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[sweeneytodd]

Hi

Just joined.  Wanted Omegas all my life and have owned three.  Currently driving my pride and joy ... a 2003 3.2 Elite Saloon, it even has the colour satnav screen.  I have had it since 2004 and although it only has 26k on the clock I suspect it is going to start costing me money.

Trying to decide if I listen to my pocket or my heart.  Do I spend some money on it and keep it for a few more years or sell it and spend the money on something else ?

The aircon packed up a few months ago.  With the help of an aircon specialist and some dye we have identified the leak is behind the dash but I do not know if it is a seal or the full heat exchanger.  Then just today the steering has gone heavy, although not as heavy as if the engine is off.   Think I need sort this out before it gets serious?  Only other problems I have had were both front door central locking motors.  Apart from them is has been serviced every year by a main dealer and passed every MOT.

All advice, opinions or jokes welcome ...      :-/

[Cybertrucker]

One possibility for your steering is that it's not getting a speed signal from your ABS unit - the Omega has speed-sensitive power steering, so you get more assistance at low speed and more 'feel' at higher speed, and if the power steering doesn't know how fast you're going it doesnt know how much help to give you.  (Mine is currently doing something similar, I think due to an ABS problem.)

[sweeneytodd]

Thanks

IT seems light for about half a turn then gets very heavy.  Your description seems to fit if it thinks it is at motorway speeds all the time.

[Timbuk]

Check the fuse

No 14 iirc

[sweeneytodd]

Timbuk ... yu de man

It was the fuse.  That will teach me to look at the simple things first.

I also know what blew the fuse.  The other day I had pumped up the tyres with a compressor running off the cigarette lighter.  It suddenly stopped working as the cigarette plug broke.  It must have shorted the socket out at the same time.  I had completely forgotten about that and had not driven the car since.

Many many thanks the steering is nice and light again ... I owe you one    8-)

[Timbuk]

Timbuk ... yu de man

It was the fuse.  That will teach me to look at the simple things first.

I also know what blew the fuse.  The other day I had pumped up the tyres with a compressor running off the cigarette lighter.  It suddenly stopped working as the cigarette plug broke.  It must have shorted the socket out at the same time.  I had completely forgotten about that and had not driven the car since.

Many many thanks the steering is nice and light again ... I owe you one    8-)

Easy Fix

[HolyCount]

Back to yuor original dilemma .... in today's market you will get very little for the car. If you keep it at least you know what it's faults are and the guys here can help keep it running at less than the cost a dealer would rob you of charge!  Get something new and you might get a load of unknown probs to deal with.  With 26k on the clock it is a mere youngster  

[TheBoy]

I think you should sell it to me for peanuts

Glad your steering issue is resolved

[TheBoy]

To be honest, main dealer servicing is not great with most dealers.  Good for resale, but it may be worth your while doing most servicing yourself.

[sweeneytodd]

To be honest, main dealer servicing is not great with most dealers.  Good for resale, but it may be worth your while doing most servicing yourself.

I live in an area where there are a few Vauxhall franchises.  This allows me to get a discount from my local dealer, bringing their price down to close to a local 3rd party garage.  They even collect and deliver for free.  This makes the small premium worth while for the main dealer service stamps.  I will start looking locally for other items, such as brake pads etc as car mechanics is not my thing.

Thanks to everyone for the advice    

[Andy B]

..... I will start looking locally for other items, such as brake pads etc as car mechanics is not my thing.

Thanks to everyone for the advice    

If you join the Autobahnstormers for £20, the membership card also doubles up as a Trade Club card that will give you access to some Vauxhall service parts at motorfactor prices ie plugs brake pads & discs, fan belts, filters.  

[alexandjen]

To be honest, main dealer servicing is not great with most dealers.  Good for resale, but it may be worth your while doing most servicing yourself.

I live in an area where there are a few Vauxhall franchises.  This allows me to get a discount from my local dealer, bringing their price down to close to a local 3rd party garage.  They even collect and deliver for free.  This makes the small premium worth while for the main dealer service stamps.  I will start looking locally for other items, such as brake pads etc as car mechanics is not my thing.

Thanks to everyone for the advice    

Where are you in Kent?

[sweeneytodd]

To be honest, main dealer servicing is not great with most dealers.  Good for resale, but it may be worth your while doing most servicing yourself.

I live in an area where there are a few Vauxhall franchises.  This allows me to get a discount from my local dealer, bringing their price down to close to a local 3rd party garage.  They even collect and deliver for free.  This makes the small premium worth while for the main dealer service stamps.  I will start looking locally for other items, such as brake pads etc as car mechanics is not my thing.

Thanks to everyone for the advice    

Where are you in Kent?

I am in Bexley.  Within a short drive we have a few WJ Kings, a couple of Whitmore's, a Penfolds and a Tony Levoi just over the bridge in Essex (Lakeside) where labour rates are lower than kent.  All you need is the nerve to ask for a discount.  Ring a couple for and ask them for their "best price". Call your favourite last ... tell them they are your favourite but they need match the price.  Works a dream.  

[alexandjen]

To be honest, main dealer servicing is not great with most dealers.  Good for resale, but it may be worth your while doing most servicing yourself.

I live in an area where there are a few Vauxhall franchises.  This allows me to get a discount from my local dealer, bringing their price down to close to a local 3rd party garage.  They even collect and deliver for free.  This makes the small premium worth while for the main dealer service stamps.  I will start looking locally for other items, such as brake pads etc as car mechanics is not my thing.

Thanks to everyone for the advice    

Where are you in Kent?

I am in Bexley.  Within a short drive we have a few WJ Kings, a couple of Whitmore's, a Penfolds and a Tony Levoi just over the bridge in Essex (Lakeside) where labour rates are lower than kent.  All you need is the nerve to ask for a discount.  Ring a couple for and ask them for their "best price". Call your favourite last ... tell them they are your favourite but they need match the price.  Works a dream.  

I've used Kings in Dartford quite a lot, allways accept my Trade Club card and give Trade discount on non Trade Club items

[Agemo]

Welcome to the club. I have had that fuse blow on 2 Meegas, not sure why power steering is even electrical but worth remembering.