The gearbox in the Suzuki Ignis plays a direct role in the driving pleasure of this compact, nimble little SUV, equally at home in town as on country roads. When it starts to play up, you may notice noise when engaging a gear or grinding sounds. EDEN BOITES explains how to identify the different gearboxes fitted to the Ignis, find the correct reference, and choose the right replacement solution.
The Suzuki Ignis: a small SUV with bags of character
This compact SUV from the Japanese manufacturer arrived on the market in 2000 and immediately won fans with its compact dimensions and excellent manoeuvrability. Revised several times over the years, it has kept pace with the evolution of its segment. Grinding noises — particularly if oil change intervals have not been observed — along with knocks or heavy use can all be the root cause of a gearbox problem. Don't wait for the fault to worsen: at the first sign of anything unusual, have your Ignis diagnosed.
The different gearboxes fitted to the Ignis
At launch, the Ignis was offered in 4x4 and 4x2 configurations. A 1.3 L 83 bhp petrol engine powered this first generation: the manual version had 5 speeds, compared with 4 for the automatic, which was fitted notably to the Ignis 1.3 GLX 5-door. In 2003, the SUV received a facelift: its length was reduced to 3.77 metres and the four-cylinder petrol engine was now available in 1.3 and 1.5 L forms, still paired with either a 5-speed manual or a 4-speed automatic gearbox. Production continued until 2008.
A new generation was unveiled at the Tokyo Motor Show in 2015, with a Phase I produced from 2016 and a Phase II from 2020. The 1.2 Dualjet Hybrid engine marked a genuine step forward, with combined fuel consumption of between 5.1 and 5.6 L/100 km. Drivers who prefer a manual gearbox are still catered for, while automatic versions adopt a CVT gearbox. To understand both families better, see our manual and automatic gearbox guide.
Identifying the correct gearbox reference
There is not just one variant of the same model — there are several — which means a wide variety of gearboxes. The gearbox fitted to a 4x4 Ignis can differ from that of a 4x2. Always refer to the vehicle's technical data sheet or seek advice from a professional to avoid ordering the wrong unit. As a guide, codes 13 and 1316V fit Ignis models with 1300 cc engines produced between 2004 and 2008; references 15 and 1516V relate to the 1500 cc versions from 2008; and for a 2006 model with a 1248 cc engine, reference F17 or F17W355 is commonly sought.
Repairing or replacing the Ignis gearbox
Any work on the gearbox is a delicate operation and can only be carried out after a thorough diagnosis: is it an oil change issue, a faulty linkage, or the wrong grade of oil? The more detailed the diagnosis, the easier it is to define the right solution. Replacement requires specialist know-how and sometimes specific tools; on automatic gearboxes, reprogramming is frequently necessary. Always entrust the job to a qualified professional. Browse our gearboxes, the Suzuki page, and our guides for the Suzuki Swift and Suzuki Splash.
Frequently asked questions
Is the gearbox on a 4x4 Ignis the same as on a 4x2?
Not necessarily. The transmission differs depending on the configuration and engine: you need to identify the exact reference before ordering.
How do I find my gearbox reference?
Refer to the technical data sheet, the year of manufacture, and the engine capacity. Codes such as 13, 1316V, 15, 1516V, or F17 will point you in the right direction; our advisers will verify compatibility with you.
Is reprogramming necessary on an automatic gearbox?
Yes, it is often essential after replacing an automatic gearbox, alongside the necessary adjustments, to ensure optimum operation.
What warranty do you offer?
Our gearboxes come with a warranty of up to 24 months, with the option to pay in up to 10 instalments.
Why choose EDEN BOITES?
As a gearbox specialist, EDEN BOITES systematically tests every unit before dispatch and takes back your old gearbox on an exchange basis. When a reference is unavailable, a full rebuild is carried out instead. You benefit from a warranty of up to 24 months, the option to pay in up to 10 instalments, delivery throughout France and the European Union with a lead time confirmed on quote, and a satisfaction-or-money-back guarantee on the exchange, subject to our Terms and Conditions. Request your quote and browse our references on the Suzuki page.
