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[Ralph M]

I recently changed the thermostat on my petrol engined 2002 omega MV6 3.2 litres which has covered 92K, without problems and the running temperature is correct. I have a new fault which only appears occasionally, when the car starts from completely cold as a combination of 2 warning lights traction control and engine management. If I start driving, the car operates in limp home mode, but if I switch the ignition off and restart, all symptoms disappear and the car including traction control, operates correctly throughout my journey. I have a code 1700 signifying a need for vehicle service from the transmission control module, which was not there before I changed the thermostat. I changed the transmission fluid and cleaned its filter 3 months ago, and the transmission operates correctly. I suspect that damp is affecting an electrical connection but I am not sure. Does anyone have some suggestions to solve this? all help will be gratefully received.

It may help to know that the car is returning 28+ MPG on regular trips between North Cheshire and Birmingham, and that its servicing is fully up to date with good running performance.

[TheBoy]

Any codes stored in TCM?

[Andy H]

Did you unplug any sensors when you did the thermostat?

I seem to recall something similar being caused by a knock or cam sensor wire being crushed when work was done at the front of the engine.

[Ralph M]

Thanks for the quick replies.
Re codes in the TCM - I am not sure how to view them.

I have been viewing fault codes by holding the brake & accelerator pedal down before switching on the ignition & counting the flashes.

Re unplugging sensors - when I changed the thermostat , I did not knowingly unplug any sensors, I stuck to the instructions in a thermostat replacement guide in a maintenance on this web site, but I will look for crushed wires.

Thanks again for your help.

[Andy H]

As you have already discovered the pedal trick only gives you codes from the engine ECU.

The guide on Code Readers gives you your options for reading the codes from the other modules.

[Ralph M]

Thanks to everyone for their kind advice. I have discovered that the fault seems to be a transmission selector electrical connection problem. If I start my 2002 Omega MV6 3.2 from cold and select reverse, it engages reverse mechanically but it does not always engage reverse electrically, meaning that the selector reverse light does not illuminate and causes the warning lights plus limp home mode when I select drive. Restarting the car always cures that condition, and joggling the selector in reverse - before selecting drive can usually bring the reverse transmission selector illumination on and prevent the fault. Please can anyone help with suggestions to correct the selector problem?

[Andy B]

...... Please can anyone help with suggestions to correct the selector problem?

Usual advise is to dismantle & clean the gearbox selector switch from the side of the gearbox.

I thought there was a how-to-do for it, but can't find it if there is  :-/

[RobG]

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1231586488/10

[Andy B]

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1231586488/10

It's not a how-to-do then  :-? I thought it was.