GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Has anyone had a problem with the little compartment on the console? I have had mine replaced twice already by my dealer and I am going to have to have it replaced again next week. When I bought the car, you couldn't open the door without using your fingernail to pry the door open. Next time it would open after hitting any little bump on the road. And as of today, it will not stay closed no matter what. What does it take for a car to be considered a piece of junk and getting a new one from Pontiac?

If you are referring to the compartment under the shifter, then there were 2 threads already discussed about this problem and a resolution:PROBLEM: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=580RESOLUTION: http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=777If all you are having is problems with a little storage compartment not operating correctly on your Vibe, it won't qualify for a vehicle replacement. The dealer/corporate will only suggest possible fixes to the problem until it is working properly.Hope this helps.
[Modified by NSimkins, 7:11 AM 9/8/2002]

quote:H What does it take for a car to be considered a piece of junk and getting a new one from Pontiac?A problem that effects safety, use, or value is the general threshold.

I have the same trouble Doubull, it is EXTREMELY annoying. For some reason that little catch doesn't stay in place very well, and it constantly drops open.If anyone has any suggestions for fixing this, please post them!

Perhaps the problem lies not with the compartment itself, rather the plastic console itself...it may be cut wrong?Mine works flawlessly. Not sure what to tell you folks...

damn you raging! damn you and your properly working compartment! just kidding.. i dont even bother anymore i just put my smokes and some pens down there so its looks like its open all the time on purpose.

i agree, but mine is ok if its empty, only falls out if you put any kinda of weight in it

At the Michigan Vibe meet, I brought this up with Jeff (the 1337 Pontiac guy with all the answers). He said the problem was caused because of manufacturing tolerances I believe. (Please correct me if I am wrong! ) Mine also comes loose real easy, and I am going to be using the sticky-felt idea that NovaResource posted, and that Jeff recommended. Can someone clarify on the whole "manufacturing tolerances" bit ... I think I know what I am talking about, but call me out if I am pulling it out of my rear

Although I wasn't at the MI meet, I do know a little about manufacturing tolerances. Here's an example: You have a piece of steel that has a hole that is exactly 1" in diameter (I work with steel, so that's what I'm familiar with). You cannot, no matter how hard you try, put a pin with a diameter of 1" through that hole. For a pretty snug fit, try a pin with a diameter of 0.995". Ok, now we've got pieces with perfect tolerances. But, you can't expect every hole to be 1", or every pin to be 0.995". So, you introduce a tolerance. Let's say we want the hole to be 1", +0.005", -0.003". Therefore, the hole could have a diameter anywhere between 0.997" and 1.005". Now, let's apply that same tolerance to the pin. So, our pin could end up anywhere between 0.992" and 0.998". PROBLEM: What happens when the pin is at the largest end of the tolerance, and the hole at the smallest? Won't fit. OK, so we make the tolerances on the pin not as restrictive Now, the pin can be 0.995", +0", -0.1". Well, it will always fit in the hole, but you could end up with some that are pretty sloppy (not a snug fit).My limited knowledge of plastics molding indicates to me that due to the cooling process, and about 1 million other manufacturing variables, you can end up with a lot of variations in finished material size (assuming the part is probably injection or roto-molded). During a period of time in the manufacturing process, you tend to fuss with the tolerances, to achieve an acceptable balance between what is cost effective & what is still an acceptable product.Sounds like you got the pin that is 100 thou (0.1") too small.