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[Dominik]

Hi,
I bought 2001 Omega CD (2.2 auto) of eBay and after pick up few things came up quite quickly…meaning next day. However, I won’t complain as it’s in a pretty good shape for £650 with a full year MOT. Full service history till 100.000. Cam belt at 80.000. Now 130.000 and mileage is consistent with MOT’s.

MOT advisory: small leak of exhaust gases 7.1.2a.

I’m going to do the service: oil, filters etc…but first:

1. When I took the car it was displaying Low Coolant, however, seller said it’s just a sensor. I’ve topped it up slightly above the “Kalt/Cold” level and it’s still showing the message. I’ve disconnected the battery hoping it will reset the computer but no luck…just time travel back to 1997. Polystyrene ball in the coolant container moves freely. There’s no smoke from exhaust. 

2. Day after pick up, after 50miles journey back home the emission control system light is on permanently. Something to do with a leak?

3…most importantly: in the morning the car doesn’t idle at all – stalls immediately. I have to add some throttle to keep it going however the throttle generally is not responsive. However after few attempts it goes beyond 2k revs and if I keep it there for 15-30 seconds it idles fine and drives perfect for the rest of the day. Even if not used for few hours…still stars perfect – it’s only in the morning after 10 or more hours of not using it.
Also the car shakes a bit to the sides giving you a “nice” massaging experience at this time for 1-2 minutes until warmer.

Where should I check first?
Oil to sticky when cold? It can be a case it has done 25.000m without change but level is OK and doesn’t look to bad.
Throttle body needs a clean?
Something to do with coolant sensor error – could it affect computer somehow…?
One or more spark plugs not working properly – thus not balanced engine and shaking?

4. For the general service: oil + filter change, air filter, plugs clean/replacement, pollen filter, fuel filter, auto transmission oil change…anything I’m missing?

Sorry it's so long but probably easier for you if you know more about the car. I’m not a mechanic and never worked on the car (a bit on the motorbikes) but I’m confident things I’ve mentioned above including TB cleaning should be relatively easy with picture guides from this forum. I have Haynes manual as well.

Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Thank  you,
Dominik

[same #same#]

idling problem, should be fine if give it a good clean out the (idler) water bot may need changing to stop info, can pick them up for a £5 at scrapy but it's float may be stuck with muck keeping it open. there is a matainence section on here show you how to clean the idler.

[Andy B]

cam belts should be done every 40 000 miles or 4 years, yours is over due by 10 000 miles

header tank does have a sensor in there, they stick showing the low coolant message like yours. You can ignore it & check like the old days or fit a nice shiney new tank 

[Dominik]

wow...amazing response time...thank you

I believe in my case it's every 80.000m - in the service schedule it says: toothed belt and tensioning pulley - replace every 80k or 8 years. isn't it a weird name for a cam belt? my engine is z22xe. and it was done by a dealer first at 80k. hope I'm right here...

coolant for later than...I'll start with idler.

[Welung666]

wow...amazing response time...thank you

I believe in my case it's every 80.000m - in the service schedule it says: toothed belt and tensioning pulley - replace every 80k or 8 years. isn't it a weird name for a cam belt? my engine is z22xe. and it was done by a dealer first at 80k. hope I'm right here...

coolant for later than...I'll start with idler.

Vauxhall rescinded that, it should be 40K or 4 years, so you are indeed 10K overdue.

[Mr Skrunts]

As others have said, and sounds like in good need of a service.


But yes 40K or 4 years for the timing kit

[Auto Addict]

First priority must be the cambelt, 40,000 miles or 4 years, ignore what your service schedule says, and don't forget to change the water pump.

Re-fill coolant with genuine Vx anti freeze.

Clean out the throttle body and breathers - see Maintenace Guides.

Change the fuel filter.

Fill in your profile - location etc - someone with a code reader may live near to you.