Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: TDS3 on 07 August 2006, 12:57:07

Title: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TDS3 on 07 August 2006, 12:57:07
Hi, i recently bought a 2001 Omega Elite as a runabout, i have noticed it has 2 or 3 gremlins though, more annoying than major.

1. The boot opening button doesn't work on the dash, neither does the TC or alarm button.
2. There appears to be no power to the stereo.
3. The TC/ABS light are on & the speedo doesn't work.

Everything else that i would expect a problem works fine such as power seats, roof, aircon etc....
 If any one can shed any light on these probs i'd be grateful.

The car just passed an MOT today, just needed rear brake shoes.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: nixoro on 07 August 2006, 13:03:34
Quote
Hi, i recently bought a 2001 Omega Elite as a runabout, i have noticed it has 2 or 3 gremlins though, more annoying than major.

1. The boot opening button doesn't work on the dash, neither does the TC or alarm button.
2. There appears to be no power to the stereo.
3. The TC/ABS light are on & the speedo doesn't work.

Everything else that i would expect a problem works fine such as power seats, roof, aircon etc....
 If any one can shed any light on these probs i'd be grateful.

The car just passed an MOT today, just needed rear brake shoes.

TC/ABS + no speedo could be a dirty speed sensor, check the fuse for the stereo although you may have thought of that already, also check the connections to the back of the Alarm and TC button, you may have to remove the radio so make sure you have the code handy before removal.

HTH
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Craig_R on 07 August 2006, 13:12:24
The boot opening button will not work if the key is in the ignition on the early facelifts, it might be that

Craig
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 August 2006, 13:17:22
Two things spring to mind

1) Check the fuses
2) Check the main dash earth on the steering column.

Either way, it sounds like its been buggered with, what radio does it have?
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: nixoro on 07 August 2006, 13:24:11
With regards the ABS/TC and Speedo problem check out this thread http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1152729807

HTH
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 07 August 2006, 15:05:07
Check rear abs sensors, mounted each side of diff...

Many of these I've seen do appear to be ECU problems though... :(
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 07 August 2006, 15:19:08
I thought it woudn't pass the MOT with the ABS light on...?  :o
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 07 August 2006, 15:26:25
As said above, on 2001 Omegas the boot can not be opened while the key is in the ignition (very annoying - I have a 2001 car) which is supposed to be safety feature preventing you from acidentally opening the boot while driving, so this may be the problem. From 2002 onwards, Vx apparently replaced the need ot have the key in the ignition with a delay on the button action - you need to press it for a few seconds before the boot opens.

As for the alarm button, what it does is de-activate the cabin volumetric motion sensors, in case you are leaving a dog in the car. The way to use it is by pressing it just before leaving the car, you then have 15 seconds or so to leave the car and activate the alarm using the key fob.

Having said that, from what you describe you may have an electrical problem under the central console around the radio area, so it is possible that some of the buttons in this area are either diconnected or get no juice.








Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: nixoro on 07 August 2006, 15:26:45
Quote
I thought it woudn't pass the MOT with the ABS light on...?  :o

I have to admit I was told the same by TheBoy when he had a look at my car the other week.

Fortunately my ABS light has stayed off, hopefully for good.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 07 August 2006, 15:32:09
Quote
Quote
I thought it woudn't pass the MOT with the ABS light on...?  :o

I have to admit I was told the same by TheBoy when he had a look at my car the other week.

Fortunately my ABS light has stayed off, hopefully for good.

AFIK you don't have to have ABS, but if you do have ABS then it should be working... Although it isn't actually tested during the MOT. So this bizzare situation means that the only way for the tester to know there is something wrong with the ABS is if the light is on... which is why some people remove the bulb from the dash before MOTing the car. Or worst, before selling it on eBay... Yet another thing to be aware of, and this goes also for any other warning lights such as EML.




Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 07 August 2006, 15:34:17
A car fitted with ABS will fail MOT if the light is permently lit or if ABS light doesn't come on briefly with ignition.  And, before anyone asks, as soon as the car is lifted on the ramps, it is obvious its fitted with ABS...
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 07 August 2006, 15:35:12
Hence the con of wiring ABS light in parallel with EML
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 07 August 2006, 16:27:22
TDS3, note the extra help on the Number One Omega site.....!
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: tunnie on 07 August 2006, 19:12:55
on a 2001 model the boot release button will not work unless the key is in the ignition and turned on to stage II

Check out the maintaince guides for 'Hilpers Boot Mod'

That will show you how to open the boot without the key in the ignition
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Craig_R on 07 August 2006, 20:38:07
tunnie you sure you have that the right way around my boot button will not work unless the key is NOT in the ignition.

Craig
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Kev on 07 August 2006, 20:42:01
Quote
tunnie you sure you have that the right way around my boot button will not work unless the key is NOT in the ignition.

Craig

Mine's is the same as your's Craig.

Well it was, until i carried out the Hilper Mod.  ;)
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TDS3 on 07 August 2006, 23:27:07
Thanks guys. I had a little play tonight and changed the ABS fuse and the Tracs & ABS light is now off for good and my speedo works,and the boot opens & the alarm button lights up too, brilliant lol....now my only problem is the stereo not working still, theres a fuse saying CD but the slot wont hold a fuse at all, it slips out, and the stereo is 2006 model, also in the glove box i have a manual for a sat nav type display but thats not working either although the time/date are ok.  Is there an easy way to remove the stereo without marking the fascia.  ::)
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Craig_R on 07 August 2006, 23:46:58
yep you need some keys to remove the stereo or some nicely bent metal coat hangers to fit in to the small holes on the front Oh also there are some little screws in the holes that need removing first before you can get the bent coat hangers in.

Depending where you are i have a set of the Keys to remove the stereo and i guess other members on here might have a set also

One thing i would check with the stereo is the fuse in the back of it I my memory serves me right there is one there.

Craig
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Taxi_Driver on 08 August 2006, 13:48:43
Quote
tunnie you sure you have that the right way around my boot button will not work unless the key is NOT in the ignition.

Craig

They changed it on the facelifts.....with the keys in and or engine running press the boot button for a short while and the boot will open.....actually thing about it....i seem to recall another taxi driver i know complaining he had to take the keys out if it for the button to work.....he drives a facelift 2.0.....so it may only be the case of the 2.2/2.6/3.2's

Cheers
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 08 August 2006, 15:04:22
It changed around 2001, as Vx must have realised taking keys out everytime was a PITA
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Kev on 08 August 2006, 19:32:54
Quote
It changed around 2001, as Vx must have realised taking keys out everytime was a PITA

So did Hilper!!  ;D
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 08 August 2006, 20:16:30
Quote
yep you need some keys to remove the stereo or some nicely bent metal coat hangers to fit in to the small holes on the front Oh also there are some little screws in the holes that need removing first before you can get the bent coat hangers in.

Depending where you are i have a set of the Keys to remove the stereo and i guess other members on here might have a set also

One thing i would check with the stereo is the fuse in the back of it I my memory serves me right there is one there.

Craig

The key costs around £4 from Halfords or around £2+postage online. The spacing, in case you are making one yourself, is 85mm, and you need two keys.


Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 08 August 2006, 20:18:27
or 4 long thin nails ;)
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 08 August 2006, 20:22:13
Quote
or 4 long thin nails ;)

...glued 85mm apart on a Magnum ice-cream wooden stick....  ;D
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Kev on 08 August 2006, 22:59:22
I've used 4 Allen keys in the past with the ball ends on.

Worked a charm.  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TDS3 on 09 August 2006, 21:02:04
Sorted all the problems, just needed fuse changing, thanks for all the advice.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 09 August 2006, 21:11:35
Which fuse was it - the one on the back of the head unit?
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Jay w on 09 August 2006, 21:53:15
Edited: should have read the entire thread....  :-[
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: nixoro on 10 August 2006, 09:25:28
Quote
Which fuse was it - the one on the back of the head unit?

Certainly sounds the case, had something similar when fitting my current radio.

Any chance of an update TDS3
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Hillper on 10 August 2006, 12:38:39
Quote
on a 2001 model the boot release button will not work unless the key is in the ignition and turned on to stage II

Check out the maintaince guides for 'Hilpers Boot Mod'

That will show you how to open the boot without the key in the ignition


I can't seem to find it!  :'(

Hey, LB, where have you put it?
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Admin on 10 August 2006, 13:12:56
Guide now in maintenance section.

Apologies Hillper.  :-[
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 10 August 2006, 19:27:56
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1155211091
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 11 August 2006, 00:04:44
That's very clever Hillper (how do you know all these things?)!

I am tempted to do this, though I am not convinced that I actually want to - without the added security of the delay added on the 2002 models....

Hmmmm.... Still a very nice fix, Hillper!


Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Hillper on 11 August 2006, 00:16:05
Thanks Mark.

When I found the right part of the circuit diagram, it was obvious.

Don't worry about the lack of delay.  I've not, as yet, accidentally popped it and I can assure you, it's absolutely fantastic (getting a bit excited) being able to pop it with the key in and engine running......Oh how the boring evenings just fly by now, me and the missus take it in turns to pop the boot with the key in.  
Oh, how we laugh!

Edit.  And MarksDTM has promised a delay fix!
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Kev on 11 August 2006, 00:19:34
Quote
Thanks Mark.

When I found the right part of the circuit diagram, it was obvious.

Don't worry about the lack of delay.  I've not, as yet, accidentally popped it and I can assure you, it's absolutely fantastic (getting a bit excited) being able to pop it with the key in and engine running......Oh how the boring evenings just fly by now, me and the missus take it in turns to pop the boot with the key in.  
Oh, how we laugh!
;D

Just for the record, and if you're still concerned about safety, it won't pop if your doors are locked.

My Clifford AG5 locks the doors automatically once i'm moving by monitoring the RPM signal (BlackJax anti hijack feature), so there's no chance of it popping accidentally.  :)

But it truly is great being able to 'pop it' without having to first kill the engine.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Hillper on 11 August 2006, 00:29:07
You're right Kev.

Sadly, I've just been out to see if this is true.

And yes it is!  If the doors are locked, it won't pop at all.

That's a good point.  Thanks.  

Now if only a mod could add that bit to the end of my write-up.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Kev on 11 August 2006, 00:36:32
Quote
You're right Kev.

Sadly, I've just been out to see if this is true.

And yes it is!  If the doors are locked, it won't pop at all.

That's a good point.  Thanks.  

Now if only a mod could add that bit to the end of my write-up.
I prefer it like that anyway.

Besides, someone would usually be getting into or out of the car at the time you're 'popping' so it's not a problem cos you'd have the doors unlocked anyway.

Just gives it that bit of security when you're flying down the M6.   ;)
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 11 August 2006, 08:53:16
Hillpers guide added to with info about locked doors.

Markjay - once I get my Tech2 working properly again, I am looking to see if putting later software on the central locking will fix it.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Hillper on 11 August 2006, 10:47:29
Thanks for the addition J.

I think it's quite likely to be a software mod in the later cars.  Much easier and cheaper for VX to carry out.
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: Markjay on 31 January 2007, 12:12:29
Quote
Hillpers guide added to with info about locked doors.

Markjay - once I get my Tech2 working properly again, I am looking to see if putting later software on the central locking will fix it.

TB, as the issue of the facelift boot opening came up again (is another thread), I was looking into past posts and found this... so I was wondering if this is now a possibility - upgrading the central locking firmware on 2001 cars to open the boot with a push-button delay i.e. 2002-2003 style rather than with the key removed...? I think you can see where I'm getting at...  ;D
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: megaomega123 on 31 January 2007, 13:14:31
Quote
A car fitted with ABS will fail MOT if the light is permently lit or if ABS light doesn't come on briefly with ignition.  And, before anyone asks, as soon as the car is lifted on the ramps, it is obvious its fitted with ABS...

I put a business card in front of a permenant ABS light and it flew through MOT  ;D
Title: Re: Minor Electrical Probs!
Post by: TheBoy on 31 January 2007, 16:17:37
Quote
Quote
Hillpers guide added to with info about locked doors.

Markjay - once I get my Tech2 working properly again, I am looking to see if putting later software on the central locking will fix it.

TB, as the issue of the facelift boot opening came up again (is another thread), I was looking into past posts and found this... so I was wondering if this is now a possibility - upgrading the central locking firmware on 2001 cars to open the boot with a push-button delay i.e. 2002-2003 style rather than with the key removed...? I think you can see where I'm getting at...  ;D
I haven't checked  :-[