Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 09:41:11

Title: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 09:41:11
Driving to work this morning the EML came on, but car seems to be running fine. I know I need to get the fault codes read but I don't know anyone near me that has a Tech2. My local garage that services the car has a diagnostic computer but don't know if that will read sufficient information.

A couple of questions. Is there any reason not to carry on driving with the EML on and is it possible this might be caused by dodgy sensors which I know the Omega can be prone to?
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Auto Addict on 30 October 2007, 13:01:00
Well, if it is to do with emissions, it could damage the cat.

Really need to get a TechII on it.
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Jimbob on 30 October 2007, 13:07:50
Don't think you will do any damage

A serious EML limits the car

If its the emissions one, only serious and damaging if it is flashing.

Saying that, any light on and I would be driving calmly & serenely until I knew what it was.

Just noticed the original wheels for your car for sale over on ABS
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 13:46:53
Quote
Don't think you will do any damage

A serious EML limits the car

If its the emissions one, only serious and damaging if it is flashing.

Saying that, any light on and I would be driving calmly & serenely until I knew what it was.

Just noticed the original wheels for your car for sale over on ABS

The garage I use has another branch a few of miles away with Bosch diagnostics that is able to read the fault codes so took it over there at lunchtime. "O2 sensor - bank 1" was the error that came up so am going to get it booked in for new sensor. I'm going to Devon this weekend but I was told it should be ok to make the journey before I get the new sensor fitted. Anyway, EML light is now out. :y

BTW Jimbob, how do you know the wheels for sale on ABS were my originals? Is it Big Rod selling them?
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Jimbob on 30 October 2007, 14:12:26
Yes, and the photo is of them on your car ;)
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Jimbob on 30 October 2007, 14:15:24
If you have access:
http://www.autobahnstormers.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12954

He is looking for £200
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 14:20:38
Quote
Yes, and the photo is of them on your car ;)

Ah........that would explain then :y I don't have access to ABS as I'm not a registered member yet so I was unable to see it.
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Marks DTM Calib on 30 October 2007, 16:28:36
Quote
Quote
Don't think you will do any damage

A serious EML limits the car

If its the emissions one, only serious and damaging if it is flashing.

Saying that, any light on and I would be driving calmly & serenely until I knew what it was.

Just noticed the original wheels for your car for sale over on ABS

The garage I use has another branch a few of miles away with Bosch diagnostics that is able to read the fault codes so took it over there at lunchtime. "O2 sensor - bank 1" was the error that came up so am going to get it booked in for new sensor. I'm going to Devon this weekend but I was told it should be ok to make the journey before I get the new sensor fitted. Anyway, EML light is now out. :y

BTW Jimbob, how do you know the wheels for sale on ABS were my originals? Is it Big Rod selling them?

Thats not conclusive enough to warrant changing a sensor.....plus there are many lambda codes so do you know the specific number?

Do they have the facility to remove and ultrasonicaly clean the sensor?
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 16:37:40
Quote
Quote
Quote
Don't think you will do any damage

A serious EML limits the car

If its the emissions one, only serious and damaging if it is flashing.

Saying that, any light on and I would be driving calmly & serenely until I knew what it was.

Just noticed the original wheels for your car for sale over on ABS

The garage I use has another branch a few of miles away with Bosch diagnostics that is able to read the fault codes so took it over there at lunchtime. "O2 sensor - bank 1" was the error that came up so am going to get it booked in for new sensor. I'm going to Devon this weekend but I was told it should be ok to make the journey before I get the new sensor fitted. Anyway, EML light is now out. :y

BTW Jimbob, how do you know the wheels for sale on ABS were my originals? Is it Big Rod selling them?

Thats not conclusive enough to warrant changing a sensor.....plus there are many lambda codes so do you know the specific number?

Do they have the facility to remove and ultrasonicaly clean the sensor?

Mark, you've completely thrown me there - I've really no idea. The guy doing the diagnostics just told me it was an "O2 sensor, bank 1" error. He also said he thought he detected a very slight misfire on tickover but I haven't noticed it at all.

So.......what to do next?? What would you recommend Mark - a trip to Nottingham? ::)
Otherwise I was just going to book it in to have the sensor replaced, but you've put doubt in my mind now.
 
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Elite Pete on 30 October 2007, 16:43:00
Take no notice Bob, its past its best and because your a nice bloke I will give you £500 for it.  :D
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 16:54:19
Quote
Take no notice Bob, its past its best and because your a nice bloke I will give you £500 for it.  :D

 ;D ;D ;D

At best, you're missing a 0 from your figure.

Full marks for your perseverence though Pete - you never know, one day I might just give in and sell it to you, but..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................NOT YET!!!!!!
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 October 2007, 16:56:25
3.2.... I bet I can guess the code!!!!  ::)

P0420 Bank1

Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 16:59:58
Quote
3.2.... I bet I can guess the code!!!!  ::)

P0420 Bank1


Is this common with the 3.2 then?
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 October 2007, 17:08:32
Both SP3_2 and myself seem to suffer the problem, if I stick to one brand of petrol it seems ok.

I have an OpelScanner now so I can check whats being stored and reset if I want to (The lamp comes on when the number of logged 'bad' readings from the sensor reaches a pre set level or 'threshold')

Personally I'm going with the theory that the post CAT sensors don't get as hot as the pre CAT ones and hence they don't get burnt clean with the heat. As MDTM suggests, you can get them cleaned (need an ultrasonic tank really). New ones are £71 from VX, I wouldn't touch any cheapie no genuine ones.



Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 October 2007, 17:20:15
Also.... Tesco 5p off stuff will put the lamp on without fail!

I put either Shell V Power, BP Ultimate, or either BP or Shell regular unleaded in now and the lamp hasn't come on for about 10 tankfulls (However, the codes P0420 (Bank1) or P0430 (Bank2) still get logged occasionally, just not built up enough to light the lamp)

HTH
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 30 October 2007, 17:27:32
Quote
Also.... Tesco 5p off stuff will put the lamp on without fail!

I put either Shell V Power, BP Ultimate, or either BP or Shell regular unleaded in now and the lamp hasn't come on for about 10 tankfulls (However, the codes P0420 (Bank1) or P0430 (Bank2) still get logged occasionally, just not built up enough to light the lamp)

HTH

I must admit I do tend to fill up with Sainsbury's normal unleaded or occasionally super unleaded. I've used BP Ultimate and Shell V Power a few times but it's become so blo*dy expensive, but I'll probably treat it to a tankful of BP Ultimate on my trip to Devon at the weekend.
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 October 2007, 17:31:04
I think the problem is that once the lamp is on it will take 20 starts without the fault codes appearing before the lamp goes out... so by switching to branded fuel you may stop the codes being generated but won't know about it for a week!!!!

Hopefully TB / MDTM can clarify the above.
Also, I would get the codes read again so we can see if it's definately the same as SP's and mine.

Incidently, how far does yours go on a tankful and under what sort of driving (MWay etc?) ?
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: TheBoy on 30 October 2007, 19:02:49
Bob - I fear you may need to know the code - there are 4 sensors, 2 per bank, so Bank1 O2 could be pre or post cat...
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: VXL V6 on 30 October 2007, 19:37:02
Quote
Bob - I fear you may need to know the code - there are 4 sensors, 2 per bank, so Bank1 O2 could be pre or post cat...

Agree with that, depending on the diagnostic tool you get different interpretations Sykes gives something like O2 B1S2 P0420 (or whatever the code happens to be)

Be interested to know if the code is the same.
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: SP_3.2 on 31 October 2007, 09:00:23
I have the same prob i have a 3.2 also as yourself and VXL, mine has just put on the light over the weekend i have found that this has happen when i have changed from V-power OR when runing low on petrol. So far the light has gone out after 20 or so clean starts and also sticking to V-power.

Hope it goes out before the weekend as i have the MOT then.

  
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 31 October 2007, 11:46:24
Quote
I think the problem is that once the lamp is on it will take 20 starts without the fault codes appearing before the lamp goes out... so by switching to branded fuel you may stop the codes being generated but won't know about it for a week!!!!

Hopefully TB / MDTM can clarify the above.
Also, I would get the codes read again so we can see if it's definately the same as SP's and mine.

Incidently, how far does yours go on a tankful and under what sort of driving (MWay etc?) ?

Light went out during the diagnostic check ans so far hasn't come back on.

I just about manage about 300 miles on a tank, maybe a touch more on long motorway runs. MID currently showing average consumption of 22.5mpg. Driving harder decreases that somewhat. ::)
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: bob.dent on 31 October 2007, 11:48:01
Quote
Bob - I fear you may need to know the code - there are 4 sensors, 2 per bank, so Bank1 O2 could be pre or post cat...

Short of coming over to Brackley, I'll have to get it read at a VX dealer as there's no one in this area with a Tech2. :'(
Title: Re: EML light on
Post by: Kevin Wood on 31 October 2007, 14:26:17
Could always get a cheapo Tech2.

It reads my 3.2 OK once I've found a laptop it will run on, and it probably won't set you back any more than a session at a main dealer.

Kevin