The Renault Zoe is one of the 100% electric cars electric cars in France. Nearly half a million units of this versatile city car were sold between 2012, when it was unveiled to the public at the Geneva International Motor Show, and 2024, when production ceased in favor of the Renault 5 E-Tech Electric.
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Despite these shortcomings, the Renault Zoe remains a reliable car with quality mechanics, and its gearbox is no exception. In this article, find out how to maintain it with advice from our experts!
Special features of the Renault Zoe gearbox
As the Renault Zoe is an electric car, a manual gearbox is not available, as the operation of the synchronous motor is totally different from that of conventional engines. totally different from conventional engines (diesel or petrol). An automatic gearbox is therefore the only option, and operates via a mechanical gearbox that adapts the vehicle's speed according to braking or acceleration.
The Renault Zoe gearbox Zoe gearbox another special feature the gearshift lever automatically returns to neutral (N) as soon as you release it. Pressing the lever upwards engages R (Reverse) mode, and pressing it downwards engages D (Drive) mode. In both cases, the lever returns to the center. It is to engage these gears, the brake pedal must be depressed.This makes it impossible to manipulate the gearshift lever inadvertently. Furthermore, it is only possible to return to neutral by switching off the engine. As a result, if you stop at a traffic light, for example, mode D remains engaged and the vehicle will move forward as soon as you release the brake pedal.
Finally, there's an alternative mode, B (for Brake), for forward travel with regenerative braking. by pressing down twice on the lever (from N to D, then B). This mode recharges the vehicle's battery while driving. In this case, the car starts braking as soon as you release the gas pedal, rather than when you depress the brake pedal.
Also note that the transmission of the Renault Zoe is by traction: the drive wheels are those at the front of the vehicle. They receive the power generated by the engine, enabling them to pull the entire vehicle. This design choice ensures better roadholding in wet weather and on tight bends, enhancing passenger safety.
Daily maintenance: signs of failure
Although the Renault Zoe is not not equipped with a conventional gearboxthe signs of failure are similar. By spotting them as soon as they appear and observing them in detail, you can help the professional mechanic to establish an effective diagnosis for the repair.
So watch out for all kinds of noises that can be heard while driving, such as squeaks, rattles or squeaks. This is an important distinctionThis distinction is important, as it can tell the mechanic the precise nature of the fault. You should also be aware of vibrations felt in the cabin, both in neutral and at high speeds, as well as the impression of slipping or or loss of performancewhen accelerating more slowly, for example.
Burning smells are a serious sign of failure, as a lack of gearbox oil can seriously damage the internal mechanics of your Renault Zoe. In this case, take your vehicle to the garage as soon as possible.
Renault Zoe gearbox repairs
When you notice a gearbox malfunctionthe first thing to do is to act as soon as possible, so as not to let the problem worsen and affect other parts of the transmission system.
The advice of a professional mechanic is essential before proceeding with repairs. He or she will be able to tell you whether the gearbox can be repaired as it is at the garage - which is the case for most breakdowns - or whether it needs to be completely replaced.
Several options are available to make this complete change:
- Buying a new gearbox. Although safe, this solution is not environmentally friendly, and has the disadvantage of being particularly expensive;
- Using the second-hand market. Less expensive, a second-hand box is also less reliable, since you can't check its overall quality until you've had it installed in your vehicle. This solution is therefore risky;
- The use of a reconditioned gearbox as a standard exchange.
All our boxes have been dismantled piece by piece for a thorough cleaning before being tested. You then benefit from a refurbished box, but at the price of a second-hand box, without compromising on quality: it comes with a twelve-month warranty !
As a bonus, we will collect your old box when we deliver the new one, free of charge, in order to recycle it. To find out more, please have your vehicle registration number ready and contact us at it's quick, easy and no obligation !
