Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: edthomas247 on 04 November 2010, 19:40:04

Title: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: edthomas247 on 04 November 2010, 19:40:04
Good evening all,

I seem to have a regular fault, at least once a day with no regular pattern and it goes a bit like this:

I put key in the ignition and start the car as usual. If the car takes a little longer to turn over and fire up, I can guarantee that the warning light shaped like a car with a spanner running through it will not go out with the rest of the ignition lights. The digital display will then read "Automatic Gearbox Check". If I try to drive the car in this mode then it feels like it wants to stall. Before driving off I simply turn of the engine and re-start the car and it is always ok.

Does anyone know what could be causing this fault. It can happen at anytime no matter what the weather conditions etc and it only ever happens on start up.

Many thanks
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: 377 on 04 November 2010, 19:41:48
I suspect a paperclip / pedal test for gearbox codes would help here
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: edthomas247 on 04 November 2010, 19:48:14
Thanks for your swift reply Richard, but being completely novicy about this sort of thing, what is a paperclip/pedal test and where would be the best place to get this done. Is it a main dealer or specialist job.

Many thanks
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: geoffr70 on 04 November 2010, 20:01:00
I believe this might be what you're looking for, although as said in the guide, it might not work on your car.

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1189022687

Have a look through the maintenance section while you're on, there's lots of helpful stuff.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Radar on 04 November 2010, 20:01:21
Don't think you can paperclip the 2.2. I had a similar thing happen on mine and it ended up needing a new throttle body. I would recommend cleaning the breathers as described in the maintenance guide and if you post your location there might be someone closeby who could read some codes for you.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Varche on 04 November 2010, 20:01:47
Hi, It is a way of flashing stored engine codes out of the engine ECU. older cars use a bent paperclip hence the name newer models use the foot pedal

I think the method is descibed in one of the guides on the forum.http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1189022687 Well worth having a look through them. Omega afficinados check them regulary as they give warning of problems.

However gearbox faults I believe can only be read by a tech2 code reader (the same sort of kit that a VX dealer has but they cahrge somnething like £50 just to connect it to the socket under the steering wheel). The good news is that some members on the forum have one . You may be able to get someone to have a look at it - maybe at a meet.


Tow other thoughts. If you haven't done any maintenance like cleaning your idle control valve ICV then that is easy and well worth doing.  Do a search on that.

Finally does your auto gearbox change gear smoothly or is there sometimes a solid CLUNK as it changes?


Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Entwood on 04 November 2010, 20:02:17
Quote
I suspect a paperclip / pedal test for gearbox codes would help here

Gearbox codes can ONLY be read by a reader, and not all readers at that. I have the maxscan and it will NOT read gearbox codes.

I "think" that Opelscan and Tech2 are the only ones that read gearbox codes RELIABLY

:(

and the 2.2 can't use the paperclip or pedal trick anyway .. even for engine codes  :(
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Andy H on 04 November 2010, 20:02:49
Have a read of What is the Paperclip Test? (http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1236032406)

You won't be able to read the gearbox codes with the paperclip trick but that probably won't matter.

The gearbox needs a good rpm signal from the engine ECU, it sounds as if your starting problem is confusing the gearbox ECU.

Do the paperclip trick and post up the results. I wouldn't be surprised if there was a code 19 in there somewhere.
[edit]Oops. As said above the 2.2 is reputed to be unresponsive to the pedal trick (but there was a post a year or two back which implied that some might respond).

Poor or non starting on the 2.2 can be caused by the cam sensor but I am not recommending  randomly changing things without getting the codes read first[/edit]
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Kneepad on 04 November 2010, 20:48:19
Quote
Good evening all,

I seem to have a regular fault, at least once a day with no regular pattern and it goes a bit like this:

I put key in the ignition and start the car as usual. If the car takes a little longer to turn over and fire up, I can guarantee that the warning light shaped like a car with a spanner running through it will not go out with the rest of the ignition lights. The digital display will then read "Automatic Gearbox Check". If I try to drive the car in this mode then it feels like it wants to stall. Before driving off I simply turn of the engine and re-start the car and it is always ok.

Does anyone know what could be causing this fault. It can happen at anytime no matter what the weather conditions etc and it only ever happens on start up.

Many thanks

This could be a sign that the crank sensor is failing, which in turn could be giving an unreliable signal to the ECU and possible unsychronized signal to the gearbox.

Or so i have heard.  :D :D  ::)
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: edthomas247 on 05 November 2010, 11:32:54
Thanks folks, it sounds as though I should get someone to read my gearbox codes. My location is swadlincote, South Derbyshire if anyone can recommend someone.

PS, The gearbox changes smoothly with no solid clunks.

Thanks again
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: davethediver on 05 November 2010, 12:06:44
Quote
Quote
Good evening all,

I seem to have a regular fault, at least once a day with no regular pattern and it goes a bit like this:

I put key in the ignition and start the car as usual. If the car takes a little longer to turn over and fire up, I can guarantee that the warning light shaped like a car with a spanner running through it will not go out with the rest of the ignition lights. The digital display will then read "Automatic Gearbox Check". If I try to drive the car in this mode then it feels like it wants to stall. Before driving off I simply turn of the engine and re-start the car and it is always ok.

Does anyone know what could be causing this fault. It can happen at anytime no matter what the weather conditions etc and it only ever happens on start up.

Many thanks

This could be a sign that the crank sensor is failing, which in turn could be giving an unreliable signal to the ECU and possible unsychronized signal to the gearbox.

Or so i have heard.  :D :D  ::)

Most unlikely on a 2.2 maybe the CAM sensor (otherway round on the V6's to the fourpots) :y

To the OP maybe worth seeing if you can get hold of The Red Baron im sure hes in Burton so not that far away not sure if he has a code reader but think he does.

Failing that have a word with Elite Pete or Daz both pretty close to you :y
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Kneepad on 05 November 2010, 13:48:47
Quote
Most unlikely on a 2.2 maybe the CAM sensor (otherway round on the V6's to the fourpots) :y
 

Well spotted Dave, I stand corrected.    :y
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: 377 on 06 November 2010, 19:28:55
Quote
Quote
I suspect a paperclip / pedal test for gearbox codes would help here

Gearbox codes can ONLY be read by a reader, and not all readers at that. I have the maxscan and it will NOT read gearbox codes.

I "think" that Opelscan and Tech2 are the only ones that read gearbox codes RELIABLY

:(

and the 2.2 can't use the paperclip or pedal trick anyway .. even for engine codes  :(

Ooops... sorry for giving out slightly duff info there. I was under the impression that the gearbox could be read in this manner....  :-[ Every day is a school day  :y
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: feeutfo on 06 November 2010, 19:57:34
2.2 can only be read via code reader, pedal and paperclip test do not work on this engine.

And in any case only reads engine ecu.

Code read to confirm but suspect cam sensor mostly on the 4pots and is known to upset the gearbox. But that's not to say there is not a box issue as well...?

...can't see the box causing the starting issue....
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: fed up on 07 November 2010, 09:51:34
Hi,

I've a 2.2 cd 2001 and the Paper clip test don't work I've tried it, beleive me. I've been plagued with engine management lights and limp mode. The best thing I can suggest is go on eBay and buy a code reader. I bought one for 20 quid and I've used it 4 times. A garage will charge 20-30 quid to read and clear the codes. This will then tell you your fault. Good luck.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Auto Addict on 07 November 2010, 10:16:26
You are only about 1/2 hour from MarksDTM who has a TechII.

He will be able to diagnose your car for you, send him a PM.

I suspect it's your cam sensor playing up, common fault on this model, but get some diagnostics done first.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: x1xv45 on 07 November 2010, 10:34:02
I had that "check auto box" warning on a 2.0 and it turned out to be caused by a faulty alternator. Just thought I'd throw that in the pot, as it's not hard to test. But do get the codes checked out.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: warrenb51 on 08 November 2010, 20:50:31
HI, if anyone needs a code reading / clearing and your near the wigan area then let me know i am more than pleased to clear it for the modest fee of a thank you  but if you really want to pay then i have a donation tub for the ambulance.
Title: Re: Check Automatic Gearbox - Warning light
Post by: Kneepad on 08 November 2010, 21:17:22
Quote
HI, if anyone needs a code reading / clearing and your near the wigan area then let me know i am more than pleased to clear it for the modest fee of a thank you  but if you really want to pay then i have a donation tub for the ambulance.


Most generous offer Warren. They'll be queueing at your door.   :y