it.Thanks.Adrienne

I just looked at the online version of gm's service info and there isn't any new bulletins about that yet

In http://forums.genvibe.com/zero...87242, nkaltso said he was able to get an updated DRL module that corrected the sensitivity and delay problems, but that may be because he happened to catch the zone rep while at the dealer, along with lots of threats to file an official complaint at NHTSA, but apparently no TSB yet. ------------------------------The GM accessories web server ( http://www.gmgoodwrench.com/gm...=vibe ) still only lists the part number for the supercharger for the automatic Vibe, 12498927, but does not identify that part number as being only applicable to the automatic tranny vibe. Does that mean that the SC for the manual is not listed because it's not available yet or that they've decided to use the same SC kit for both trannies?

In the thread about the aftermath of the Michigan megameat ( http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=11114 ) you saidQuote, originally posted by NSimkins »* GM sent 7 engineers from the NUMMI plant in California (primarily focusing on Quality Assurance) out here plus a few other reps from NUMMI that are based in Michigan. They gathered feedback and checked out all the Vibes.* GM's Marketing, Accessories, and Quality departments all had representatives on site. This includes a ton of freebees that were raffled off (shirts, floor mats, bumper protector, cd cases, etc.) plus some other free non-raffled items.* Vibe's Brand Quality Manager, Jeff Strausser, was also in attendance again this year and was a huge help as he coordinated having the dealer's Service dept. open just for us - minor issues were fixed with any owners on site.Did anyone take advantage of that and get any new info on some of the problems that keep getting brought up here, on problems such as paint quality, GT clutch issues, wimpy battery, etc? If so, what was learned?

they took car of minor stuff then and there like batteries or broken lighters.they big stuff youll still have to take to your dealer.they also pointed out people should check under the rear window(not whole hatch)weatherstripping mostly at the bottom of the glass just peel it up a little and check for rust if you see some take it to the dealer, mine had some but i will take it when i get to it.

I guess I was hoping for some news about maybe something like Pontiac was about to implement some special maintenance policy to address Vibe owenrs concerns. It's great that those who could attend the meet got some freebies, but that doesn't help the > 98% of genvibers who couldn't attend.

hey, i didn't have my vibe with me and i wanted one of those bigger batteries! the dealer up here told me they didn't have anyone else complain so tough luck!