Complete guide to repairing the Volkswagen Jetta gearbox
Dynamic and elegant, the Jetta is a compact sedan that promises pleasant city outings as well as comfortable long-distance trips. Its handling is a real asset, as is its road holding. However, there can be a downside: mechanical failures. Particular attention should be paid to the transmission. If it loses its performance, your vehicle may unexpectedly give out because the engine power is no longer transmitted properly to the vehicle's wheels.
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Gearbox broken? We help you identify and order your model
In any case, it is important to react immediately and it is never too early to consider a full or partial replacement of your German car's gearbox.
A look back at the evolution of the Volkswagen Jetta gearbox
Did you know that the Jetta has been in service for over 40 years? The sedan made its debut in 1979, with petrol engines ranging from the 1.1L 50hp to the 1.6L 110hp. A 5-speed manual transmission is standard, but a 3-speed automatic is also available as an option.
The second generation was introduced to the European market in 1984 and arrived the following year in the USA. The characteristics of its predecessor were generally maintained, although this new version was more generous in terms of dimensions. The interior gains 14% more volume. In addition, the SOHC 1.8L engine was made available on the Jetta from 1985. It was first delivered with 100 hp and then increased to 102 hp before developing 123 hp in 1987. Three years later, Volkswagen introduced a 134 hp 2.0L unit to give its compact saloon more power. As for the transmission, the mechanical gearbox was offered in 4 and 5 speeds. The optional BVA3 remains in the running.
As you can see, it is necessary toidentifying the right reference As you can see, the Jetta is already available in a number of incompatible variants at this stage of its production. And this is just the beginning!
Renamed Vento in Europe but retaining its original name in America, the third-generation Jetta was launched in 1992. The vehicle's aerodynamics were significantly improved to give it better performance. The design used recycled plastic and the paints used were free of heavy metals, making the newcomers the most environmentally friendly cars of the manufacturer. Petrol engines ranged from the 1.4L 60hp to the 2.8 VR6 174hp. In diesel, Volkswagen chose 1.9L blocks developing from 64 hp to 110 hp. All these units come with a 5-speed manual transmission as standard.
Marketed under the name Bora in some countries and retaining the name Vento in others, the saloon underwent a complete remodelling. From 1998 onwards, the Jetta 's engine range was considerably expanded. Under the bonnet, the petrol blocks became more powerful, with the range now extending from a 1.4 75 hp to a 2.8 VR6 204 hp. The standard gearbox is a 5-speed manual. As an option, the BVA4 is backed up by a brand new BVA5. The 1.9L diesel units have power outputs ranging from 68 hp to 150 hp. Volkswagen has retained its standard BVA5. However, the 1.9L TDi 4MOTION 115 hp, 130 hp and 150 hp units come with a BVM6. Optional automatic transmissions are available with 4 or 5 gears depending on the model selected.
For its fifth generation, launched in 2005, the saloon has been given a new, more elegant look. The 1.6L 102hp and 1.9L TDi 105hp units are the only ones to retain the standard BVM5. The other engines switch to a 6-speed manual transmission. A DSG dual-clutch transmission is available as an option on the diesel and 2.0L petrol units.
The gearbox associated with the Jetta is still evolving with the arrival of the sixth generation in 2010. The standard gearboxes are 5- and 6-speed manual versions. As an option, a BVA6 Tiptronic (DSG) is available for the 2.0L 115hp, 2.0L TSI 200hp and 2.0 TDI 140hp units. A DSG7 gearbox is also introduced to support the 1.4 Hybrid 150 hp unit and is available as an option on some petrol and diesel engines.
The 2021 Jetta is powered by a 1.4 TSI 147 hp turbo engine. The Comfortline and Highline trims come with a standard 6-speed manual gearbox, while the Execline trim comes with an 8-speed Tiptronic transmission.
Each type of gearbox is designed differently to support all the mechanical components with maximum efficiency. It is therefore unthinkable to choose a product at random. As you will have noticed, the reference can depend on the year of production as well as the engine of your saloon car. So make sure you identify it well by getting advice from experts in the field.
In addition, beware of confusion between the gearbox and the transfer case which are two completely different components!
How do I repair the Volkswagen Jetta gearbox?
First, you need to understand what caused the Volkswagen Jetta gearbox problem in order to find a permanent solution.
Is the Jetta gearbox oil change up to date? When the lubricant is excessively dirty, it can damage the parts instead of helping them to function properly. As a result, it is normal to feel a cracking noise or to have difficulty engaging gears.
Has your saloon car been driven on rough roads? Is it possible that the vehicle has suffered a shock? Did you lend it to a driver who tends to handle the steering wheel (and everything else) with some aggression? An affirmative answer to any of these questions could explain a broken gearbox. Again, cracking and difficulty shifting gears can be tell-tale signs.
Diagnosis is an extremely important step, as it is crucial to the further repair. If a mistake is made, the solution adopted could be inadequate, which could cause more damage. Don't take this unnecessary risk. Make an appointment directly with a professional who has all the necessary skills to detect the fault, identify the best solution and give you the precise reference of the gearbox in case it has to be replaced.
In addition, removal, post-repair checks and any reprogramming that may be necessary require precision tools and expertise.
The right address to buy a high performance Volkswagen Jetta gearbox
It's much better to go directly to a shop that offers gearboxes than to let the garage do it for you. This way you can compare prices and make sure you choose the option that best suits your budget. Be aware that a good price for a Volkswagen Jetta gearbox is not a reason to ignore the quality of the products.
You can place your trust in EDEN BOITES which has been a leader in France and Europe for many years. With a solid experience, our team carefully checks the origin of each part which is subjected to a battery of verifications before being integrated into one of our 7 storage centres.
This rigour allows us to offer you a 3 to 12 month guarantee for all our products, whether you decide to buy a used Volkswagen Jetta gearbox or a standard exchange Volkswagen Jetta gearbox. A 12-month warranty is also available if you choose the third option: a rebuilt Volkswagen Jetta gearbox.
Request your free online quote and get an express answer. We include the transport costs in our proposal, delivery being possible in France and in all European countries.
Validate your quote and place your order. We offer you different options of secure payment and we assure you that your part will be delivered to the address of your choice as soon as possible.
If you are still unsure about the reference, please do not hesitate to contact our advisors and technicians.