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2010 Pontiac Vibe: Rough Running Engine - Possible Bottom End Issues (2023 Update)

Not my own car: posting for someone else.

2010 Vibe was running very rough and vibrating. "Trusted" mechanic said it's running on only two cylinders, it's not an ignition or valve or head problem, but something -- he can't figure out what without taking it apart, and he's never encountered this before on a Toyota engine -- "in the bottom end."

What "in the bottom end" could cause an engine to run on only two cylinders without creating loud noises?

Perce

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Percival P. Cassidy
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If a 2010 Pontiac Vibe is running rough and vibrating, and a trusted mechanic has determined that the engine is only running on two cylinders, it's likely that there is an issue with the engine's bottom end. The bottom end of an engine refers to the parts of the engine that are responsible for converting fuel and air into rotational force, such as the crankshaft, connecting rods, and bearings. There are a few potential issues that could cause an engine to run on only two cylinders without creating loud noises:

  1. Low compression: Low compression in one or more of the cylinders can result in poor engine performance. This can be caused by worn or damaged pistons, rings, or valves.

  1. Worn or damaged bearings: Worn or damaged bearings in the crankshaft or connecting rods can cause the engine to run unevenly. This can cause the engine to run on only two cylinders.

  2. Timing chain or belt issues: If the timing chain or belt that synchronizes the movement of the camshaft and crankshaft is stretched or broken, it can cause the engine to run on only two cylinders.

  1. Oil pump issues: The oil pump is responsible for supplying the engine with oil, if the oil pump is not functioning correctly, it can lead to low oil pressure which can cause the engine to run on only two cylinders.

  2. Clogged injectors: Clogged injectors can cause a lack of fuel to the affected cylinder, which can result in poor engine performance.

Without further diagnostic and inspection it's hard to pinpoint the exact cause of the problem. The mechanic would need to take apart the engine and perform a thorough inspection to determine the exact cause of the issue. And since he said he has never encountered this before on a Toyota engine, it's possible that he may not have the right experience or knowledge to diagnose and fix the problem.

It's advisable to take your vehicle to a different mechanic or to a dealership that specializes in Toyota engines to get a proper diagnosis and repair

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