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[TheBoy]

Your local parts manager is talking rubbish.  Earlier specifications are easy to get hold of, even if Vauxhall no longer supply it.

[Lizzie Zoom]

Thanks for all the comments, which I have heeded.

I will be seeking Dex 3 and returning to Vx the Dex VI

[dave the builder]

Thanks for all the comments, which I have heeded.

I will be seeking Dex 3 and returning to Vx the Dex VI

Give him a kick in his mangina for suggesting   Dex VI 

[Doctor Gollum]

Thanks for all the comments, which I have heeded.

I will be seeking Dex 3 and returning to Vx the Dex VI

Including what you have added?

[Lizzie Zoom]

I have noted the comments about using Dexron VI and raised it with the Caffyns main dealer parts manager.

However, he has assisted me for 18 years with GM / Vx parts and is very familiar with the Vx Omega, as many of those used to go through the servicing department, and he had to organise the supply of parts.  He has assured me this morning that Dexron III has been superseded by Dexron VI within the existing, ex GM range, now recommended for my car. He is adamant that this is so, and indeed very suitable for my particular Omega, and even beneficial for it.

I have to say this is backed up by information on line from the stockist of these oils, with comparisons of the two products, such as on takeuoil.com/dexron-3-Vs Dexron 6 who specify that unlike Dexron 3 which " is a fully synthetic fluid", Dexron 6 "is a blended synthetic oil" and ".... "is specifically designed for old GM vehicles".

In another general reference on-line it is stated, in answer to "is dexron VI compatible with dexron III power steering?" , "....Yes. DEXRON VI licensed fluids are fully backward compatible and can be used in all applications covered by earlier GM ATF specifications".

So, although of course I respect the opinions of the Omega specialists on here, I cannot ignore all this latest information about Dexron VI.  I will therefore be draining the power system system of whatever is there (which I am not sure of anyway!) and filling with Dexron VI.

If my rubbers start deteriorating.....oh, well that will be the end of my twenty year old jalopy :'( :'( :'(  

Once again, thanks all for your advice

[TheBoy]

That info is incorrect. TIS itself warns about it.

It was always envisaged that the Dextrin ATFs would be backwards compatible, but that proved problematic in some scenarios, hence specific information when that happened.

Given the easy availability of the correct spec fluid, I personally think you would be radio rental to put in stuff that your parts manager claims is fine, given that I bet he doesn't really know his arse from his elbow, going from previous threads...

But, your car, your choice 

[Doctor Gollum]

I have noted the comments about using Dexron VI and raised it with the Caffyns main dealer parts manager.

However, he has assisted me for 18 years with GM / Vx parts and is very familiar with the Vx Omega, as many of those used to go through the servicing department, and he had to organise the supply of parts.  He has assured me this morning that Dexron III has been superseded by Dexron VI within the existing, ex GM range, now recommended for my car. He is adamant that this is so, and indeed very suitable for my particular Omega, and even beneficial for it.

I have to say this is backed up by information on line from the stockist of these oils, with comparisons of the two products, such as on takeuoil.com/dexron-3-Vs Dexron 6 who specify that unlike Dexron 3 which " is a fully synthetic fluid", Dexron 6 "is a blended synthetic oil" and ".... "is specifically designed for old GM vehicles".

In another general reference on-line it is stated, in answer to "is dexron VI compatible with dexron III power steering?" , "....Yes. DEXRON VI licensed fluids are fully backward compatible and can be used in all applications covered by earlier GM ATF specifications".

So, although of course I respect the opinions of the Omega specialists on here, I cannot ignore all this latest information about Dexron VI.  I will therefore be draining the power system system of whatever is there (which I am not sure of anyway!) and filling with Dexron VI.

If my rubbers start deteriorating.....oh, well that will be the end of my twenty year old jalopy :'( :'( :'(  

Once again, thanks all for your advice

All of which entirely misses the point that Dex 3 not backwards compatible with Dex 2 which is what the Omega reverted to.

The dealer is obviously going to tell you what you want to hear because he sees you as a cash cow. And will gladly sell you a new car when they can no longer get parts for the Omega.

[Lizzie Zoom]

I have noted the comments about using Dexron VI and raised it with the Caffyns main dealer parts manager.

However, he has assisted me for 18 years with GM / Vx parts and is very familiar with the Vx Omega, as many of those used to go through the servicing department, and he had to organise the supply of parts.  He has assured me this morning that Dexron III has been superseded by Dexron VI within the existing, ex GM range, now recommended for my car. He is adamant that this is so, and indeed very suitable for my particular Omega, and even beneficial for it.

I have to say this is backed up by information on line from the stockist of these oils, with comparisons of the two products, such as on takeuoil.com/dexron-3-Vs Dexron 6 who specify that unlike Dexron 3 which " is a fully synthetic fluid", Dexron 6 "is a blended synthetic oil" and ".... "is specifically designed for old GM vehicles".

In another general reference on-line it is stated, in answer to "is dexron VI compatible with dexron III power steering?" , "....Yes. DEXRON VI licensed fluids are fully backward compatible and can be used in all applications covered by earlier GM ATF specifications".

So, although of course I respect the opinions of the Omega specialists on here, I cannot ignore all this latest information about Dexron VI.  I will therefore be draining the power system system of whatever is there (which I am not sure of anyway!) and filling with Dexron VI.

If my rubbers start deteriorating.....oh, well that will be the end of my twenty year old jalopy :'( :'( :'(  

Once again, thanks all for your advice

All of which entirely misses the point that Dex 3 not backwards compatible with Dex 2 which is what the Omega reverted to.

The dealer is obviously going to tell you what you want to hear because he sees you as a cash cow. And will gladly sell you a new car when they can no longer get parts for the Omega.

He knows me well enough to fully comprehend that I am keeping the Omega going because I cannot afford, and do not want to spend, the price of this main dealers cars.  As for the parts; he already cannot supply most of those already, as I have spent less than £15 for parts with them over the last 15 months.

He knows I am no “cash cow!”   If I was I wouldn’t keep the omega, but have a nice electric Range Rover, Jaguar, or even a Tesla.  ;

[Lizzie Zoom]

That info is incorrect. TIS itself warns about it.

It was always envisaged that the Dextrin ATFs would be backwards compatible, but that proved problematic in some scenarios, hence specific information when that happened.

Given the easy availability of the correct spec fluid, I personally think you would be radio rental to put in stuff that your parts manager claims is fine, given that I bet he doesn't really know his arse from his elbow, going from previous threads...

But, your car, your choice 

But that is the problem TB.  What is the correct spec?  Even on the OOF there are differing opinions over Dex II & III.  If Dex VI is so wrong, why does the info on the internet, and in the Vx dealers not say that?

God, I just don’t know what to think now, apart from maybe “Fxxk it”, I’ll just put in what I have just paid for and if I get another year or two out of the old girl I will count myself lucky!

Where’s that lottery ticket?!  Well I have won five lucky dips and a £97 prize over the last 3 months!

So, maybe, maybe!!

[dave the builder]

Dex 3 is available at most places ,except the stealer  who's trying to sell you dex 6 

Dex 3 is even on the shelf at HalFRAUDs

pretty much Everyone is saying use Dex 3 ,on a forum of owners who've been running RWD Vauxhalls re- badged Opels for years  ,

apart from your main stealer ,who doesn't stock Dex 3 

I've used Dex 3 in vauxhalls for years ,

 23 years in the Carlton, senny, omega platform ,without ANY issues .

BUT ... your car ,your choice 

want me to save you some cardboard boxes for the PAS leaks Lizzie           

[Doctor Gollum]

When I win the lottery is not a sound long term plan.

Besides, you asked the question on here, were given two possible answers, with a strong lean towards Dex2 due to long term compatibility issues with Dex3. Then, rather than further exploring the differences with those who suggested them, you went to the dealer who told you a third, completely different, thing and decided to run with that.

Makes you wonder why you bothered asking in the first place. 

[Nick W]

And this is where forums fall down, complicating a simple thing to a stupid degree.


The original specification, Dex II is readily available. If anyone has any doubts about backwards compatibility of later fluids, that's the only one to use. Topping up a steering system is a reason to pay a little more on the unit price for a realistic small quantity.


I never had any problems with Dex III in mine which was straight out of the 200l drum at work - no brand worries, dealer visits or other faffing around. Like you would expect in a professional environment.


The only reason I would buy a universal fluid from a dealer is if the cost was cheaper by a large margin. That's about as likely as Boris winning the Century's Most Honest Man Award. Like many others here, I am dubious about advice from main dealers for a car that's physically at least 20 years old, and has many components that were ancient when it was introduced 10 years before that.


Finally, remote diagnosis should be used to point you in the right direction, and money shouldn't be spent until it's actually confirmed.

[dave the builder]

When I win the lottery is not a sound long term plan.

for the cost of just 4 lotto tickets ,a 1 ltr bottle of Dex 3 can be purchased 

I'm not a gambler-holic (I may have made hat word up  ), betting type ,

if I was , I'd put money (about £8  ) on DEX  3 (as recommended by lots of OOFers ) being a safe bet 

You could speak to OPIE OILS Lizzie , IIRC an OOF recommended supplier   
 

[cam.in.head]

i would definately be taking notice of everyone on here and be replacing the fluid as soon as possible with new dex 11. to be 100% certain of not having any issues later down the line .( dex 111 has also proven to work but dex 11 is the reccommended)
its easy to find and easy to change and you know that it works .
nothing else.
its ok for someone to be saying that the modern stuff is ok but theyre not going to replacing your power steering for you when it goes faulty !

[cam.in.head]

also.
once done i wouldnt be surprised for the groaning to still be there.
dry top mounts or antiroll bar drop links would be my guess ?