Vectra 3.2 V6 Problems - Oil Cooler, Radiator, AutoTrans, Etc

[Mark Swain]

Being the owner of a Vectra CDX 3.2 V6 and new to Vectra-C Forum I was surprised to find so many other owners of the same model having all the same problems and I'm starting to think this car is a bit of a lemon. There are already threads detailing the problems I am having but I am hoping someone can answer my question relating to Oil Cooler Failure.

Like the others my Oil Cooler ruptured dumping engine oil into the radiator and dumping coolant into the engine creating a huge mess. The car had to be towed back to the GM dealer and was there for 5 days having the engine and cooling systems flushed to remove the cross-contaimination. I did question the GM dealer on the need to actually replace the radiator and trasnmission, however, he advised the problem was not bad enough to warrant this. I now have the car back and an finding the transmission is slack and slow in the uptake of power from the engine. The questions I have for those that have experineced these problems are:-

Q1. Should the GM Dealer have replaced the radiator, etc rather than just flusing everything and is there TIS advise stating what must be done ?

Q2. Does the Oil Cooler failure always lead to the transmisson problems and should this also have been replaced and is there TIS advise stating what must be done ?

Luckily the car is under its GM manufactures warrantly, however, it seem like the dealer really does not want to do the work so if I can show that they MUST do the work then maybe I can get the care running properly again.

Also, other less major problems being experienced are:-
* Suspension Rattle
* Abnormal Front Tyre Wear
* Flickering Digital Display
* White smoke from exhaust occasionally

I am so disappointed in the Vectra as I previously had a Mazda 626 V6 for 12 years and it never missed a beat. So If you guys could let me know

Thanks - Mark

[stevedee3]

Check out this thread and those it links to.

I haven't experienced any of your "less major" problems on my CDXi, though my rear tyres wear unevenly on the inside.