Omega Owners Forum
Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: Sir Sideways on 09 November 2015, 19:35:50
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I have a 3.0 auto elite (p reg) and have been wondering what gains their is to be had from an update. Is it worth doing and is anyone close to Staffordshire that could offer their services and how much £££?
Regards
Jim
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Had this idea myself before; it is possible that your/our age of autobox software cannot be updated. If it can, however, it's meant to be a worthwhile update, making it a bit more 'intelligent' and picking the right gear more often. :y
I spoke to MarksDTM regarding tech2 work and at some point will be availing myself of his services.
Another idea I had was to investigate whether a later gearbox ECU can be sourced and fitted, which will definitely allow the update. I've drawn a blank if thisis possible, as yet, but I'll keep digging :)
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Thanks DBG, ill need to find out if mine can be updated - anyone have an idea to find out?
The later ecu sounds a good idea, might have a trip to a scrappy and relieve one.
Thanks for the reply
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Thanks DBG, ill need to find out if mine can be updated - anyone have an idea to find out?
The later ecu sounds a good idea, might have a trip to a scrappy and relieve one.
Thanks for the reply
ECUs aren't (easily) interchangeable.
1997? If it PFL or MFL? PFL not upgradable, MFL is.
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:'( mines a PFL (p plate). Thanks TB for the reply.
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Thanks TB. Right, new gearbox time, then! :D
To the OP, the world and his mate on OOF are always upgrading their gearboxes for the stronger AR35, and I have seen AR25 boxes (same as yours, mine, and the majority of Auto Omegas) actually given away or sent to the scrap man with no takers.
Either see if anyone's got one at the moment spare - if not, if you hold off and keep an eye out for anyone posting a 'wanted' ad for a AR35, they're sure to have a gearbox going begging at some point in the near future. :y
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I have an ECU from my '99 3L MV6 that was converted to manual - it has the latest(last) software already on it but I've no idea if it is a direct swap, I can provide photos of the connector if it helps.
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yes please SJC, although would a ar35 ecu be suitable for a ar25?
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is this update available on a 2000 FL AR25? If so whats the benefits :)
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is this update available on a 2000 FL AR25? If so whats the benefits :)
FASTER 0-60!
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is this update available on a 2000 FL AR25? If so whats the benefits :)
FASTER 0-60!
Exactly what I'm thinking ;D
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yes please SJC, although would a ar35 ecu be suitable for a ar25?
I thought all 3L autos had the AR35 box, no?
Pm me you VIN number and I'll check on EPC for you.
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PM sent
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All 3.0/3.2 have AR35, all others are AR25. AR25 is normally fine where fitted, except on the 2.5TD, where it has a tendency to fail at about 120k, or within a few hundred miles if chipped.
Pre 1998 are not flashable. 1998 - 2001 GS820 are flashable, and the v9 (6 cylinder)/vA (4 cylinder) is particularly refined. 2001-2003 GS821, as fitted to 2.2, 2.6, 3.2 are flashable, but lack the refinement of the later firmwares for GS820.
ECUs are not interchangeable between "eras".
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Thanks TB, very helpful and useful answer.
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Good point, missed the fact the OPs was a 3.0/AR35 already. :y
There's plenty of very useful info to be had here :)
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So, in simple terms for me..... whats the advantages of doing this and can I do it to my 2000 2.5? sorry I don't really understand technical terms like ''flashing''........I always thought that's why STEMO occasionally left the forum :-\ ;D
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So, in simple terms for me..... whats the advantages of doing this and can I do it to my 2000 2.5? sorry I don't really understand technical terms like ''flashing''........I always thought that's why STEMO occasionally left the forum :-\ ;D
....and this autobox update..... was it something that Vauxhall, back in the day, said ''come and get an update on the autobox''...kinda like a recall?
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So, in simple terms for me..... whats the advantages of doing this and can I do it to my 2000 2.5? sorry I don't really understand technical terms like ''flashing''........I always thought that's why STEMO occasionally left the forum :-\ ;D
....and this autobox update..... was it something that Vauxhall, back in the day, said ''come and get an update on the autobox''...kinda like a recall?
it wasnt a recall, justthe newer cars came out with the updated software ... smoother gear changes etc. I dare say if you had your car serviced by Vx, then they would update it while the car was there. It happens all the time, back in the days of the Senator, there were about 3 updated gearbox ECUs ... but that was back before you could update the electrickery in the box, it needed a new/different ECU with the updated software on it
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Thanks Andy, that makes sense.
Can it increase performance? (I promise I wont take over thisthread with 0-60 bollards ;D but just curious) :y
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Very few dealers updated firmwares as a matter of course when servicing.
Most GS820 TCM's left the factory with v5, and probably still are that unless enthusiasts have managed to get the update.
Webby, the later firmware for yours provides a more refined gear change, better drive out of corners and slightly tweaked learning changepoints.
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Very few dealers updated firmwares as a matter of course when servicing.
Most GS820 TCM's left the factory with v5, and probably still are that unless enthusiasts have managed to get the update.
Webby, the later firmware for yours provides a more refined gear change, better drive out of corners and slightly tweaked learning changepoints.
So worth doing?
Maybe when I pop over with your headlight adjuster (and beer tokens/whatever you charge) could you chuck it on't tech2 for me?
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I had the update done and cannot say that i noticed any difference
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My Omega was updated before OOF began ...... I could tell a difference ;)
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My Omega was updated before OOF began ...... I could tell a difference ;)
Mine was on a 2002 AR25 box. And it was at the time having 2-3 solenoid problem Which was easily sorted once the box went in the skip ;D ;D ;D
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Which was easily sorted once the box went in the skip ;D ;D ;D
;D ;D ;D
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
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How do you tell what software version you have on your gearbox ?
I've a CID in my car. Can it be brought up on that by manipulating any buttons or will my slightly dodgy laptop based Chinese friend tell me ?
What was the last update number for the Ar35 ?
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Grab the live data snapshot using your com of the op variety., the resulting file should have the ecu info....post it up
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Cheers mate. I'll grovel to TB :y
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If you have no 'change' problems with the 'auto box' leave alone, the AR35 is the best of the 'auto's' fitted to the OMEGA, best advise, change the 'fluid' and clean the auto box filter every 80k, this advise is for any 'auto box'. The manufactures do not care as the car's 'guarantee' will of expired on these cars at 75k, however for the second hand owners it is important to do the change, then check the content of 'auto box sump' pieces of 'plastic like' material which can mean that there big problems around the corner. There is great advise available on this site from extremely good mechanical engineers.
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I had the update done and cannot say that i noticed any difference
Was it a 2.6/3.2? All the best refinements were not retro added to their firmwares.
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Gearbox is identical and interchangeable throughout the Omega range, accepting the greater power capabilities of the AR35 which is essential for the TD and the larger V6's.
Its the ECUs that vary.
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Cheers mate. I'll grovel to TB :y
http://theboy.omegaowners.com
I'll do you a deal. I'll put it on, you drive around for a couple of weeks, if you think its worth the money, you then pay. If you don't, you can have it for free. No obligations or expectations.
Given your sedate driving style, I think the biggest benefit would be the smoother changes, esp the tc lockup in 4th.
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Cheers mate. I'll grovel to TB :y
http://theboy.omegaowners.com
I'll do you a deal. I'll put it on, you drive around for a couple of weeks, if you think its worth the money, you then pay. If you don't, you can have it for free. No obligations or expectations.
Given your sedate driving style, I think the biggest benefit would be the smoother changes, esp the tc lockup in 4th.
Now theres an offer you cannot turn down . . . . can you ? :o :o
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Cheers mate. I'll grovel to TB :y
http://theboy.omegaowners.com
I'll do you a deal. I'll put it on, you drive around for a couple of weeks, if you think its worth the money, you then pay. If you don't, you can have it for free. No obligations or expectations.
Given your sedate driving style, I think the biggest benefit would be the smoother changes, esp the tc lockup in 4th.
No. Ill do you a deal. You put it on and I pay! You've helped me so much over the last few years I'll do anything to repay the debt (though I draw the line at what STEMO probably is thinking) ;D
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Gearbox is identical and interchangeable throughout the Omega range, accepting the greater power capabilities of the AR35 which is essential for the TD and the larger V6's.
Its the ECUs that vary.
Thanks TB. Aware that it's only the ECU that's the difference, but just thought/assumed if I were going down the route of a new ECU for my box, I might as well kill two birds and get a whole AR35 while I'm at it. Also not sure I've seen anyone selling just the gearbox ECU before? Got a mate with an old AR35 kicking around in his shed which I may avail myself of one day. As I say, though, not in any rush as my current gearbox has literally nothing wrong with it and did the oil not 1 month ago. On the cards, though, and yourself or Mark shall be getting the business :y Thanks :)
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I think your issue with changing the ECU is that it will not be compatible with the wiring loom in your car. The box and the wiring to the box itself is the same for all 3L V6s but the ECU and its wiring have differences that I can't imagine are easily overcome.
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I had the update done and cannot say that i noticed any difference
Was it a 2.6/3.2? All the best refinements were not retro added to their firmwares.
None of the above ;D ;D It was that silver 2.2 i had.But the box was playing up anyway before the update,So it got replaced with another Known good one.
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Gearbox is identical and interchangeable throughout the Omega range, accepting the greater power capabilities of the AR35 which is essential for the TD and the larger V6's.
Its the ECUs that vary.
Thanks TB. Aware that it's only the ECU that's the difference, but just thought/assumed if I were going down the route of a new ECU for my box, I might as well kill two birds and get a whole AR35 while I'm at it. Also not sure I've seen anyone selling just the gearbox ECU before? Got a mate with an old AR35 kicking around in his shed which I may avail myself of one day. As I say, though, not in any rush as my current gearbox has literally nothing wrong with it and did the oil not 1 month ago. On the cards, though, and yourself or Mark shall be getting the business :y Thanks :)
You wont notice any difference between an ar25 and ar35 on a 2.5v6, apart from the extra weight. Stick with what you have
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I had the update done and cannot say that i noticed any difference
Was it a 2.6/3.2? All the best refinements were not retro added to their firmwares.
None of the above ;D ;D It was that silver 2.2 i had.But the box was playing up anyway before the update,So it got replaced with another Known good one.
2.2 got all the refinements with v9 and vA :y
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Webby, I've heard good things about it, perhaps the difference for me would be the most noticeable, because I'm on the 'grandpa' software, being a '96 car. More of a faff for me, as it means changing my entire gearbox and throwing my old one (with a brand new filter and fluid that's done 500miles) in the skip with BIGtimes, might wait until my thrust washer fails, then change... however for yourself would be a simpler case of getting plugged in to TB's or Mark's Tech 2 and 2 mins later you're cruising in an even cooler fashion than ever before. I'd get it done if I were you :)
Gearbox is identical and interchangeable throughout the Omega range, accepting the greater power capabilities of the AR35 which is essential for the TD and the larger V6's.
Its the ECUs that vary.
Thanks TB. Aware that it's only the ECU that's the difference, but just thought/assumed if I were going down the route of a new ECU for my box, I might as well kill two birds and get a whole AR35 while I'm at it. Also not sure I've seen anyone selling just the gearbox ECU before? Got a mate with an old AR35 kicking around in his shed which I may avail myself of one day. As I say, though, not in any rush as my current gearbox has literally nothing wrong with it and did the oil not 1 month ago. On the cards, though, and yourself or Mark shall be getting the business :y Thanks :)
You wont notice any difference between an ar25 and ar35 on a 2.5v6, apart from the extra weight. Stick with what you have
Ah, didn't realise they were any heftier, suppose it makes sense. Next year the G-cam mod is coming, but I imagine the existing box will be able to cope with the extra few bhp/torques that will produce, then? Thanks. Might have a low mileage AR35 for sale soon, then, everyone! :y
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You will be unlucky if you get a 2.5 v6 to destroy a well maintained AR25 :)