Opel sold more than a million 1st-generation Meriva models in Europe between 2003, its launch year, and 2010. The key to its success? The Meriva, the 1st minivan on the market, is easy to drive around town, yet practical for people who need space.
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Gearbox broken? We help you identify and order your model
Opel Meriva gearbox: which models?
The German brand has created and sold two generations of the Meriva. The 1st generation petrol vehicles have a Twinport engine , with a displacement of 1.4 or 1.6, or an Ecotec engine , 1.6 or 1.8. They are equipped with a 5- or 6-speed manual gearbox or an Easytronic automatic. An example model for the Opel Meriva is the 5-speed Easytronic 1.6 petrol gearbox.
Diesel vehicles, meanwhile, are equipped with a CDTI or TDI engine and have a displacement of 1.3 or 1.7. They feature a manual model with 5 or 6 speeds, like the Opel Meriva 1.7 CDTI 6-speed gearbox. Others have an Easytronic transmission, again with 5 or 6 speeds.
The 2nd generation models, marketed from 2010, are equipped with a Twinport 1.4 petrol or CDTI diesel engine. In 2014, the 1.3 and 1.7 diesel engines were replaced by a 1.6 diesel engine. Most vehicles feature a 5- or 6-speed manual transmission. A 5- or 6-speed Easytronic automatic gearbox is also available for the Meriva 1.7 CDTI.
Symptoms of malfunction
Whether manual or automatic, your gearbox wears out over time. It can even become obsolete. In the event of a problem, there are a number of warning signs.
One of these is difficulty in engaging certain gears. Similarly, if your automatic gearbox is stuck in any gear, this is a natural indication of a fault. Do you notice a jerky motion or jerking when accelerating? This may still be due to a problem with the gearbox. Another symptom is a soft clutch pedal.
Pay attention to sounds, too. Muffled or scraping noises should alert you. And a burning smell may indicate a problem with your gearbox.
Finally, if you notice oil stains, especially on the ground where you parked, this indicates a leak. Take it seriously.
Common problems and solutions
If you suspect that your gearbox is faulty, it's vital to get it checked as soon as possible. We advise you to call in a mechanic rather than doing it yourself. Disassembly is a complex operation.
Opel Meriva gearbox malfunctions
A professional mechanic will make a precise diagnosis. The most common problems are :
- A faulty transmission: components can wear out. Suspicious noises and difficult shifting indicate a faulty transmission;
- Dirty transmission fluid or insufficient transmission fluid: if the mechanism is not well lubricated, it may crack when shifting gears;
- A damaged gearshift cable: a slack cable makes it difficult to shift gears. It can also cause a discrepancy between the position of the gearshift and the gear actually engaged;
- A worn bearing: the bearing ensures the rotation transmitted by the motor. This part can wear over time;
- Faulty mechatronics: the mechatronics is the central control unit of the part. If it fails, the gearbox will not shift properly.
What repairs are possible?
After diagnosing the problem, the mechanic will select the most appropriate repair. In some cases, it may be necessary to replace the faulty component. For example, it's possible to change the mechatronics in poor condition without having to replace the entire gearbox.
On the other hand, if the transmission fluid runs out - due to a faulty seal, for example - simply refill it, and replace the seal if necessary. If the fluid is clogged, there is a solution: drain the gearbox. Other possible repairs include changing the bearing, seals or clutch.
However, you may need to replace your gearbox if the fault is more serious.
Save money with EDEN BOITES
If you have no other solution than to change the whole part, don't hesitate to buy it yourself, from a retailer such as EDEN BOITES. This solution will cost you less than going through your garage. The mechanic will install the new box, and you'll only pay for the labor.
First of all, identify the gearbox best suited to your vehicle: at EDEN BOITES, we have several models to choose from, such as the Opel Meriva 1.3 CDI gearbox gearbox or the Easytronic 1.6 petrol gearbox. Since quality is paramount when purchasing new parts, all our gearboxes come with a one-year warranty and are 100% genuine.
