1999 Vauxhall Omega CDX from UK and Ireland - Comments

Shortly after getting the car it seems to have developed a gearbox fault when low power is applied, for example crawling in traffic/roadworks. The car sometimes fails to be in a gear and other times changes from what I think is second gear to fourth gear with a loud clunk. Most times the "Automatic Gearbox" message appears.

After owning a 1994 Omega 2.0 CD Estate (manual) and considering this car as one of the best cars I have ever had I decided to buy another Omega and chose the feature filled Omega CDX on a V Registration.

This year I believe the last one with the original style interior before Vauxhall destroyed later models with cheap and nasty plastic interiors.

I am a little disappointed with the performance of the car and while I like the concept of an Automatic gearbox for ease and comfort, the power doesn't seem to be any more than my 2 litre manual Omega was.

The car also has a potential gearbox fault as I have noted other people mentioning on this model (and I would appreciate any advise on what it can be).

I have been using my Local Lookers dealership for many years and I am very pleased with the service they provide and their knowledge of the vehicle, however I visited another lookers dealership in my area some time ago and I was less than impressed - I think it depends which one you go to whether or not they do a good job.

At this mileage expect the gearbox to need replacing. If you find someone with the skill and knowledge to do it properly then go for it, but take lots of cash when you pick it up. This gearbox has something that needs rebuilding PROPERLY, if it isn't done right it will last a week like mine did. People in the trade for years think they know how to repair it, but they don't.

I am on my second auto Omega. current is 2.5 CDX, now on 92000m previous was a 2.0 CD sold at 161000m. I must disagree with the previous comment the gearbox does not need replacing. If the box goes to top with the lever in D and the warning "Auto Gearbox" comes up on the display this indicates that the ECU is having a problem controlling the box for some reason. Could be just a poor electrical connection or a faulty ECU.

Check box oil level - not easy, must be done with the box hot and through the drain plug - could be this.

Join Omega owners site on Yahoo Groups if you need more good qualified advice.

All I can do is speak from my own horrible experience with this car. Could be the gearbox repair garage that has caused the problems leading to us using our omega for four days from the last twelve weeks.