Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega Electrical and Audio Help => Topic started by: Conradh on 21 November 2017, 15:41:30

Title: Power sounder issues
Post by: Conradh on 21 November 2017, 15:41:30
I’ve got at 1998 2.5 Elite and the powersounder was going off at random times (mainly while driving).  There was no way to stop it but it would got off for 10 seconds at most.  Having read what felt like every post/article on powersounder issues I felt that a new powersounder would sort the issue.  Having acquired a new (manufactured in 2008) one and fitted it it seems to be going off more than the old one I took off.  Again it’s mainly while driving or occasionally when parked up and locked.  Spoke to Vauxhall dealer who I bought it off and they were very helpful saying “check the wiring”.  I’ve also spoken to a non-Vauxhall specialist who said it need to be re-programmed but I don’t believe this to be true?  My next thought is to replace the main car battery but I’m not sure if this will sort it.  Could a poor main battery cause it to go off while driving?  Or is it more likely to be something else like the wiring? 
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: zirk on 21 November 2017, 16:06:41
Personally I would just take it off and chuck it in the Bin, there more trouble than there worth, let alone the Fire Risk issue.
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: ronnyd on 21 November 2017, 16:58:01
Have a read of DaveDNDs excellent post at the top of this Elec Help section, complete with horror pic ;D) Do as most of us have done, remove carefully, then sling it as far as you can. :D. Sorted.
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Conradh on 21 November 2017, 17:09:35
Yes I read DaveDND’s post and found it very helpful.  I would like to throw it in the nearest bin but it wasn’t cheap.  Are there any other associated problems with just removing it?  e.g the Horn going off instead.  Does it need Tech2 (or similar) to say it’s been removed?  I’m assuming from your replies you’ve removed it from your cars.
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: ronnyd on 21 November 2017, 17:21:03
Yes I read DaveDND’s post and found it very helpful.  I would like to throw it in the nearest bin but it wasn’t cheap.  Are there any other associated problems with just removing it?  e.g the Horn going off instead.  Does it need Tech2 (or similar) to say it’s been removed?  I’m assuming from your replies you’ve removed it from your cars.
:y
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: zirk on 21 November 2017, 17:42:28
Yes I read DaveDND’s post and found it very helpful.  I would like to throw it in the nearest bin but it wasn’t cheap.  Are there any other associated problems with just removing it?  e.g the Horn going off instead.  Does it need Tech2 (or similar) to say it’s been removed?  I’m assuming from your replies you’ve removed it from your cars.
Im not a Tech 2 Guru but I dare say there is some setting somewhere to say its been fitted or for dianostics, just unplug it and waterproof the left over cable plug, it doesn't need a Tech 2 or anything to remove it.

If you want to re cover some costs chuck it on eBay, fairly sure there a common item for various VX Models.





Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: amba on 21 November 2017, 18:04:33
Just a thought before condemning the newly acquired Power Sounder.

I had a similar issue some years ago and traced it back to a bonnet switch that wasn't fully closing and causing the alarm to be triggered as it was acting like the bonnet was open.

Just bend the mounting bracket slightly to ensure the top button is being pushed down...not sure if it would effect it,setting alarm off, thought whilst driving
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Conradh on 21 November 2017, 19:39:47
Thanks for all your replies.  Nothing is showing up in the alarm log so I discounted it to do with the bonnet switch setting it off, or something similar.  Ironically it seems ok when it’s parked up and locked...
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: zirk on 21 November 2017, 19:53:48
You can just unplug the bonnet switch for a few days if you wish, just to rule that one out, but that wont be the issue if the sounders going off while your driving I wouldn't have thought..
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Lizzie Zoom on 21 November 2017, 19:58:17
Thanks for all your replies.  Nothing is showing up in the alarm log so I discounted it to do with the bonnet switch setting it off, or something similar.  Ironically it seems ok when it’s parked up and locked...

.........which could mean the viabration when driving is shaking a loose connection and the brief break in the power is setting it off.

I had a problem with my power sounder and replaced it, only to find it still would go off when turning the key in the ignition. It turned out my battery was about to expire, so that was replaced and the problem ceased :D
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Conradh on 21 November 2017, 21:25:56
That’s what I’m thinking it could be as simple as changing the car battery but that’s more expense if it’s not what’s going to solve it.  It might be easier just to remove it then problem solved  :)
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Nick W on 21 November 2017, 22:34:57
If your 'new' sounder has been sitting on a shelf since 2008, then it could be just as knackered as one that's been in use.
Considering that they're a well-known cause of fires in various Vauxhalls, permanent removal is the way to go.
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: omegod on 21 November 2017, 22:57:34
And don't be tempted to keep it on a shelf etc, they still like to burn
Title: Re: Power sounder issues
Post by: Conradh on 22 November 2017, 23:03:05
Thanks for your help,  think it will be goin into the nearest bin!