Omega Owners Forum

Omega Help Area => Omega General Help => Topic started by: doug4293 on 11 January 2011, 02:11:36

Title: 4th gear in auto
Post by: doug4293 on 11 January 2011, 02:11:36
hi all, as some of you may know had the car since june, but just got it on the road at the weekend, i have noticed when driving, when up to 30 mph it sits at 2000 rpm i presume in 3rrd, till i take my foot off the accelerator and then put it back on then goes into 4th and sits at 1500rpm, is this normal ??
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Auto Addict on 11 January 2011, 07:21:57
It may benefit from a gearbox software upgrade.
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Andy B on 11 January 2011, 08:59:34
The software upgrade is always a plus, but don't expect an auto to go into top at 30mph .... probably more like 45/50 before it's locked up in 4th
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Malcolm_D on 11 January 2011, 13:09:26
What is this software upgrade, do I need it and how do I get it? Both of mine are autos, 98 2.5 and 02 2.6  :y
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Kevin Wood on 11 January 2011, 14:19:35
Quote
What is this software upgrade, do I need it and how do I get it? Both of mine are autos, 98 2.5 and 02 2.6  :y

The firmware that controls the automatic gearbox can be upgraded using a Tech 2, and most people agree it makes a worthwhile improvement to the quality of gearshift.

Kevin
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Grrrrrr on 11 January 2011, 21:26:22
I've got an 01 2.6 and it made a big difference when the TheBoy did mine for me. Definitely recommend it. Much smoother gear change and changed more like I would do than coming out the blue at me all the time.
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: doug4293 on 12 January 2011, 05:33:47
the change on the car is very smooth,was just the 3rd gear at 30mph that bothered me, i mast say that my car is a 1996, where and how much is this software upgrade available from, and how reliable is it, i am in the west coast of scotland 30 miles from glasgow
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Kevin Wood on 12 January 2011, 11:42:26
Hotel21 in Fife is the nearest member with a Tech 2 who can do the update. It's a proper field update issued by Vauxhall so nothing unreliable about it. I've never heard of one fail.

Bear in mind that what you describe doesn't sound abnormal to me. Also, whilst the gearbox might well use 4th gear as low as 30 MPH (I can't remember when mine does off the top of my head) the most noticeable change at low speeds is where it locks up the torque converter at 40-45 MPH. It can be in 4th or 3rd at this point depending on load but the TC lockup "feels" like an additional gearchange and causes quite a significant rev drop when engine speeds are low.

The gearbox update is still worthwhile if you're on the earlier version, as it does make the  gearbox smoother and more responsive, and reduces the tendency to "hunt" between gears IME.

Kevin
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Andy B on 12 January 2011, 11:46:07
can you programme a 96 car? I thought it was mini-facelift onwards?  :-/ :-/
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Jimbob on 12 January 2011, 11:48:56
Quote
can you programme a 96 car? I thought it was mini-facelift onwards?  :-/ :-/


there are several people interested in this thread....getting confusing.

Yes, normally 98 onwards (last LETTER in the VIN is a W or later)

So the OP is out of luck, but Malcom_D is in luck, and his nearest is Nottingham
Title: Re: 4th gear in auto
Post by: Jimbob on 12 January 2011, 11:51:11
some previous experiences are detailed here :

http://www.omegaowners.com/forum/YaBB.pl?num=1265029420