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Pontiac Vibe Engine Questions

90 messages,  Last post on Oct 22, 2008 at 7:56 AM

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What is this discussion about? Pontiac Vibe, Engine, Wagon

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#81 of 90 Re: check engine light: 02 sensor [beater1] by maxx4me Jul 10, 2008 (1:44 pm)
Replying to: beater1 (Jul 10, 2008 1:06 pm) yep, this corolla engine has had issues with oxygen sensors. I believe there are several of these sensors on the vehicle. The VERY FIRST thing you should check is to see if your gas cap is screwed in tightly. A loose cap with throw the same code. Simply screwing it on tightly will cause the engine light to go out after about 5 cycles of the engine (on/off). But most importantly, don't sweat check engine lights. If your engine does not immediatly start to studder or smoke, it likely is an oxygen sensor or a false alarm. Unless you are under the gun for getting your car inspected, don't go crazy over the light coming on. Check to see that you have oil in the crankcase, and if none of the symptoms are occuring with the car, take a deep breath and try to ignore the light (or do as I have done, put some tape over it to make it go away). Replies to this message: beater1 (Jul 11, 2008 2:13 pm) maxx4me (Jul 11, 2008 4:51 pm) beater1 (Jul 13, 2008 3:12 am)
#82 of 90 Re: check engine light: 02 sensor [maxx4me] by beater1 Jul 11, 2008 (2:13 pm)
Replying to: maxx4me (Jul 10, 2008 1:44 pm) Thanks for responding. I went back to the mechanic today and he scanned the engine and got the same o2 sensor diagnostic that led to the $300 repair. He didn't really have any idea what to do next. I'm going to try a long shot and use fuel injector cleaner in my next tankful using regular gas instead of ethanol but I don't have any real expectations of success. I was only trying to fix it because I was going to give it to my grandaughter who lives in a state that has inspections and I didn't want her to get stuck with the bill. The tape fix is what I'll do if I keep it. I'd like to see that the Pontiac dealer that sold it to me gets it back. Replies to this message: maxx4me (Jul 11, 2008 4:51 pm) beater1 (Jul 13, 2008 3:12 am)
#83 of 90 Re: check engine light: 02 sensor [beater1] by maxx4me Jul 11, 2008 (4:51 pm)
Replying to: beater1 (Jul 11, 2008 2:13 pm) For my 03 vibe, it was the vapor recovery cannister which is located next to the gas tank, accessible from under the rear seats. Once they replace it, the problem never returned. It is interesting that on the new 09 Matrix and Vibe, there is a index card attached to the shifter stating that you will likely hear a mechanical sound for the first few hours after you have shut off the engine, and that there is some kind of vapor recovery devise that is engaged during that time. Very odd. Replies to this message: beater1 (Jul 13, 2008 3:12 am)
#84 of 90 Re: check engine light: 02 sensor [maxx4me] by beater1 Jul 13, 2008 (3:12 am)
Replying to: maxx4me (Jul 11, 2008 4:51 pm) Nothing seems odd anymore where my Vibe is concerned. BTW, I didn't mention that the code that came up when the scanner did it's thing was PO420 which refers to the "Cataylst System Efficiency Below Threshold". Most of the time, the problem is an O2 Sensor supposedly but it could be the catalytic converter which is covered by an 8 yr- 80K mile warranty. I'd have to take it to the dealer, pay for the scan again, and hope they found the converter to be the problem and not some other educated guess that costs me money. Maybe I should just buy a lottery ticket.
#85 of 90 Happy Ending for the Check Engine Light Issue by beater1 Jul 31, 2008 (1:02 pm)
Just to close the loop on the saga of the engine light that wouldn't die. I decided to bite the bullet and take it to the Pontiac dealer. I expected to spend $100-$125 for the diagnostic test but decided I'd wait and see what they found before spending any more for parts. Much to my surprise, they declared the problem to be a defective PCM (Power Control Module ie. "on-board computer") It was covered under warranty and when the new PCM was installed, the check engine light went out and stayed out. Apparantly emission parts are covered by an 8yr-80,000 mile warranty. I took the car out on the interstate and drove 110 miles and no light! Usually I'd get the light on before I had driven 30 miles. Hope my experience may be of help to others with a similar problem.
#86 of 90 Re: Collison resulting in a fried Computer/Brain?? [nikanac] by papou Aug 20, 2008 (2:02 pm)
Replying to: nikanac (Jan 03, 2008 3:44 pm) I too had a problem with my airbags on my Vibe 2004. I am the original owner of my car and had my first car accident on Monday, August 19. We were going 40 mph when we hit a car, very front head on, and my airbags did not deploy. Yet, the front of my car is badly damaged. I even asked the police officier if this was normal, and with his experience, he confirmed that the airbags should have deployed.   I called GM yesterday to file a complaint, but I am not sure if this will do anything.
#87 of 90 Re: what could possibly be wrong [lauraw03] by pam24 Sep 06, 2008 (8:27 am)
Replying to: lauraw03 (May 22, 2008 3:17 pm) My Vibe has the same problem. Did you ever find out what was wrong with yours/ Replies to this message: papou (Sep 07, 2008 8:00 am)
#88 of 90 Re: what could possibly be wrong [pam24] by papou Sep 07, 2008 (8:00 am)
Replying to: pam24 (Sep 06, 2008 8:27 am) Unfortunately no. I called back GM, and they asked me if my airbags light was on at the moment of the crash, but it wasn't, either before nor after the crash. The guy said that if the light is not on, they do not investigate. I told him the light could be diffective, but he reacted as if it was not possible.   I currently have $9000 ($CAD) in repairs, and my car was worth $12'500!!! I went to the GM garage, and they agreed with me that the airbags should have deployed, but they refused to help me in my complaint. I do not know where to turn to anymore. I am considering contacting a News Reporter... to see if he can move things. Big companies usually do not like bad publicity.
#89 of 90 Idle speed at 1500 rpm by lethal_79 Sep 15, 2008 (8:35 pm)
I have had my new vibe for about 2 weeks, and the idle speed seems a little too high when i start her up in the morning, it's around1500. It actually fluctuates a little between 1300 and 1600. Is that normal. Shouldn't it be around 800 for a manual car. I even found a youtube video on a vibe idling at 2000ish rpm. Has anbody had simliar experience? Should I get the idle speed control valve checked?
#90 of 90 05 Vibe engine quit and won't start by med8921 Oct 22, 2008 (7:56 am)
The low fuel light cam on ant then withing a few miles the engine quit(according th the wife). When I arrived Iput 5 gals of gas in it. Still would not start. Pulled off 1 coil and didn't see any spark. Pulled off #2 and spark - and engine actually started on 3 cyls. Put coil back on and engine started but would only run for 10 seconds. When I started it the 4th time, I tried giving it some throttle and was if the throttle was not connected. Ended up towing to Pontiac stealer. They tell me now low compression in 2 cylinders although it was running perfectly before it quit and it may have a timing chain issue (bs). The car uses no oil and is supremly kept up. I can't find any issue relating to this as its pretty bullet proof. I believe it to be a sensor, ignition or fuel pump issue. Any answers? -Mark

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