GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

I just bought a Vibe 2005 (base model + Power Package + mags, it also had the smoker package, which the dealer give me free, since I'm not a smoker, the dealer didn't bother removing it, he left it there).Now, this Vibe was sold/built for the Québec/Canada market.As I tried to reach the jack for the cellular phone (inside the central console), I noticed some sort of cap, down below, then I tried to uncover that cap, everything was pushed forward (toward the cup holder), now passing my fingers thru that hole, I can feel the hole (with a notch), but no cellular phone jack, no wire with a jack, cannot find where the cap plug went, nothing.So my question, is: which ever Vibe you got (year, package option, US or Canadian market), is there suppose to have a cellular phone jack there ? (no one heard, that this feature was removed from the 2005 model, or the Canadian model ?).Thanks in advance

it's just a 12v cig lighter plug in.

at pontiac.com, I don't see anyway to order that center console power plug as an option.The cap that covered the hole, was it a flip open cover, or just a snap in plug?

As far as I recalled, it was a flip open cover, but as I was flipping it open, everything went inside that console (now I cannot find any trace of wire, cap or anything, I will try sticking a bicycle spoke to see if I grabbing anything - or this will simply be reported to my Pontiac dealership to fix).

If there is a power outlet in there somewhere, make sure you either have the key turned off or use something non-conductive to go fishing for it, or you might blow a fuse, and the under dash fuse block in these cars is a pain to get to.

Thanks, good advice, I think I will simply report this back to my Pontiac Dealership (this will be my first interaction with them, so it will be a worthy experience to carry through).

Yes, the console power outlet has been eliminated on the 2005 models. The hole for said outlet is still there, covered with that rubber plug. I took a pic of what the inside of a '05 console looks like at the Ohio meet, attached below.Maybe your best bet would be to buy the power outlet and flip-up cover like the '03-'04 models have and find a way to wire it in... I know if I had an '05, that would be the first thing I would do.

Attached files

WOW! I can't believe they eliminated that. That was one of the perks that made my wife and I move towards the Vibe instead of the protege 5. Since the hole is there, however, it would be very easy to add an aftermarket socket.

Probably because in their marketing surveys, people hardly used it. I find mine hard to get to if I have anything at all in the console, so even though it was a cool feature when I first got the car, I've found it kind of impractical and end up using the one in the dash more often than not.

i have mine hooked up to an exterior 3 socket plug. i just ran the wiring under the center console and up thru a hole in the lower bin where i plugged it in. that way i've got 3 more 12v plugs that are easy to get to.

I just leave my car charger plugged into the outlet at all times. The cord is long enough that I can shut the cover of the storage compartment and have the cord hanging outside. So I just reach for the cord and plug it into my phone when needed. Very handy. I actually added another jack to the inside of the compartment, just incase my wife and I both needed a charge at the same time. But I haven't used that one yet.

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »WOW! I can't believe they eliminated that.I know! That was pretty cheap of them. I get much use out of the console power outlet, it powers my ham radio... And I keep my phone plugged into the dash.At least they were cheap enough to not redesign the console, eliminating the place for the power outlet.

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I just leave my car charger plugged into the outlet at all times. The cord is long enough that I can shut the cover of the storage compartment and have the cord hanging outside. So I just reach for the cord and plug it into my phone when needed. Very handy. I actually added another jack to the inside of the compartment, just incase my wife and I both needed a charge at the same time. But I haven't used that one yet. Ditto brother! I thought that was a GREAT feature. Typical GM - can't leave well enough alone. What could it cost per vehicle; $5 would be a stretch.

my 04 Altima has a very similar console, two door type, and the top door is actually hinged and can raise about 4 inches for a higher arm rest. The shelf of the top compartment had two possible punchouts, for cell phone charging wire. The 04 vibe did not have the punchouts, so I just used a drill bit large enought for the adapter plug, and made an inconspicuous hole in the back corner, under the matting. This way there is no chord coming out of the console, and the cell phone is in a more conv. place.

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I just leave my car charger plugged into the outlet at all times. The cord is long enough that I can shut the cover of the storage compartment and have the cord hanging outside. So I just reach for the cord and plug it into my phone when needed. Very handy. Great minds think alike - I do the same thing.

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I just leave my car charger plugged into the outlet at all times. The cord is long enough that I can shut the cover of the storage compartment and have the cord hanging outside. So I just reach for the cord and plug it into my phone when needed. Very handy. That is exactly what I do as well. I don't like the look of cords hanging out of the dash, and get tired of plugging and unplugging the thing. I just leave the cell phone charger plugged into the console and pull the cord out when I need to charge the phone. I really thought the console outlet was pretty cool when I was shopping for the Vibe. It is too bad that Pontiacl pulled it. Did Toyota pull it from the Matrix as well?

The GM Pontiac Canada Vibe Internet site has just been updated, and the 12 Volt jack in the central console (between the front seats) is still listed as "Standard".On the other hand, the GM USA site, did removed this 12 Volt jack in the console.So I not sure what to think now, but I will sure try to get my Pontiac dealer add this (no charge of course) at my first visit.

I have the outlet and cover for sale if anyone wants them...For wiring, however, you're on your own (though I am pretty sure it would be a snap!)

Quote, originally posted by ebslopp »I just leave my car charger plugged into the outlet at all times. The cord is long enough that I can shut the cover of the storage compartment and have the cord hanging outside. So I just reach for the cord and plug it into my phone when needed. Very handy. me too. That makes 5 so far.it would be interesting to remove the console for an '05 and see if they still run the wire for the outlet. If not, then it would be interesting to drop the junction block above the glove box and see if the relay that sends power to the outlet is still there or not.

Quote, originally posted by Kari »Probably because in their marketing surveys, people hardly used it. It was a good idea, badly implemented. It should have been wired to be live all the time, even with the ignition switch off and locked. The marketers promoted it as a "concealed location to charge your cellular phone." But if it only charges when I'm in the car with the key on, it doesn't need to be concealed, and it won't charge when I'm away from the car, when it DOES need to be concealed. So, what did they do? Fix it? Nah.... they just eliminated it.Marketing idiots.....

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »it would be interesting to remove the console for an '05 and see if they still run the wire for the outlet.That may very well be possible, I've seen that before on other cars. I get a bit of use out of the power outlet down there myself. The power supply for my ham radio is kinda bulky, so the console outlet is a perfect place for it. I use the other for the occasional charging the phone...Pretty dumb choice to eliminate the outlet all together. They could have at least made it optional...

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »it would be interesting to remove the console for an '05 and see if they still run the wire for the outlet. If not, then it would be interesting to drop the junction block above the glove box and see if the relay that sends power to the outlet is still there or not.I suspect yes in both instances.I think the wiring may still be there, since the Canadians allegedly still have the outlet.The relay is probably there too since I believe the same relay powers the dash outlet as well. Could be wrong though.

Tonight I was at my Pontiac Dealership because they organized a get together with all the recent owners, in order to meet the Customer Service People (good initiative, not that much informative, but I guess the idea is to get to know the people that will take care of your Vibe, and probably to cut down on people that will return see their salesmen for no reason).Anyway, I saw my salesmen at that gathering, I asked him to show me a 2005 Vibe Brochure (for Canadian Market), if I had received them, he did.So I look into it, and it is clearly stated that the 12 volts jack in the dash and in the central Console (between the front seats) are standard equipment. On the Canadian GM Pontiac Internet site, the Vibe 2005 specifications are also there, and that jack remains standard equipment in 2005 (it is no longer there on the 2005 USA site).I mentioned to him, that on my 2005 Vibe it was forgotten, he advised me to get this fix and retrieved a business card of the guy I need to see now.So unless, there is a technical impossibility (like a re-design of the wiring that does not allows it) and the brochure & Internet site are in complete error, it does look like, I will have that jack after all.It is not so much for that jack (I'm not sure how often I might use it, if any), it is more for the principle (if someone attract me with this feature in the showroom, and it is not there when I get my car, then I'm mad).If it falls under the "change without noticed" category (between a 2004 and a 2005 that didn't have any brochures available when I bought it), then this could be fair game, but if it is on the 2005 brochure, then forget that, you gonna have to put it (GM, I means).

Good to hear that your dealership is making an attempt. We'll see if it actually follows through (I'm not a big fan of dealerships myself).As an '03 owner, I have that outlet, but find that my cell charger cord isn't long enough to reach out of the compartment. I think my husband's is, and he just leaves his plugged in there, and mine uses the one on the dash (back when the smoking package wasn't optional).

That's excellent! You're right, it is a matter of principle. Even if you used it only once, you've won. And I don't forsee any issues with them hooking it up, so I bet you'll have that thing soon.

Quote, originally posted by ragingfish »I have the outlet and cover for sale if anyone wants them...For wiring, however, you're on your own (though I am pretty sure it would be a snap!)How much do you want for them shipped to 78374 ?I just bought an 05 and I would like the darn outlet in the center console.TIA

Quote, originally posted by joatmon »it would be interesting to remove the console for an '05 and see if they still run the wire for the outlet. If not, then it would be interesting to drop the junction block above the glove box and see if the relay that sends power to the outlet is still there or not.I'll check on my new 05 this weekend. I was thinking the same thing......that maybe they still run the wires.I'll post back here after I find something out.

Quote, originally posted by Frosty05Vibe »I'll check on my new 05 this weekend. I was thinking the same thing......that maybe they still run the wires.I'll post back here after I find something out.Frosty - ever check that out?

Sorry guys, I hadn't checked this thread until now, didn't realize someone was interested in my parts...They're on ebay now, you can go and bid if you want, or if not, and they don't sell, i'll make you an offer! http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1 http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISA...&rd=1

So finally, I went for my first oil change on my Vibe 2005.When I got my Vibe, I noticed that the central console (between the front seats) didn't have the 12 Volt cellular jack.People on this forum told me, that this feature was removed on the 2005 model. After verification, it is true for the American model, but not for the Canadian model (it is still shown on GM Canada specifications & on the Canadian 2005 Vibe brochure).So I was ready to argued with my Pontiac dealer, but I didn't have to do that, there is a back order part, but it will be fix (no charge).They also fix my hood guard (was chipping paint over the bumper, as the hood close), install my "back order" splash guard.As far as I can tell, that first visit went very smoothly.P.S.: I also installed (but not at my Pontiac dealership), 4 winter tires (Toyo GO-2 Plus 195/65R15) mounted on Steel Wheel, since my Vibe came with 16" alloy wheels.When my Vibe was on the lift to changed those tires, I had a chance to look at the rustproof (antirouille Métropolitain) job quality, that I did a month ago, I have to agree, that the rust proofing oil has been applied everywhere, nice job.

So it is now fixed.The missing part arrived, I'm just back from my Pontiac dealership, the central console jack has been installed at no cost.I'm told, that they had to unscrews the central console up to the dash (stick shift), so I guess all the wires are probably there (2005 US model that no longer have that feature or the Canadian model who are still supposed to have it) no matter what.Anyway, I'm happy, I got what I wanted (didn't have to fight or argue), so far that Pontiac dealer look professional, clean garage, good service, etc.

Quote, originally posted by PopeyeFAFL »So it is now fixed.Congratulations on getting the socket added. Obviously, the dealer wanted to make you happy. But neither the dealer nor GM was OBLIGATED to install the part. No matter what features are listed in the brochure, there is ALWAYS a fine-print disclaimer somewhere that says they reserve to make changes in specifications, equipment, etc. without notice.

I agree with you, except for one thing.If all 2005 Canadian Vibe have that socket and mine doesn't, I don't care about the fine print in the brochure, it is then a clear case of factory mistake.I have not check, yet, on another 2005 Vibe in any show room, if it is there or not.

I'm adding an extra 12v outlet on the passenger side of the console. I got a complete outlet, with wiring, from a defective Corvette console!! I want to keep my radar detector plugged in the dash one, and use the one in the center console for cell phones. As cool as it is, I havn't figured out a use for the 110V outlet on the dash. I wish they had put it in the rear area.

Hey, that sounds pretty cool! Do get some pics when you get the project done. And you'll find a use for the AC outlet soon enough. Just get creative. There's always the next holiday season to look forward to. lol

I did pull my center console out and the wiring is still in place for the 12v recept. I am going to add a plug I picked up at Auto Zone to this hole, but am going to wire it back to the main block to have constant power, that way my phones will charge while the car is off(I hate having the power shut off when the car shuts off). I am, however, going to use the standard harness to wire in my CB in the center console, that way the CB will shut off when the car is off. So I guess it's a win win that they eliminated the plug but kept the wiring in the 2005 model. It still sucks that GM went cheap though.

Yeah, having that power outlet down there is great. I used it to plug a neon light in for under my passenger seat. Easy underdash lighting with no difficult wiring.

I looked at the connector to try to see if it was a standard AMP or someother that I would be able to order, but there were no markings on it at all. I would hate to buy the 12 volt socket just to get the connector off of it. I know I could just use taps or just cut the wires, but being an engineer, I like to do things the hard way.

FYI: Thread with info on this-http://forums.genvibe.com/zerothread?id=13711

My 05 AWD has no jack in the box, just a rubber plug to fill the hole...... , I think its a Kanadian one, dunno, just bought it from Carter GM in Vancouver BC