Pontiac Vibe Transmission Troubles
whitematrix
Member Posts: 6
After my 2003 manual trans. matrix has been sitting overnight or for a long time in the day, there is this hum, for about 4 seconds,(which was quite loud today) when I first take off in first or reverse. I don't hear it in any other gears. Since it has gotten louder, I am getting a little concerned. My son mentioned something about gear bearings??
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Comments
I noticed alot of post on the topic of engine racing and stalling no problems with ours.
I will note we had a strange problem with the air vents. The first time my wife was hit in the rear two days later we had a loud thumping noise coming from the dash. The dealer had to replace the actuator or what ever you call it. It changes the flow of air for your heat and ac. They had to tear the entire dash off. They said another dealer reported one incident. It would open and close open and close. The dealer said it was not accident related.
The car has been a great car so far. Its safe as far as Im concerned my wife has been hit twice. The one in the rear was at 40 mph. Only did bumper damage and bent exhaust tip.
No body damage. I will gripe about the emergency brake. It can be engaged to easily. There is no resistance in pulling it up. We drove awhile at 80+ on I-95. On a trip. I began to hear a loud thumping from rear. I pulled over The left rear brake drum smelled like they were burning and were red hot but not smoking. Well I said enough. I would like to know about the pan gasket. :confuse:
On our didpsticks on our two Matrix it even says something to the effect of not needing changing.
As long as the color is good I would never change the transmission fluid in a newer auto transmission.
Steve
Based on what the service schedule booklet that came with the car says, we should expect them to change the air filter, flush and replace the coolant, change the engine oil and filter, rotate the tires, and replace the AC filter. And then there's a long list of stuff to inspect -- ball joints and dust coverrs, brake lines and hoses, brake linings/drims and pads/disks, etc.
Two things that are listed for inspection are the differential oil and transmission fluid. Both were changed at about 17,000 even though the recommendation at that time, too, was just to inspect. My wife's commute to work is about four and a half miles each way, so technically that would fall into the "special driving conditions" category because it's under five miles. Is there really any reason to change these two fluids again at 32,000 miles?
thanks
Brake fluid absorbs moisture over time, & it collects at each wheels brakeline connection. Water in the Dot 3 causes brake fading & higher temperatures.
Its best to bleed the lines at each wheel every 2 yrs. Or just have the system flushed.
P/S fluid changes every 3 years might have prevented a $1000 rusted out steering rack replacement bill on the Sunbird.
I will get a new Vibe in 2009, the Lord willing !
IF there is a next-generation Vibe, count me in. I'll get a 2nd year one, to get past any teething problems.
-Mathias
Question: I've noticed that when I initially go in reverse (rolling backwards out of driveway)--as I shift into 1st there's a single clunk sound that I hear from the back. That's it--just one clunk. I will bring this up at 5000 mile check-up--but any thoughts from anyone?
I am a 2003 vibe (base model) owner, purchased in late 2002.
History
At 55k (Mar 06), the transmission literally ground to a halt on the highway. Dealer & GM family first worked together to replace my transmission (new one, not remanufactured) at no cost. Worked fine until recently (currently at 80k).
Current issue
Starting a couple of months ago, only when cold, I occaisonally would hear a grinding noise when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear. When car was warm, or if I shifted very slow (to 'feel' the gear engage), no noise. Local shop (non dealer) changed the tranny fluid (used synthetic, don't know what kind).
However, it's still happening. And, starting yesterday, tranny is becoming more finicky. When warm, once it did not downshift from 5th to 4th (no noise, just pressure when trying to downshift). And, I haven't been able to get it into 1st (at a dead stop) once or twice today.
Can anyone tell me what the problem might be? I am taking to the dealer on Wednesday and am trying to formulate approach beforehand. (particularly since I am coming up on the 3 year/30k warranty for the replaced transmission).
This is my first US car, and honestly, I'm not impressed. Instead of keeping this until it drops, I'm seriously contemplating getting the transmission working, selling this, and going back to Asian cars.
Thanks in advance!
Boston Jen
The service mgr. said he would take care of parts but I would have to pay for labor.
Any suggestions? Still is going to be over $500.00 to fix.
Thanks for any additional info....GM no help!
I have had no problems with the auto trans. Did the tranny flush at 60K and 90K.
The main drive shaft of the transmission has a small ball bearing. The inner race of the ball bearing was phenolic (plastic) and it shattered. When it shattered it took out the shaft with it. I work at an electric motor repair shop where we replace countless bearings in a month. We aren't allowed to use bearings with phenolic inner races becuase they are very poor quality and a good, all metal ball bearing of that size only costs a dollar or two more.
Classic example of the automotive industry cutting corners to save cost and forgeting quality. If you have bearing noise get it taken care of immediately!