The Pontiac Vibe was equipped with the Toyota A246E transmission. But they aren’t without their problems though, so let’s look at some of the most common Pontiac Vibe transmission problems, look at cost estimates and figure out what you can do about them.
What Transmission Do I Have?
Pontiac Vibe Transmission Models
Pontiac Vibe: A246E Transmission
Pontiac Vibe Transmission Replacement Cost Estimate
Pricing varies by model. To be 100% sure on pricing, have your VIN# handy and use our Get An Estimate feature to look up your transmission by VIN#.
What are the DTC codes related to Pontiac Vibe transmission problems?
P0766 – Failed Shift Solenoid D – This DTC can be stored when there is a problem with a shift solenoid or the valve body.
P2703 – Failed Friction Element D – This trouble code can be triggered by a failed friction element like a clutch disc.
P0720 – Failed Input Speed Sensor or Output Speed Sensor – This trouble code is caused by a bad speed sensor on the transmission.
P0730 – Incorrect Gear Ratio – This issue could be caused by a number of problems, including a fault in the transmission control module, dirty transmission fluid, or a bad transmission solenoid.
P0657 – Voltage Problem in the ‘A’ Circuit – This transmission problem is often caused by a short, or bad ground on the PCM or PCM wiring harness.
P0700 – Malfunction in the transmission control system – This DTC is often triggered when there is a problem with the TCM, a wiring harness, a solenoid, or the valve body.
P0715 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor Malfunction – This code typically gets stored when the input sensor cannot read the engine RPM, which can prevent the transmission from appropriately shifting gears.
P0717 – Input/Turbine Speed Sensor No Signal – This trouble code is generated when the PCM does not get a signal from the input speed sensor, which will prevent the computer from being able to determine when the transmission needs to shift.
P0791 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor ‘A’ Circuit – This error can occur when there is a problem with the intermediate shaft speed sensor, most likely due to a bad sensor, wiring problem, or a failed shift solenoid.
P0793 – Intermediate Shaft Speed Sensor Circuit No Signal – The computer will generate this DTC when it cannot communicate with the intermediate shaft speed sensor.
Pontiac Vibe Transmission Recalls
None Found
Pontiac Vibe Technical Service Bulletins (TSB)
None Found
Common Problems with the Pontiac Vibe Transmission
Lack of Response
Leaking Fluid
Low Fluid
Burning Smell
Grinding or Shaking
Whining, Clunking or Humming
Refuses to Go Into Gear
Torque Converter Issues
Valve Body Issues
Transmission Noisy in Neutral
Gears Slipping
No 3rd or 4th Gear
No 1st or 2nd Gear
No Reverse
Dragging Clutch
Trouble Codes / Check Engine Light
Can I drive with a transmission problem?
If your Pontiac Vibe can still make it up and down the road, you might say “It’s fine, I’ll just drive it until I can get it fixed”. But that is not always a good idea, depending on the symptoms. You see, there are a lot of (very expensive) moving parts inside of a transmission, and if something isn’t right, continuing to drive with a transmission problem could damage something else.
How often does a Pontiac Vibe transmission need to be replaced?
The overall lifespan of a Pontiac Vibe transmission largely depends on how well it was maintained. Factory design flaws also factor into this equation, along with how/how hard you drive. But on average, we’ve seen the Pontiac Vibe transmission last for between 130,000-180,000 miles. A high quality replacement transmission however, can last considerably longer if all of the factory design flaws have been addressed and the vehicle has been maintained.
How are Pontiac Vibe transmission issues diagnosed?
It is fairly easy to guesstimate what the root cause of your Pontiac Vibe transmission problems might be, but you won’t truly know unless you have the right tools and experience. A good mechanic or transmission repair center will be able to connect your truck to a computer and find out which diagnostic trouble codes (DTC’s) have been stored. Once they know what to look for, they can perform a visual inspection to verify the problem.
How is a Pontiac Vibe transmission replaced?
In order to replace your Pontiac Vibe transmission, the truck has to be lifted from the ground in order to gain access to all of the parts that will need to be unbolted. Then the transmission can be lowered to the ground (typically with a transmission jack), so the new transmission can be installed. Once it is in place, for the 6L80, the vehicle PCM will have to be reprogrammed / reflashed to accept the new transmission using the latest GM subscription.
Recommendations for Pontiac Vibe transmission issues?
To save time and get back on the road faster, have your 17-digit truck VIN# handy and you can get an online quote for a reman Pontiac Vibe transmission here, then find a local shop using our Find a Shop guide to install it for you.
How to Solve Pontiac Vibe Transmission Problems
Solution A: Buy a Used Pontiac Vibe Transmission
The quickest way to fix your transmission problems is to simply buy a used transmission or used transmission. These can be found at most junk yards, and they often come with a 30-90 day warranty. However, there’s no way to determine the actual condition of the internal components, so you could be spending a bunch of money to have the exact same problems. Plus, that warranty only covers the transmission if it’s defective, not the labor costs that you’ll have to pay.
Solution B: Buy a Rebuilt Pontiac Vibe Transmission
Another option would be a rebuilt transmission or rebuilt transmission. A local repair shop will remove your transmission, then install a bunch of new parts during the rebuild. The problem here is, the skills and experience of each transmission rebuilder will vary widely from shop to shop, so you could have problems from something that wasn’t adjusted properly. And the 1-2 year warranty might only cover you at certain transmission repair shops, in a specific geographical area.
Solution C: Buy a Remanufactured Pontiac Vibe Transmission
Many owners depend on their vehicle to commute and get things done. Their gasoline engines are designed to go 100’s of thousands of miles, so it makes sense to invest in a remanufactured transmission.
What Transmission Do I Have?
What Problem Does Your Pontiac Vibe Have?
Let us know the year, mileage and problem you’re having as well as any trouble (OBD) codes you’ve found. If you’ve been given a quote or paid for a repair, we’d like to hear about that too!
Transmission speed control sensor
09 pontiac vibe GT. 180K miles. Started popping out of 5th under load. Everything else is fine. Never been in the shop ever. Problem free car .
hello, after removing the automatic transmission from the 2004 pontiac vibe, I have replaced the differential and put the transmission back in place and now the transmission no longer engages. my question is, is it possible that the tork converter which was emptied of its oil does not fill up and that for this reason the transmission slips a lot and it advances in the forward direction in the reverse position?
Loud noise car won’t move in drive or any other gear
It is throwing a P0741 code and it was overheating due to a coil pack being cracked. Changed all coils and spark plugs. And then 741 code was thrown
2008 Pontiac vibe with. 350,000 miles
Shift Solenoid ‘A’ PO751
03 pontiac vibe automatic transmission, check engine light on,
P0770, I did change fluid and new filter, the 4 solenoids valves are fine,
Also when I shift from Park to Drive the car vibrait.
Have a 2009 Pontiac Vibe with 205,000 miles. Having transmission issues. Check engine light and vsc light come and go, and engine runs rough at times and tries to stall. Some times it doesn’t shift into gear. Only code is PO354, and PO351.
Pull in to parking space and made noise to stall car/2005 vibe manual shift 250000 miles
Manual Transmission having gear whine
The 5 spd manual transmission may start whining around 150k range. I had a 6 spd installed from a vibe gt. all Components worked from the 5 spd to 6 spd including the axle and the clutch pak be sure to-get the 6 spd gear knob.
05 vibe 250,000 miles, the transmission was leaking fluid for a wile and found a liner crack across the case cover for servicing the clutch packs… after replacing and refilling the fluid it some how pushed the fluid out, either through a gap I didn’t notice or via the vent tube, now a code P0751 has shown up which appears to be due to the shift solenoid A being stuck closed due to low pressure.
2003 vibe has around 130,000 miles. All original parts/equipment car is in great shape. The trans. Case/housing cracked, split and separated a good portion around the periphery where the passenger side half shaft goes into the trans. Had been driving the car for months and it just felt like a tie rod end with some slop.
2007 pontiac vibe got code p0741 at 40000 and still at 50000 the code comes and goes but the check engine lite is on more often than not
Jay, yeah. I should agree with you.
06 vibe slipping only after 20 miles of driving.