Omega Owners Forum
Chat Area => General Discussion Area => Topic started by: Omega_on_fire on 22 January 2011, 23:15:42
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Had the same thing happen as Mantagte just 2 days after them!
Same thing happened as others. Parked car, went in, was watching Independence Day for about an hour when I heard what sounded like a car horn. Went out saw flames coming from under the bonnet just in front of the drivers side of the windsceen. Thought "oh s**t!" Chucked a couple of buckets of water over it, no good. Opened the door to put it in neutral and move it away from house but was forced back by the thickest toxic black smoke (which i hadn't seen inside the car as it was dark). It was then that I saw flames on the drivers side of the cabin and realised this fire had started a while ago and had taken hold. Totally helpless. Meanwhile the fire brigade had been called and got here in the nick of time before the car port - 3 feet in front of it - caught fire.
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(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200008.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200038.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200009.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200034.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200012.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200024.jpg)
(http://i602.photobucket.com/albums/tt106/brianscotcher/2011_01200027.jpg)
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:o :o
Bit of T-cut needed I think
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And a few videos of the fire in progress (FAR TOO CLOSE to the house) and it being taken away the next day.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6HORKJz2e5I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AJxe3lxXZ3I
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lkawwNeoSHA
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What a distressing sight. :( :(
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Damned shame! :'(
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:o Oh, dear-Lord!!!!! :o
Another otherwise lovely Miggy (same colour as mine too!), ruined be these stupid powersounders! :'(
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Yep, on a serious note, so sorry to see your pride and joy in such a state :(
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gutted for you :( :( :( :(
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This looks like the Polish Chapter of OOF? Known over there as OOOF! :(
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2HqkHxOsk3I
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JohnnyCool - Thats alright mate. Up until the point I realised that it was on fire inside the cabin as well as the bonnet, I too was thinking a bit of T-Cut would sort it :D.
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Bloody Hell!! Hope your all ok?
A car can be replaced :y
What was the problem that caused the fire? Power Sounder??
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
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Bloody Hell!! Hope your all ok?
A car can be replaced :y
What was the problem that caused the fire? Power Sounder??
Dodgy welding? ;D ;D
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes, and just as dangerous (which reminds me, I really should get rid of mine) :-[
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Thought it must be the Power Sounder as damage is identical to Mantagte's poor car, and mostly restricted to the drivers side.
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
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Another one! Sorry for your loss.... :(
This is clearly an Omega problem, do Vauxhall not have to take some sort of responsibility for this, clearly this has to be a design fault.....At what point does a manufacturer not have an obligation to resolve a common problem...???
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removed the one from dads facelift today
he said he isnt taking the risk
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
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Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
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I'm absolutely lost for words that the Omega has a suicide device built into it. :o
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
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Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
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I have just read the other guys thread :(
Like Andy said in the other thread I think, the batteries corrode then leak onto the wiring causing these terrible pictures.
They do last a while, but I would never fit a secondhand one as I have had people wanting them replaced.. From the top of my head £60 ish for a new one.
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
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Hmmm.. me too I think, but would need to avoid eye contact with the insurance assessor, as i'm too bloody truthful for my own good I reckon! ::) ;D
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
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Hmmm.. me too I think, but would need to avoid eye contact with the insurance assessor, as i'm too bloody truthful for my own good I reckon! ::) ;D
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I know the feeling.... :D :D
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
[/highlight]
Hmmm.. me too I think, but would need to avoid eye contact with the insurance assessor, as i'm too bloody truthful for my own good I reckon! ::) ;D
[/highlight]
I know the feeling.... :D :D
Is that so?? ::)
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
[/highlight]
Hmmm.. me too I think, but would need to avoid eye contact with the insurance assessor, as i'm too bloody truthful for my own good I reckon! ::) ;D
[/highlight]
I know the feeling.... :D :D
Is that so?? ::)
It is Yes..... :P :P
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I think Vauxhall should take the blame.
Cars are on fire, due to their design.
I think a court case is worth while here.
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I really need to check if my own ticking time fire ball has been disconnected or removed asap.
Gutted for you man, amazing how destructive some leaking batteries can be.
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Sorry for yet another sad loss due to that wonderful powersounder :'(
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Can I pick your brains please chaps. Do these power sounders (which I had never heard of until 45 mins ago) exist on the facelifted Omegas as well as the originals? I only ask as I want another one, but the Mk1's seem to be thinning out.
Yes mate they do! & i'm seriously contemplating binning mine now! :o
[/highlight]
Let me know how after you have sorted yours, or perhaps we could have a power sounder party.. ;D ;D I know mine works because it went off a couple of times when the batter was changed.. :D :D
The way things seem to be going with these things Mike, I either bin it now or get ready for an impromtu barbecue :o :D (you will defo get an invite before the flames die down, don't worry! ;D)
Thanks Phil, given the number of cars on fire, or just saved, think this needs to go, wonder which way the insurance company would rather go.... :D :D :D not that i would say anything, just plead ignorance.. ::) ::)
[/highlight]
Hmmm.. me too I think, but would need to avoid eye contact with the insurance assessor, as i'm too bloody truthful for my own good I reckon! ::) ;D
Why would you ever need to talk to an insurance assessor? You don't think anyone is going to steal an omega. ;D ;D ;D
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I think Vauxhall should take the blame.
Cars are on fire, due to their design.
I think a court case is worth while here.
agreed.. definitely..
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why should they?.the newest omega is over 6 years old now.its not just vauxhall that have this prob,any alarm thats got a back up siren with built in bats will do the same.i had a calibra go up where the bat for the tracker leaked and shorted out
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why should they?.the newest omega is over 6 years old now.its not just vauxhall that have this prob,any alarm thats got a back up siren with built in bats will do the same.i had a calibra go up where the bat for the tracker leaked and shorted out
its a production fault :( , did they write a warning about that in the handbok ?
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bmw used to use rechargeable bats on the back of the speedo for the service ind lights.they used to leak and short out the clocks and have heard of a few going up in flames.if you use those sort of bats on any car they will keak in the end.so in my eyes you cant blame vauxhall for it
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I really feel for you, and it is yet another sad example of what happens if you keep an old *@$"*+£%!! powersounder in too long; disaster ensues!! :'( :'( :'( :'(
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My power sounder has been chirping for a few weeks now. It was a job I was "going to get round too". After reading the recent posts, B0llocks to that, :o :o :o just been out to the car and whipped it out :)
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My power sounder has been chirping for a few weeks now. It was a job I was "going to get round too". After reading the recent posts, B0llocks to that, :o :o :o just been out to the car and whipped it out :)
I hope the neighbours didn't see you :o
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My power sounder has been chirping for a few weeks now. It was a job I was "going to get round too". After reading the recent posts, B0llocks to that, :o :o :o just been out to the car and whipped it out :)
I hope the neighbours didn't see you :o
Typical, I was half expecting a comment like that when I saw you were online Steve. :P
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;D ;D ;D ;D
EDIT - At the above comments not the car in flames thing :y
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I've disconnected most of mine I'll have to check the latest aquisition. :y
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.......and whipped it out.....
"Blazing Saddles!" ;D
Bart, on grandstand to the townspeople:
"Excuse me while I jus`whip this out"
Reaches into waistline; as crowd gasps, screams and ladies, faint; Bart pulls out paper, they sigh with relief. ;D
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Not good .. but please see post #72 in
http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1295287318/60#60
Lets do some OOF research .. :y :y
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Just to clarify, is it sufficient to disconnect and leave in-situ, or should it actually be removed?
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Just to clarify, is it sufficient to disconnect and leave in-situ, or should it actually be removed?
full removal is safest, Dave DND reported a box of them, that was too warm sat on the shelf, so get rid completely imho.
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It beggars belief why VX didn't give out an announcement of this problem let alone do a recall. >:( After all it is a very serious problem. When you concider some of the recalls manufacturers have done in the past for reletively minor problems. :-[
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From what I can gather, this is all makes and models, not VW specific.
It would be interesting to know if a car went to VX all its life for services if they would ever mention it should be replaced (well ok, it wouldnt, we all know they wouldnt suggest it)
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Its ironic that a device intended to protect the car should end up destroying it.
Mine went in the bin a long time ago after reading reports of how dangerous they can be. I would urge everyone to chuck them away as they serve no usefull purpose.
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While I accept, and commiserate with those who have had,the serious problems, I wonder if the "disconnect at all costs" approach is correct ??
I replaced my PS 15 months ago after it started "chirping"... the built in warning of a problem. I wonder how many of the "fire" causing ones actually chirped at some time in the past and were ignored ??
The list of cars, so far, are 97, 98, 99.
If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??
:(
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While I accept, and commiserate with those who have had,the serious problems, I wonder if the "disconnect at all costs" approach is correct ??
I replaced my PS 15 months ago after it started "chirping"... the built in warning of a problem. I wonder how many of the "fire" causing ones actually chirped at some time in the past and were ignored ??
The list of cars, so far, are 97, 98, 99.
If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??
:(
Why take the risk? just whizz it. Better it get nicked than set on fire outside your house.
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Mine started chirping some time ago, (02 facelift ), so I cut it open and replaced the batteries. Not a big job, I think I got them from Maplins or Farnell (?). Thing is if it takes 5-10 years before it starts to leak, that will be 2016 before its a problem for me.
Ken
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Mine started chirping some time ago, (02 facelift ), so I cut it open and replaced the batteries. Not a big job, I think I got them from Maplins or Farnell (?). Thing is if it takes 5-10 years before it starts to leak, that will be 2016 before its a problem for me.
Ken
Why? what purpose does the powersounder serve? these cars are impossible to start without the correct key :)
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If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire ?? Could it be there is a "batch" of PSs that are more prone to problems than others ??
:(
I could very well believe that different batches of sounders (and, particularly, the batteries within them) behave quite differently at the end of their lives.
Kevin
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If the problem was purely age .. why haven't the older ones all caught fire
dont think they were fitted to the early 96 and earlier models
different alarm system if i remember rightly
my 95 does not and never has had a power sounder fitted
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I've two questions:
1. Can the ps be tested simply with the following sequence?
ignition on then off, wait 5 mins then open bonnet, wait another 5 then disconnect the battery.
presumably if neither of these actions don't set it off, then either it isn't there or it's fubared :-/
2. Were they fitted to the plod mobiles?
Mine doesn't have an alarm switch under the bonnet, so will it be less likely to have a ps?
I feel for your losses. Having a car nicked is bad enough, but having to watch it go up outside your home :'(
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As far as I can see from the Haynes wiring diagram, a few items are fed with no low-value fuses.
On FV5 (80 Amp) are the Powersounder, the alarm control module and the ignition key transponder. I guess the powersounder with its failing NiCads is the only one that calls FV5's bluff.
I've not had a fire yet (quickly checks through curtains) but had disconnected my PS long before I joined this forum, so probably when the car was about five years old (2000 F/L). This due to sporadic false-alarms during the night. Replaced PS early 2010 when someone gave me a new, boxed one but this is now chirping so will go for either removal or new batteries and an inline fuse.
Sorry about the total loss. Horrible.
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1. Can the ps be tested simply with the following sequence?
I would regard any power sounder that hasn't been replaced as potentially dangerous for the moment. Whilst we haven't answered all the questions it seems likely that the problem is down to batteries leaking and causing a short. I have come across sounders that don't work, with perfectly intact batteries and also those that work perfectly with batteries leaking all over the board. I don't think it's safe to assume that if a sounder is working it's not dangerous. If you're concerned, replace it with a new one.
2. Were they fitted to the plod mobiles?
Mine doesn't have an alarm switch under the bonnet, so will it be less likely to have a ps?
Sounds like it doesn't have an alarm so probably won't have a power sounder either.
Kevin
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I've a pair of insignia washer jets coming tomorrow, so I'll have a rummage while the scuttle is off and report back. :y