Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: MarkG on 07 July 2008, 21:58:37

Title: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: MarkG on 07 July 2008, 21:58:37
Seen one or two references to it but I don't understand to which models it applies and what it does
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Jimbob on 07 July 2008, 22:01:30
Basically applies to any post '98 Automatic's (rule of thumb)

A Tech2 is plugged into your diag port, reads your gearbox ECU, then talks to TIS.

If there is a later version of 'software' it downloads it to your gearbox.

The result is much smoother gear changes, less hunting for gears, and a feeling of more power.   Highly recommended by everyone who has had it done  :y
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Entwood on 07 July 2008, 22:02:30
It applies to autoboxes only, and I think mini-facelift and facelifts only.

I know mine, facelift, was running on software version 3 ! when TB upgraded it to V9 (I think) and the difference is markedly noticeable, especially when towing.

It appears to change both the rate of change and the RPM (speed) at which the changes occur, as well as when the "lockup" occurs.

All-in-all I think it was money well invested  :y :y :y
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Tony H on 07 July 2008, 23:30:47
Agreed software update is well worth it the G.M gearbox is smooth as it is but after the update it become seamless. What I can't understand though is why they don't have the best software installed when they roll off the production line? :-/ Can anyone enlighten me?
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Andy B on 08 July 2008, 00:01:02
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Agreed software update is well worth it the G.M gearbox is smooth as it is but after the update it become seamless. What I can't understand though is why they don't have the best software installed when they roll off the production line? :-/ Can anyone enlighten me?

No! But again the Senator had 4 different versions of gearbox ECU before they got it right.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: markey mark on 08 July 2008, 03:41:11
i have had it done it makes it very smooth  :y
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Jimbob on 08 July 2008, 07:21:18
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Agreed software update is well worth it the G.M gearbox is smooth as it is but after the update it become seamless. What I can't understand though is why they don't have the best software installed when they roll off the production line? :-/ Can anyone enlighten me?

It had the best software available at the time  :y

The gearbox is used in other cars, and the update was introduced for one of those, and applied across the range.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: A380 Elite on 08 July 2008, 10:21:17
Mark did mine at Telford.

What a difference, when you can, have yours up dated.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: MarkG on 08 July 2008, 10:24:05
OK. Sounds terrific. Who can do it for me anywhere near Northwich, Cheshire?
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Danny on 08 July 2008, 15:28:42
got mine done in widnes matey, mine was on version 8, now on 9

the reason they dont often get done is because its not one of those things that is in major need of doing if it hasnt been done and isnt on a service plan, so people only tend to get them done by personally asking!
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: tunnie on 08 July 2008, 16:20:00
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OK. Sounds terrific. Who can do it for me anywhere near Northwich, Cheshire?

Either Nottingham or Brackley, or at one of the meets.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: MarkG on 19 July 2008, 07:43:36
I had my gearbox updated yesterday morning at Andy Stockton Autocare in Widnes. I just dropped in on my way back from the airport and he did it there and then. Mine was on version 7.  He upgraded it to 9. I'm certain it has made a difference. It was not bad before despite 176k miles but now it is silky smooth. Cost me £30.  Well worth it.

I also asked him about AC updates but there is none available for mine.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: jimmas on 19 July 2008, 08:16:11
I have had it done very recently, and all I can say is what a differance it makes much smoother, a deffo in my book.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 19 July 2008, 08:30:20
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I had my gearbox updated yesterday morning at Andy Stockton Autocare in Widnes. I just dropped in on my way back from the airport and he did it there and then. Mine was on version 7.  He upgraded it to 9. I'm certain it has made a difference. It was not bad before despite 176k miles but now it is silky smooth. Cost me £30.  Well worth it.

I also asked him about AC updates but there is none available for mine.

If yours is a facelift then there is......unless its been done before!
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 19 July 2008, 15:10:03
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I had my gearbox updated yesterday morning at Andy Stockton Autocare in Widnes. I just dropped in on my way back from the airport and he did it there and then. Mine was on version 7.  He upgraded it to 9. I'm certain it has made a difference. It was not bad before despite 176k miles but now it is silky smooth. Cost me £30.  Well worth it.

I also asked him about AC updates but there is none available for mine.
there is if its the original s/w
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: ngrainqey on 19 July 2008, 18:54:09
arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 19 July 2008, 21:33:28
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: ngrainqey on 20 July 2008, 09:54:52
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
oh well... mines 95 so want updates and stuff if there are any
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 20 July 2008, 09:57:36
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
oh well... mines 95 so want updates and stuff if there are any
On a 95 CD model, no worthwhile updates  :'(
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: MartinP on 20 July 2008, 21:54:13
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
oh well... mines 95 so want updates and stuff if there are any
On a 95 CD model, no worthwhile updates  :'(


Can't he change the box?

GHive him something to do  ;)
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 20 July 2008, 23:01:09
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
oh well... mines 95 so want updates and stuff if there are any
On a 95 CD model, no worthwhile updates  :'(


Can't he change the box?

GHive him something to do  ;)
The box is identical, the gearbox ecu is different.  And wired completely differently.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: ngrainqey on 21 July 2008, 17:16:51
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arnt there any updates for <98 gearboxes? :( *feels left out*
Only the ecus fitted to post 98 cars (GS820 and GS821.x) are flashable
oh well... mines 95 so want updates and stuff if there are any
On a 95 CD model, no worthwhile updates  :'(


Can't he change the box?

GHive him something to do  ;)

lol i dont have that much free time on my hands :P
i'v actually been debating changing the gearbox to the ar35 and the 2.0 for the 3.0 :P it's one of those "waits till insurance comes down"
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: humbucker on 21 July 2008, 21:37:22
ive got a borderline 97/98 elite, minifacelift, would the gearbox update be available on my car? i thought it would be but now having doubts..  :(
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Arpy on 21 July 2008, 22:14:22
interesting reading my car is a 2002 does this mean my car could have one of the last versions
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 22 July 2008, 00:56:55
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ive got a borderline 97/98 elite, minifacelift, would the gearbox update be available on my car? i thought it would be but now having doubts..  :(
If its minifacelift (solid headrests, clear headlights, steering wheel audio controls, but the true test, last letter of VIN being a W or X), then it has flashable ECU
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 22 July 2008, 00:57:40
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interesting reading my car is a 2002 does this mean my car could have one of the last versions
Nope. The real worthwhile change came after Omega ceased production.
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Glyn on 22 July 2008, 17:33:44
Hi just had mine updated today to the latest version apparently.£38 Quest motors Maldon.
Makes a big difference as I,ve never been happy with it,especially when towing but I,m happy now,although the big test will be this weekend when we drive to Dorset with five adults with luggage and a caravan.
Also can anyone tell me how to tell what version I have now without connecting the Tech2. As the chap behind the desk didn't know just said its the latest version.
Cheers Glyn
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 22 July 2008, 18:14:13
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Hi just had mine updated today to the latest version apparently.£38 Quest motors Maldon.
Makes a big difference as I,ve never been happy with it,especially when towing but I,m happy now,although the big test will be this weekend when we drive to Dorset with five adults with luggage and a caravan.
Also can anyone tell me how to tell what version I have now without connecting the Tech2. As the chap behind the desk didn't know just said its the latest version.
Cheers Glyn

He didn;t know!

1) It tells you when go to TIS to get the sofwtare downloaded

2) H hsould ahev checked the gearbox summary screen to confirm it had gone in ok!

Chances at it will be V10 given you have a 2.2....but its not certain as there are a few varients of auto box
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Glyn on 22 July 2008, 18:30:21
No he didn't know.
He was just the chap in reception,not the mechanic.
You don,t get to speak to him or see him.You hand your keys over
and sit and watch tv till its done.Which is a shame but I think a lot of dealers are the same nowadays so you can't chat and get info and tips etc.
Glyn
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Proz on 22 July 2008, 18:46:45
Im interested in getting these updates aswell ..... is there anyone that knows anywhere in Scotland that has the machine to do this... or how much would VX charge for the updates to Engine / Gearbox and A/C... ;)
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Glyn on 22 July 2008, 19:05:14
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Im interested in getting these updates aswell ..... is there anyone that knows anywhere in Scotland that has the machine to do this... or how much would VX charge for the updates to Engine / Gearbox and A/C... ;)

Hi proz
The £38 I paid for the gearbox update was from VX Dealer
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Proz on 22 July 2008, 19:08:34
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Im interested in getting these updates aswell ..... is there anyone that knows anywhere in Scotland that has the machine to do this... or how much would VX charge for the updates to Engine / Gearbox and A/C... ;)

Hi proz
The £38 I paid for the gearbox update was from VX Dealer

Hi there ... thats not to bad then .... i thought they would charge a lot more than that :y
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: Arpy on 22 July 2008, 19:47:25
Right sounds like I should have mine done as well
now who can do it around the Preston (lancs)area
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: humbucker on 22 July 2008, 22:10:16
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ive got a borderline 97/98 elite, minifacelift, would the gearbox update be available on my car? i thought it would be but now having doubts..  :(
If its minifacelift (solid headrests, clear headlights, steering wheel audio controls, but the true test, last letter of VIN being a W or X), then it has flashable ECU

ace, looks like i'll be alright then  :y
Title: Re: What's a Gearbox Update?
Post by: TheBoy on 23 July 2008, 18:47:22
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Hi just had mine updated today to the latest version apparently.£38 Quest motors Maldon.
Makes a big difference as I,ve never been happy with it,especially when towing but I,m happy now,although the big test will be this weekend when we drive to Dorset with five adults with luggage and a caravan.
Also can anyone tell me how to tell what version I have now without connecting the Tech2. As the chap behind the desk didn't know just said its the latest version.
Cheers Glyn

He didn;t know!

1) It tells you when go to TIS to get the sofwtare downloaded

2) H hsould ahev checked the gearbox summary screen to confirm it had gone in ok!

Chances at it will be V10 given you have a 2.2....but its not certain as there are a few varients of auto box
V0a, as they decided on hex for some reason