Vibe Maintenance & Repair Concerns

nursingshirts

thank you so much for the fast response. sound easy enough. i have 27,000 miles on my 04 vibe and have never changed it. i however dont go to the dealer they rip you off. now i just need to change my transmission fluid and i will be ready for my cross country road trip next weekend.

thanks again....

chuck1ch

The instructions for changing the cabin filter was in the Vibe owners manual. For 03's it is on page 6-22/23.

maxx4me

he, he, he....did it say anywhere in the manual about NOT lifting up on the plastic snaps? If so, it would have saved me one broken snap. Anyway, it only takes one to keep the cabin air filter door latched. I guess I can resort to duct tape should I break the other one

speedtek

I know the feeling, I ran my set down to the wear markers at 45,000 Kms (pretty close to your results after conversion. I did a lot of research and came up with BFGoodrich Traction T/A's
http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=BFGoodrich&tireModel=Traction+T%2FA+H&veh- icleSearch=false&partnum=055HR6TTA&fromCompare1=yes
Snow capability was very high on my list as well and these seem to have nailed that. I have only had them on a few weeks now, but they are a huge improvement over the old RSA's. Awesome handling, smooth ride and way better traction in the wet. I'll report more on the snow traction this winter, but I'm anticipating far better capabilities.

sartingissues

They have replaced my fuel pump already, and the computer and 2 other things I wish I remembred. I have complained on-line to Toyota Canada. And after about 2 months or so they called me to tell me, sorry, now it's a known issue with no fix in the near future. I was mad and called my local dealer and asked for the Service Manager. He said that they are definitely still looking into it. It seems to be a warm engine issue (as in it doesn't seem to happen when the car is cold, first start of the day etc....which is totally true in my experience). he also said that the last thing he heard is that they are doing tests to see if it might have something to do with the starter not recognizing the chip in the key. Anyway the corporate office blew me off totally, no compensation for this annoying issue, no expected fix date.
FYI got my2005 in September. Almost right away had the starting issue. It happens from one to maybe 4 or 5 times a week, usually when I have a problem it takes 4 to 7 seconds to start.
It's frustrating cause otherwise I LOVE my car.

mikey00

I don't think the Vibe has this problem or at least I haven't heard of it. That would certainly make the chip in the key as one of the possible causes for the Matrix has the chip and the Vibe does not.

tommyg12

Does the Matrix "valet" key (third key), also have a chip? Just a thought....

mikey00

Every Matrix key needs a chip in it or with it or the car won't start. I own a Vibe so I am not sure exactly how the Matrix handles it. On my RX 300 the 3rd key is a small flat emergency key that is in a plastic sleeve like a credit card. To start the car you insert the key in the igittion while holding the card by the steering column. The chip is contained in the card.

ktlue7

I have a 2005 Vibe that I purchased brand new in October. I had starting problems a month after I bought it and took it in to the dealer in January. They said it was 'bad gas' and cleaned it out. That seemed to work for about two more months then it started happening again. I just had the car in the shop for the third time and their explanation was that 'Vibes, Aztechs and Rendevous just do that'. They didn't even bother pulling the 'bad gas' routine on me again. Just 'they do that'. I'm more than a little irked that a brand new car doesn't start all the time. Seeing as the Vibes don't have a chip in the key, the chip is not the issue.
I love the Vibe otherwise but I'm looking into Lemon Law, as it has been in back to the dealer three times already.

n1yvp

Hi everyone.

I guess I spoke too soon. My starting problems have returned even after having the fuel pump assembly replaced.

Going to check into the Lemon Law tomorrow as well. :mad:

Mikey00 please let me know what you find out. Thanks!

okmatrixxrs

Hello. I just bought an 05 XRS and noticed the sunroof leaks in the automatic carwash. No big, I thought, I like to hand-wash anyway (time permitting).

A leaking sunroof does disturb me greatly though. I'm cursed with water leaks on every vehicle I've ever owned...so it’s an issue for me. So I've investigated this quite a bit. I just wanted to share with you what I've been told, heard, and read - and check in with you to discover if you've learned anything new (or had the problem fixed). The pretty little 2005 Solara down the way from me has the exact same issue as I do for now. These cars are both new and my concern is about what will happen in the future. Anyway, here’s what I’ve heard and read:

- Flush with the roof sunroofs can't withstand the water pressure that sunroofs with bulky seals
around them (fixed to the vehicles roof) can.
- The theoretical pressure the flush sunroof can withstand is 25 or 28 psi.
- There is a drip-pan in the roof of the vehicle to accommodate any water that finds its way into
the cabin.
- The drain plugs for the drop pan set-up may become clogged and the dealer will "fix" that by
spraying them out with compressed air.

I'm an obsessive person and I love this car - it is truly my baby! So I obsessively check the sunroof area for moisture after rains and washes and visually inspect the headliner for water-stains constantly! I will never stop worrying about this unless it can be resolved. I've wondered about applying a thick silicone lubricant to the outer edges of the integrated seal on the sunroof - but have not yet tried it. I've only had the car for two weeks now.

BTW: My boss drives a 2003 Bonneville with the same type of set up (no seal on the roof for the sunroof – it actually doesn’t look closed to me when it is). She doesn’t think it ever leaks, but her headliner tells me different story.
:confuse:

mikey00

Toyota TSB #EG018-05 covers the starting problem. It calls for the Engine Control Computer to be replaced. The Vibe is not affected. I posted a link to the TSB but it was removed by management because it is in violation of Edmunds membership agreement to post a link to a competing forum.

litterbox

05 Matrix XR Automatic

After car has been sitting for awhile(overnight etc), it will make a metallic "clink" noise when I put it into reverse. Seems to do it only once and won't do it again until I leave the car sitting for awhile....anyone else notice this noise? I think someone mentioned it could be the brakes doing their readjustment but I don't have ABS(I know that ABS noise and reset feeling) Just that metallic noise...just want to make sure it isn't my tranny making noises it should not be

nippononly

If you park on any sort of incline, and do not set the parking brake well enough to hold the car for "a while", then it is normal for the transmission to make a clunk or metallic sound when you shift out of park. This happens because the car is sitting hard on the parking gear. It would be better for you to set the parking brake to hold the car if the parking spot is not flat.

grim1

I was having a pinging and clicking noise during acceleration a couple of weeks ago, Took it to the dealer and of course they said they didn't hear it. When I was leaving the noise was clear as day. Went back in to get the service manager and he rode with me to hear the noise. His suggestion was to change gas octane. I dint believe him of course because the manual doesn't ask for high octane gas, but I changed it anyway and to my surprise the noise is gone. I have a 2003 Matrix xrs, if anybody is having this problem go ahead and try this first.

herzogtum71

People might also try a less expensive approach that worked for me with an '89 Nissan. I was getting pinging during acceleration and even on very slight upgrades. At that time I tended to fill the tank at a nearby Mobil station, and I tried midrange and premium fuel with no improvement. Then I switched brands, and I had no pinging with regular using any brand I tried other than Mobil.

capitano

Your 2003 XRS does not ask for high octane? Mine 2004 does. It wil run with regular but you lose some power because the computer has to adjust the timing. And then you can still get what you got which was pinging.

litterbox

I park on a level area both here and at work. When you first start the car it is idling pretty high. If I put the car in Drive it does not make the metallic noise. If I put it in reverese it does go Clink! and seems to go into reverse a little heavy....if I put it in neutral and back into reverse it does not make this noise. Weird. A co-worker has the same exact car...I want to see if his does this also. :confuse:

Could it be something wrong with the tranny? Can't remember if I mentioned before but it is an 05 Matrix Auto, build date 05/05

bheiny3

I just purchased the base model 2005 Vibe with auto tran and the PDN power group on Saturday. The first thing I noticed after I drove it away from the dealer was the radio reception was awful. I live about 50 miles north of Denver, and could barely get the main am (and basically no FM) stations in Denver as I drove around where I live. We have a Transport and Montana minivans and the radio reception is fine with them. As my salesman was showing me the Vibe and explaining some of the features just before I left I noticed the antenna was missing on the roof. We couldn't find it in the vehicle, so he went and unscrewed one off a Vibe on their lot and put it on my Vibe. I don't know why that would be a problem in itself.

My question is, has anyone else had radio reception issues with their Vibe? If not, it may just be a damaged, or other problem with, antenna. I am taking it back to the dealer this weekend for them to check.

Otherwise I love the style, ride and mileage of the Vibe. I commute to and from my job in Denver daily (110 mile round trip), so I am hoping this will be a great commute vehicle. Thanks for your help.

nortsr1

Check the antenna to make sure it is "tightened" as that might be the problem (Nice and tight)

grim1

Maybe toyota realized that the matrix needs high octane after the 2003 version. I have been using the high octane since and its been alright. I will switch back just to check though and to hopefully save some bucks.

capitano

I don't think that is the case at all. The 2ZZ-GE engine has been in the Celica GT-S since the 2000 model year. I think you've just missed the page in the manual calling for high octane fuel. My manual clearly states the 91 octane requirement.

If you are dead set on saving pennies at the pump, you could try the local mid grade and see if that helps. I would definitely not run 87 unless I had no other options (running out of gas and the nearest station has no high octane fuel).

lmacmil

"If you are dead set on saving pennies at the pump, you could try the local mid grade..."

My son alternates between premium and mid-grade without a problem. Most of the premiums around here are 93 anyway so it averages to 91.

amm2

I had this problem with a 92 acura integra manual rs. I paid for a new starter before I found out this is a repeated Honda problem in hot weather. I needed a starter fuse! $60.00! I found out through browsing Honda websites and thru a service manager. After the starter was replaced by the dealer, I had the problem in the summertime. I had to punch the dash to the left of the steering wheel to start the car, a loose fuse. This may or may not be related.

hardbody1

Anyone know where I can get a left rear (driver's side rear) seat belt? Used would be fine. My dog ate it

toyotaken

Sounds alot like the excuse I tried with my teacher for my homework!!! *LOL*

Honestly, check with some of the local scrap yards to see if they have any wrecked vibe's or matrix's that they can pull them out of.

Ken

friendlyfire

2004 Matrix XRS 6 speed... bought it April 2004- nothing but lovin' it since, no pinging, very smooth engine performance, no problems w. anything. My Matrix sips nothing but 92 or 93 octane... to me $1.30 more per tank is well worth it on a $20,000 investment. Besides, we run on freeways at least 1.5 hours/day in my commute and mileage is 36 mpg without A/C and 32 mpg with A/C. All of this, to me, more than makes up for a little extra gas money. This is my fifth 'Ota (Corolla SR, Celica ST, Celica GTS and RAV4 all manual trannies) & the best multipurpose vehicle I've ever had.

mojoy

I got in my 2004 Rendevouz one morning after a bad rain and the floor mats were wet and the area around the sunroof. The dealer cleanout around the sun roof and told me something was clogged with pine needles which caused the leak. It did fix the problem.

herzogtum71

I drove our '03 Matrix today for the first time in a while, and noticed that the thin chrome-like coating has started to come off of the driver's door handle. Has anyone else had this happen? The warranty expires 8/20/05 and I'm hoping this will be covered.

n1yvp

It is now August and I am experiencing this problem on a daily basis.

Please not from my previous post that having the fuel pump assembly is only a temporary fix.

I'm beginning to wonder who built and designed my car... Toyota? or was it GM?

Chris

mikey00

I am assuming they already replaced the ECU per the Toyota TSB. This is a fairly common problem on the Matrix where the ECU does not recognize the chip on the key and the engine just turns over without starting. Vibe does not have the chip on its key so it does not have tis problem.

jstant01

I've had my Vibe for less than two months and have noticed this on two occasions. My experience is the same as everyone else. It only happens after the car has been sitting for a short period of time (for instance, right after filling up the gas tank). Mine has ultimately started every time, but sometimes I've had to crank it for quite a while. Very strange!

jstant01

I have a question about the passenger air bag light on the 2005 Vibe. The owner's manual says that when you turn the key, both "on" and "off" will light up briefly, and then it will say either "off" if no one is in the passenger seat, or "on" if someone is.

Well, mine does say "on" if I have someone with me, but when no one is in the seat, it doesn't say anything except "airbag." In other words, the "off" light is not showing up. I checked with a friend who has another 2005 GM product, and his says "off" when no one is sitting in the seat.

I'm just curious - is there a problem with my car, or is this how everyone else's 2005 Vibe works? Thanks!

mikey00

Nothing wrong, thats the way it works. I had the same question a few months back. Remember, It's not really a GM you have there but a Toyota.

jstant01

Thanks. I feel better knowing it is indeed working the way it is supposed to. And you're right, I didn't think about the fact that it's really a Toyota when I chatted with my friend about his Chevrolet!

litterbox

Have had the car about 3 months and it has been fine other than what I call a little buzziness in the gas pedal..other than that(seems to depend on road quality..weird) it has been great.

However my clock has been acting up....it will do anything to fade all the way to just being out...seems to lose time when it goes out also.

I plan on having my oil changed at 8K (first Mobil 1 change at 3k) and will mention it to dealer...anyone else having this issue? 05's clocks are not part of the radio anymore so hopefully just a faulty unit and quick swap at dealer?

jtom

yep, mine too. Just brought it in for 'check engine' (ox. sensor) and i asked them to also to replace this chrome piece. Check the pass. side too, that's going on my '03 matrix also. good luck.

herzogtum71

Jtom, I hope they replace your handles without giving you a hassle. They checked the odometer and said mine was covered under warranty since I didn't yet have 36K on the car. I checked the passenger side and didn't find a problem, but I also asked the technician to check it. He also found no peeling. My car is no longer under warranty (as of August 20), so I hope the other one doesn't start to peel!

jstant01

I've noticed that when it rains, or even when my Vibe is just covered with dew, the water has a tendency to pool along the edge of the hood right in front of the windshield, just about right between the two black washer spouts on the hood. Has anyone else noticed this, and to anyone who has a 2003 or 2004, is this any cause for concern? It seems that over time that area might show more wear on the paint or be prone to rust. Right now it is just really annoying, because the water sits in a pool and vibrates in the wind, which for some reason is really annoying to me. Anyhow, just curious. I have a 2005, BTW, I don't think the hood changed any with the redesign. If it did, maybe this isn't happening to owner of '03s and'04s.

airbrush

Jstan01,

I was curious about that as well and I found out that the system senses if a person is under 80lb, and turns the A/B off. If you fasten the seat belt, with no one sitting in the passenger seat, the system will think a light weight child is sitting there and the "OFF" light will come on.

cheers

nichul37

It will also say "off" when you fold the seat down when you're carrying a large load, but folding the seat down will NOT turn off the seat belt sensor and, man, is that annoying! :P

yakin

If you can believe someone with a motorhome is interested in the mpg their towed car gets than maybe someone in there has info on towing a Matrix or vibe. Thanks. I drove an xrs and loved it. First car i had fun in for a long time.

sage3

I have the same clicking and pinging problem with my 2001 Toyota Highlander. The dealer suggested cleaning out the engine with chemicals because the pinging was a detonation of fuel caused by carbon build up due to "gentle driving" habbits of the previous owner. Well the cleaning cost me $80 plus the smoke burn off from it finished off my O2 sensor finally costing me $400 with no change to my pinging. Now i just buy ultra 93 octane and it stays quite. I am ridding of the vehicle anyway...but I am dissapointed with this SUV.

jstant01

I've noticed several posts in this forum and the general forum about the Vibe starting issue. Mine has it, although not to the point of leaving me stranded. One thing I have noticed, is that when it does start, I hear a "knock" which almost sounds like a loose rod in the engine would sound. However, it only happens during the warm engine restart phase. The sound is not there on a cold start. I saw a post somewhere a while back that said someone heard a sound like that coming from some sort of emissions component. They described it as sounding like a sewing machine tredle. Any ideas? I am quite sure I do not have a loose rod in my engine, but I wonder if the emissions component, whatever it was, is what is causing the restart problem. When my Vibe is cold, it turns right over and starts up. When it is warm, and especially if it has been sitting 15-20 minutes, it turns over, but is reluctant to start. It always does after a longer "crank" period, followed by the knocking sound. I'm perplexed. I have to take it to the dealer to fix a power lock button that isn't working, and don't know whether to say anything to them about it or not. I don't want them to start tinkering here and there and end up causing more hassle than its worth. I have a 2005 Base, with about 6,000 miles on it.

2005matrixownr

I just yesterday "apparently" had a small rock of some sort fly up, and put a "hole" in my AC Condenser. I was unaware of a rock hitting my car in the first place, but noticed "smoke" coming from under the hood while sitting at a light, noticed again once parked car, but knew not what the problem was. Later that day, got in my car to find that only hot air would blow. Took my car to dealership today, only to find that the AC Condenser is in the most vulnerable place, right behind the grill. There is minimal protection for this part, why? They say this is not under warranty, and some-what I can understand, my issue is why is the condenser out there where it could get damaged? The chances of this happening are slim, but has anyone else delt with something like this...

2005matrixownr

Whats the deal with the Matrix not starting up right away? I own a 2005, this is my first Toyota and right away I noticed this problem. I took it in after 1 1/2 months, and then again at 8k miles, and again yesterday for them to look at it while the take care of my hole in the AC Condenser. Every time they say that there is no problem with the car, and that it is normal. I didn't know it was normal for a car not to start up right away, especially a brand new one... and one with such a "prestigious" name...

steine13

I haven't dealt with this, but being a Vibe owner I might...

I'm just writing to answer your question "why is the condenser out there where it could get damaged?"

It's there because that's where the coldest air is available. And at 95 degrees outside temperature, you need all the help you can get.

AFAIK, that's where the condenser is in every car on the road.

And they're right, it's not a warranty issue.
-Mathias

mcdawgg

There is a technical service bulletin out on slow starting for the Corolla, so I assume this may apply to the Matrix (same engine, etc.) Look for the TSB and see if it applies to you, or take to a better dealer.

jackfish

I have an 05 matrix XRS, great car....other than the fuel pump problem. But, that's been enough to drive me bonkers as of late. Its been towed twice in the last 2 weeks and they had it in the shop for 4 days because they never had a pump in stock!!! The problem is obviously not fixed. The dealer said this was "the first they've seen" ... so I decided to check it out online just now to see if others have been having the same problem, the first seach, and I see others are having the same issue.

jasonvibe

I am about to pick up an AWD Vibe with the "moons and tunes" option. Seems like the only issues on these is "warm restart" and moonroof leaking. The moonroof was the wifes idea. This is the lowest priced AWD on the market. Yet with a Toyota drive train I thought we would not have any worries for a while.This is going to be our only car. Has most every vibe had these issues??? If we have to lemon law this in the future we will be out our GM card $$ cashed in. I thought our trade in had issues*?*?I think we are in for some issues or am I being paranoid.