Best Oil for a Signum and Engine Problem

LadyMorticia

Hello.

My husband was wondering what the best oil to use in a Signum is? I couldn't find the answer online.

Also, our engine keeps stuttering at random intervals and means that my husband can't make the car go any faster. We haven't managed to put our finger on when it happens but it happens after it's been driven for a while, rather than when it's first being driven (if that makes sense?) so maybe after 15-20 minutes or so. At first he thought it was related to the gear changes but it happens on the motorway too when gear changes aren't needed. We're going to be taking it to the local mechanic anyway but I was wondering if anyone had maybe a slight inkling as to what kinds of things might cause it? I'm always worried that the engine is just going to give out.

Also, are parking lights called "front side lights" (we need to buy new bulbs and we weren't sure what they were called).

Thank you.

andygb

Put your reg number in the box, and it will bring up all the various things which you need for your car, including oil.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/

The engine problem could be anything, from a clapped out CAT to an electrical problem, which gets worse as everything gets hot under the bonnet.

flashg67

I'd say parking lights and side lights are the same thing.

What engine is it? I've seen a lot of fuel filter problems with diesels recently, casing loss of power, with various makes of car, with garages blaming cheaper supermarket fuels. Also on diesels, the EGR valve not operating properly can cause lack of power. I'd (usually)expect a warning light to come on in this case though?

NB - put your reg or car model in here for correct oil type - http://www.castrol.com/castrol/sectionbodycopy.do?categoryId=9024084&contentId=7073092

forgotmyname

Petrol/ diesel/ Is it going into limp mode? Glowplug light or engine lights on?

Sidelights are usually used as parking lights also. Sometimes run at a lower power though.

Strider590

Oil wise, use Vauxhall / GM Dexos oil, it's designed for the car and it beats most aftermarket oils hands down, it's also cheap and comes in 5L bottles instead of 4, so you only need to buy one bottle.... Unlike the more expensive oils that come in 4L bottles and won't fill your engine.

LadyMorticia

Thanks everyone.

It's a Signum Elegance Direct 2.2 Petrol.

Husband says that the check engine light comes on when it happens but my husband doesn't know what the glowplug light looks like (will get him to check the manual). Not sure what limp mode is.:o It's been happening for the past couple of months. We've had the car since October 2012.

My MIL says that she's never heard them called parking lights before and has no idea where my husband got that term from!

kingstreet

I use the fully synth GM Dexos Oil in my 3l turbo Saab. It's about £24 for 5l, inc P&P on ebay.

Is the firing problem a coil pack/ignition cassette? I'm not sure what ignition is in the 2.2 Signum engine.

Inner_Zone

LadyMorticia wrote: »

Thanks everyone.

It's a Signum Elegance Direct 2.2 Petrol.

Husband says that the check engine light comes on when it happens but my husband doesn't know what the glowplug light looks like (will get him to check the manual). Not sure what limp mode is.:o It's been happening for the past couple of months. We've had the car since October 2012.

My MIL says that she's never heard them called parking lights before and has no idea where my husband got that term from!

LadyMorticia wrote: »

and means that my husband can't make the car go any faster.

Sounds like 'limp' mode plus the EML (check engine) light will come on, I seen to remember.

Petrol engine won't have glow plugs.

Lots of good info here:

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/forum.php

forgotmyname

Petrol wont have the glowplug light that's a diesel issue.

Engine light on ther should be a fault code stored. Its best to get these read before you cause more damage to the car.
It maybe overfuelling and because he kept driving it, The CAT may now be useless because its been flooded with excess fuel.

Not saying this is what happened but one thing that can and does happen often. Without the fault codes being read it could be a lot of things.

LadyMorticia

kingstreet wrote: »

I use the fully synth GM Dexos Oil in my 3l turbo Saab. It's about £24 for 5l, inc P&P on ebay.

Is the firing problem a coil pack/ignition cassette? I'm not sure what ignition is in the 2.2 Signum engine.

Inner_Zone wrote: »

Sounds like 'limp' mode plus the EML (check engine) light will come on, I seen to remember.

Petrol engine won't have glow plugs.

Lots of good info here:

http://www.vectra-c.com/forum/forum.php

forgotmyname wrote: »

Petrol wont have the glowplug light that's a diesel issue.

Engine light on ther should be a fault code stored. Its best to get these read before you cause more damage to the car.
It maybe overfuelling and because he kept driving it, The CAT may now be useless because its been flooded with excess fuel.

Not saying this is what happened but one thing that can and does happen often. Without the fault codes being read it could be a lot of things.

Thank you all. We're not very good with cars (can you tell?!)

Do we go to a mechanic to read the fault code?

Graham2704

Could be the coil pack what the h/t leads are connected to when you take the cover off the top you will see a long black strip un-screw the bolts and look at the leads they are attached to it I have a 2.2 vectra that done the same thing I got a second hand one now everything is fine also give it a good full service.I use 5w/30 dexos oil as it has to spray the timing chain with oil ( don't want that to go) Expensive!!!