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Topics - Markjay

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1
Maintenance Guides / How to gain access to the side airbag
« on: 04 January 2008, 13:31:02 »
PLEASE NOTE - ANY WORK DONE ON AIRBAGS - DISCONNECT THE CAR BATTERY FIRST AND WAIT FOR 15 MINUTES BEFORE CARRYING-OUT ANY WORK

The minifacelift (97/98-00) and facelift (00/01-03) are fitted with side airbags as standard, you can gain access to the mechanism by removing the back of the front seat. I do not recommend that you fiddle around with air bags as there are strict safety procedures to follow before doing so, but I am merely pointing-out how to gain access to the inside of the front seat.

This is quite straightforward actually, there are two Torx 15 screws at each corner under the seat, and once undone (using a chubby screw driver) the seat back cover simply slides downwards and can them be removed.

The only difficult bit really is to know where the two screws are, and to work out that they are Torx 15, because it is not easy to access the underside of the seat when it is in place, but now you know...






2
Maintenance Guides / V6 Plenum removal - addendum for 2.6 & 3.2
« on: 10 April 2007, 15:02:56 »
Plenum removal may be required for several reasons, such as camcover gaskets replacing, cambelt replacement or cam timing.

The guide describing the plenum removal can be found here:

Removing V6 plenum
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90657.0

Essentially the plenum removal instructions for the 2.5 & 3.0 engines are still valid, but the newer 2.6 & 3.2 engines are slightly easier to work on due to the fact that there are fewer components to remove, e.g. no ICV, EGR, or HT leads.

If you have one of the newer engines, you might find it easier to follow the instructions below for plenum removal and then proceed with the 2.5 & 3.0 guides for the operation you intend to carry out:

Changing the V6 Cam Cover Gaskets
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90542.0

V6 Cambelt change

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/index.php?topic=90518.0



3
Maintenance Guides / Front wheel bearing change - all models
« on: 06 April 2007, 21:12:29 »

4
This post describes changing the spark plugs on a 2.6 engine, which it is very similar to the 3.2. It can also be used as a guide when replacing spark plugs on 2.5/3.0 engines, though in this case there is a fair amount of additional items that need to be removed to gain access to the spark plugs.

More specifically, there are four main differences between the 2.5/3.0 and the 2.6/3.2 with regards to access to the spark plug area.

The first is that because the newer engines have individual coil packs, these are incorporated into the spark plug holder and there is not DIS module or HT leads. Instead, there is a plastic cover on top of the spark plugs (between the rocker covers) that needs to be removed.

The second and third is that with the newer engines being ‘Drive-by-Wire’ and having no mechanical EGR valve, there is basically nothing at all blocking access to the driver-side spark plugs, making it very easy to work on.

The fourth is that on the newer engines the idle speed is ECU-controlled thus no ICV unit, making access easier to the passenger-side spark plugs.

If working on 2.5/3.0, these items will need to be removed to improve access. Also, on the 2.5/3.0 you will need to mark the HT leads to ensure that each is returned to its original location. And last, the plug wells on the 2.5/3.0 are not covered as on the 2.6/3.2 and dirt and oil can therefore accumulate in them – the wells should be cleaned prior to the plugs removal and care must be taken not to allow dirt or foreign objects to fall into the combustion chambers.




5
Omega Common Issues and FAQ / Vauxhall Spare Parts
« on: 21 July 2006, 00:47:21 »
Part 1

a. Original Parts

What are they?

These are original Vauxhall parts, supplied in Vauxhall-labelled packaging. Vauxhall do not actually make most of their spare parts themselves, instead they order them from other manufacturers who specialise in the specific area. For example, Vauxhall spark plugs carry the Vauxhall label both on the part itself and on the packaging, but they are in fact made by Bosch for Vauxhall.

Where can they be bought?

From Vauxhall Dealers, from eBay (though beware of fake items), or from firms specialising in Vauxhall spare parts.

What do we think about them?

Vauxhall parts are usually of very good quality and are reasonably priced, and as such they represent very good value. In the vast majority of cases we would recommend the original Vauxhall part because you can rarely better it in either quality or price. In addition, you are more likely to get the right parts for your car (although Vauxhall dealers have been known to make mistakes…).


b. OE/OEM Parts

What are they?

OE/OEM stands for Original Equipment Manufacturer. As mentioned above, most Vauxhall-branded parts are actually made by other automotive manufacturers. These companies also make the same parts for marketing under their own brand name and through their own distribution channels. For example, Vauxhall’s Cambelt Kit is made by Gates, so you can buy the same kit either branded as Vauxhall from a Vauxhall Dealer, or branded as Gates from a motor factor outlet.

Where can they be bought?

Motor factor outlets, eBay, online shops.

What do we think about them?

In principal there is nothing wrong in buying the same parts directly from its manufacturer. The theory is that is should work out cheaper, and in the case of the Cambelt Kit it does. However this is not always the case – for example Bosch-branded spark plugs are actually more expensive than the same Vauxhall-branded ones… So OE is OK but compare prices first and don’t assume that it is always cheaper than the Vauxhall-branded item.


6
Omega Common Issues and FAQ / Omega Light Bulbs - List
« on: 04 April 2007, 00:53:49 »
Headlights - dipped beam = H1 or HID  
Headlights - main beam = H1; HID or Projector (98 model year onwards) = H7
Fog lights = H1 or HB4 on the facelifts
Side light, Side indicator = W5W
Front indicator, Rear indicator = PY21W (Amber)
Brake light, Reversing light, Rear fog light = P21W (Clear)
Brake light / Tail light = P21/5W (Dual filament)
Tail light, License plate = R5W
Rear internal light, door light, boot light - C5W


               [size=14]HB4[/size]


 

9
Omega Common Issues and FAQ / Omega Gear Ratios (Facelift MY 2001)
« on: 19 November 2006, 00:17:45 »





10
Omega Common Issues and FAQ / What is..... TIS, EPC, Autodata
« on: 03 August 2006, 21:45:15 »
TIS2000

Technical Information Service (TIS) is a GM software program that contains Technical Bulletins, Factory Recalls and Warranty-related Bulletins, as well as the full labour hours calculator for each job which is the basis for the dealers' charging (i.e. the hourly rate may change from one dealer to another, but the number of hour per job if fixed and dictated by Vauxhall through TIS). In addition, when used in conjunction with GM’s TECH2 diagnostics tool, TIS enables carrying-out software upgrades on some the car’s ECUs and other security-related operations.

GM’s Opel/Vauxhall edition of TIS 2000 covers all of Opel/Vauxhall’s models from around 1992 onwards. TIS is a GM software product which sold to its own Vauxhall dealers as well as to other independant garages. The cost for an annual subscription is around £1,200.

Disclaimer - The TIS software is supplied as a set of CDs that is being updated periodically, and it seems that some older copies of these CDs occasionally find there way to private car owners. On this site we do not condone obtaining any copyrighted material without the permission of its owner, and as such we can not provide any advice on the acquisition or use of TIS.

EPC

Electronics Parts catalogue (EPC) is a GM software program that contains exploded-view diagrams of all of the car’s subsystems accompanied with their Vauxhall Part Number. EPC is used by Vauxhall dealerships to identify the correct items’ part numbers, and as such replaces the old Microfiche system.

Disclaimer - EPC is a GM software product which is distributed internally to its own Vauxhall dealers, and it is not available for purchase by the general public. On this site we do not condone obtaining any copyrighted material without the permission of its owner, and as such we can not provide any advice on the acquisition or use of EPC.

Autodata

Autodata have been producing for many years a series of hefty catalogues the size of phonebooks, which contain basic technical data for all make and models of cars. The data included is typically service intervals, types and quantities of fluids (e.g. oils, coolant, brake fluid etc), location of common service items, torque settings etc. The information is not very detailed and it does not constitute a proper workshop manual, but it is generally accurate and is mostly useful for the independent garage that deals with various makes and models of cars.

The Autodata manuals are available for purchase on CD from www.autodata.ltd.uk, and the cost is between £99 to £570 (exc. VAT). The cost is for annual subscription and includes support.

Disclaimer - As with any other software packages, pirated copies may find their way to private users, but as mentioned before we do not condone obtaining any copyrighted material without the permission of its owner, and as such we can not provide any advice on the installation or use of Autodata CD.

11
Omega Common Issues and FAQ / Omega Service Intervals - Part 1
« on: 11 July 2006, 22:58:02 »
Engine Oil and Filter - service intervals

Vauxhall say: up to model year 1999 every 10,000 miles, from 2000 - every 20,000 miles, or one year whichever comes first. This is assuming ‘ideal’ driving conditions.
4500 miles for 2.5TD!

We say: Vauxhall’s ‘ideal’ driving conditions do not exist… change oil and filter every 5,000 miles under ‘normal’ driving conditions, or 3,000 miles if the vehicle is used mainly for short journeys. Frequent oil and filter changes are the single most important factor affecting engine’s reliability and service life.
3000 miles max for 2.5TD

Engine Oil - type

Vauxhall say: Semi-synthetic or Full-synthetic with any of the following viscosities, depending on external temperatures:
0W-30, 0W-40, 5W-30, 5W-40, 10W-30, 10W-40

We say: Best bet is Vauxhall own-brand Semi-synthetic 10W-40. This is a low cost and high quality oil which, with frequent oil changes, will keep your Omega engine going forever.

You can also opt for any good brand full-synthetic oil 10W-40 or 5W-40, or Vauxhall new Super-synthetic 5W-30.


Manual Transmission Fluid

Vauxhall say: no specified fluid change for manual transmission – suggesting the fluid should good for the life of the vehicle.

We say: TBA

Note that the fluid used by Vauxhall is reddish and very similar in appearance to ATF – which is why we recommend that in the event of changing manual transmission fluid the correct Vauxhall product is used. There are three different types of fluid specified by Vauxhall depending on the manufacture date.


Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF)

Vauxhall say: Automatic transmission oil change is required every 60,000 miles or six years, but only under ‘extreme’ operating conditions i.e. when towing of when using the car as a taxi.

We say: change fluid anyway at 40,000 to 60,000 miles / six years, regardless of operating conditions.

Also, a change of transmission fluid (and either cleaning or replacing the filter) is the first port of call when dealing with ANY sort of automatic transmission problems – you will be surprised how many boxes were revived by this simple measure after having been written-off by main dealers…  

Vauxhall own ATF is quite expensive, you can use any good-brand full-synthetic ATF but it MUST be to Dexron III spec.

 
Power assisted Steering (PAS) Fluid

There is no scheduled interval for PAS fluid change, but if it needs topping up then the correct fluid is ATF Dexron II. For some reason Vauxhall say that Dexron III should NOT be used for PAS, only Dexron II.


Engine Coolant

Conventional coolant (green/blue)

Vauxhall say: Vehicles up to model year 2000 were supplied with conventional engine coolant, which should be replaced every two years.

We say: Every two years, and you will not be doing the engine any harm if you change the coolant every year.

Also, the cooling system should be flushed using one of several methods which you will find detailed elsewhere in this forum – ranging from very mild for vehicles where the system is in good condition to quite violent and aggressive methods for older/dirtier systems…

Silicate Free / Long Life coolant (red/orange)

Vauxhall say: Later models where supplied with Long Life engine coolant. Vauxhall specify that this type of coolant is good for the life of the vehicle and does not need replacing – ever… (but on the coolant container itself it says that it should be replaced every five years).

Vauxhall also say that the long-life coolant can be retro-fitted to older vehicles, providing that the cooling system is thoroughly drained and flushed.

We say: The long-life coolant is better than the standard one because it provides improved anti-corrosion protection of the alloy heads, but either way it should be replaced frequently and the cooling system should be flushed.

You can use either Vauxhall’s own-brand coolant, or any other good brand product.


Brake Fluid

Vauxhall say: Change very two years regardless of mileage.

We say: yes…

You can use any good-brand DOT4 brake fluid.


Spark Plugs

Vauxhall say: Petrol engines 2.0 / 2.5 / 3.0 – every 40,000 miles or four years. Petrol engines 2.2 / 2.6 / 3.2 – every 80,000 miles or eight years.

We say: The spark plugs will probably last that long…. But they will deteriorate. For the cost of a set of spark plugs (around £3 each) and the hour or so it takes to replace them – don’t wait for 40,000 or 80,000 miles. The actual replacement interval is down to the individual owner.

Vauxhall own-brand spark plugs (made by Bosch) are very good and represent best value for money, we do not recommend using other brand of spark plugs on the Omega.


[size=12][/size]

12
Omega General Help / PAS Fluid question
« on: 17 February 2008, 16:41:06 »
Checked the PAS fluid level today, level is correct but the stuff has a burnt smell to it...

So a fluid change may be in order (ATF Dexron-II iirc). But the question is if the PAS reservoir works like the brake fluid reservoir, i.e. it does not circulate in the system and changing just the fluid in the bottle will not help much, or is it circulating i.e. like the auto gearbox in which case I will get away with two or three reservoir-only ATF changes?

Problem is that in spite of the sunny day it is freezing cold, and I am trying to minimise my exposure to the elements so would prefer a quick job to a proper one...  :(


13
Omega General Help / Wishbones wear?
« on: 05 January 2008, 00:53:55 »
How do you check for wishbone bushes wear? Look for back-to-front movement?

Thanks....



14
Omega General Help / Vibration at speed and when braking
« on: 15 October 2007, 15:15:45 »
Hi All,

I have two problems now…

When travelling at 70mph or higher (ehem… a theoretical issue obviously) there is a slight vibration at the steering wheel. You can't actually see the steering wheel move if you look at it, but the feeling is similar to driving on a coarse surface. It isn’t too bad as such, but it wasn’t there before (and the M2 has only recently been resurfaced so it can’t be that… )

The second is that when braking hard from around 60mph (there are a lot of speed cameras on the A2…), there is a noticeable vibration in the car. It is felt through the steering wheel in a similar slight way as when driving at 70mph, but it mainly manifests itself in jerky movements of the auto shift gear lever. The lever rocks back and forth and does so in a much more noticeable way then the steering wheel.

The latter got me thinking that this is not simply a case of failed or perished suspension component, but perhaps an engine or gearbox mount, or even a combination of a failed mount and failed suspension component…

For the record, I had in the past vibration problems when braking, but this was far stronger than the current ones, and never while driving only when braking. In any case around 2k miles ago I replaced the front wheel bearings, brake discs and pads with original Vx items and the car was driving and braking perferctly and smoothly until now. So not sure if the current problem is related...

Getting under the car is not easy as I am parked in the street, so I would like to compile a check-list of all the usual suspects before crawling under the thing… so any suggestions will be appreciated.


15
Omega General Help / Vauxhall Dealers....?
« on: 12 July 2006, 16:02:30 »
We all know what Vauxhall dealers are like…

Below are two real invoices from a Vauxhall Dealer. They are 4 years apart, and relate to two different vehicles – both are Omega V6.

Can you spot what is not right with them? Each one has one detail that is blatantly wrong.

Just to remind you that these are real invoices (not fake) which haven’t been modified in any way either than hiding name and address details.

No prises I’m afraid… :)









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