Ecoflex - how can I tell?

[Ruperts Trooper]

This weekend we're picking up a 2006 "56" 1.9CDTi Design Vectra with 27,000 on. I'm not sure until I check the VIN whether it's 2006 or 2007 model year. It's only service was at two years old at 19,500 but no details available. As that was 14 months ago I have several questions.

Q1 - How can I find out if it's on Ecoflex or normal servicing.

Q2 - When did Ecoflex end.

Q3 - Is it straightforward to change from Ecoflex to normal - I can't think of any reason why not.

Your help would be much appreciated.

[barkzz]

Hmmm, i'd be a little worried about the fact it's only had 1 service.

My 1.9, had 1 interim, 1 major, 1 interim before i purchased it.

I know you can run them on the longer service intervals, but given the fact that a standard service costs so little, I wouldnt settle for anything less in all honesty.

Changing the likes of oil/air filters etc, should be done every year regardless

[square box]

When I bought my Vec I looked at several and it was down to two one had 34,000mls on the clock and had X3 VX sevices and the other was a little newer only done 26,000mls but only has X1 service, went for the one with FSH as you know where you are starting from.
Just my 2 pence worth mate.

Square box.

PS My fuel pump and valve went after 8 months anyway!

[Ruperts Trooper]

But surely if it IS on Ecoflex, it should have only had one service in it's 3yr 2mth / 27,000 miles.

As we're taking out warranty on the car, we need to know when it needs a service - or indeed if it's now overdue.

[Big Sig]

Hmmm, i'd be a little worried about the fact it's only had 1 service.

My 1.9, had 1 interim, 1 major, 1 interim before i purchased it.

I know you can run them on the longer service intervals, but given the fact that a standard service costs so little, I wouldnt settle for anything less in all honesty.

Changing the likes of oil/air filters etc, should be done every year regardless

Unfortunately thats all your opinion, not the opinion of the service schedule writers.

[square box]

From the VX Manual :

"ECOService-Flex" This method allows petrol engine vehicles to run for approx 20,000mls and or 2 years and Diesel engine vehicles without a diesel particle filter to run for up to 30,000mls and or 2 years under optimun driving conditions before undergoing the next service, that's why it is called ECOService-Flex.

Square box

PS I would never leave any oil in a car for more than 1 year !!!

PPS Hope this helps

[barkzz]

But surely if it IS on Ecoflex, it should have only had one service in it's 3yr 2mth / 27,000 miles.

As we're taking out warranty on the car, we need to know when it needs a service - or indeed if it's now overdue.

Very true, the only way you could find out, is looking at the last service, and verify with that dealer.

But as has been stated, if I had two vehicles to choose from, one with slightly higher mileage, but with regular servicing, I'd go for that anyday.

Doesn't mean it's bulletproof, but a good sign of a more concious owner, who has looked after it mechanically.

[barkzz]

Unfortunately thats all your opinion, not the opinion of the service schedule writers.

I dont deny that, and yes it is my opnion, but you're not telling me you would be happy to leave your car for two years, and running on the same oil?

It's like how VX state 6 years /90,000miles for the cambelt on the 1.9cdti.
I cant see many people pushing it to that limit, and it hasnt been unheard of for the dealers to recommend them at sooner intervals, due to snapped rollers, broken tensioners etc.

I take a lot of the service schedules as guide personally. A lot depends on how hard you drive it, in conjunction with the mileage etc.

[Ruperts Trooper]

Various Astra forums debated this a few years ago and came to the conclusion that if Vauxhall didn't set an Ecoflex switch in the ECU then it HAD to be serviced at normal intervals, regardless of whether the high spec longlife oil was used or not.

I get the impression from the above responses that it's simply down to the user - but that sounds like you can avoid servicing for 2 years/20,000 miles and just say it's on Ecoflex - I find that difficult to swallow.

I have my own opinions about when servicing should be done - I just wanted to check formalities for the warranty application - in general I'll have a VAT-registered workshop at Vauxhall's interval to comply with the warranty and do additional oil/filter changes ourselves half way through each interval.

[barkzz]

Various Astra forums debated this a few years ago and came to the conclusion that if Vauxhall didn't set an Ecoflex switch in the ECU then it HAD to be serviced at normal intervals, regardless of whether the high spec longlife oil was used or not.

I get the impression from the above responses that it's simply down to the user - but that sounds like you can avoid servicing for 2 years/20,000 miles and just say it's on Ecoflex - I find that difficult to swallow.

This may sound daft, but do the dealers not use a different stamp then if it's on Ecoflex? I couldnt tell you as i have always gone interim/major/interim etc.

Also pointing our Sqaure's post "2 years under optimun driving conditions before undergoing the next service", who can say that we always get optimum driving conditions in this country to rely on Ecoflex intervals?