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Pontiac Vibe Engine Questions

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

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#78 of 90 what could possibly be wrong by lauraw03 May 22, 2008 (3:17 pm)
I have a 2003 pontiac vibe that is burning oil, their is no noise under motor and it is not a constant burning, can someone please help me out. I t started out blue smoke when I started the vibe, now it's white smoke, please help Replies to this message: maxx4me (May 23, 2008 7:48 am) pam24 (Sep 06, 2008 8:27 am) papou (Sep 07, 2008 8:00 am)
#79 of 90 Re: what could possibly be wrong [lauraw03] by maxx4me May 23, 2008 (7:48 am)
Replying to: lauraw03 (May 22, 2008 3:17 pm) oil is getting around the engine seals and burning in the combustion chamber. For my 2003, I'm losing oil, yet have no external leak and have no smoke. In fact, I just passed the emissions test with flying colors. Sorry about your smoke problem laura. Shop around for a price on getting the seals replaced.
#80 of 90 check engine light: 02 sensor by beater1 Jul 10, 2008 (1:06 pm)
I have a check engine light displaying. My mechanic scanned it and said the computer indicated a defective 02 sensor. He recommended replacing the 02 sensor ahead of the catalytic converter. I had him do it today and after paying 300, I took it for a test drive and after about 25 miles of interstate driving, the check engine light came on again. I'm taking it in tommorrow for another scan. Does anybody have any experience with 02 sensor failures? Is this a catch-all message which can refer to a number of possible problems? I'm not eager to start an expensive trial-and-error process of elimination if we can get directly to the problem. Maybe I should go to a dealer instead of an independent mechanic. Anybody got any suggestions? Replies to this message: maxx4me (Jul 10, 2008 1:44 pm) beater1 (Jul 11, 2008 2:13 pm) maxx4me (Jul 11, 2008 4:51 pm) and 1 more...
#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)

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