Reconditioned Chevrolet Gearbox

5-speed or 6-speed, diesel or petrol: what Chevrolet gearboxes really wear out

On Chevrolet models sold between 2010 and 2018, gearbox failures follow fairly predictable patterns depending on the engine and model. The diesel 2.0 VCDi and 2.2 VCDi units fitted to the Captiva put the 6-speed gearbox under considerable strain, particularly under load or when towing: the synchromesh rings on the upper ratios and the selector forks are the first components to suffer. On the smaller engines — 1.2 (Spark, Aveo) and 1.3 VCDi — the vehicle is fitted with a 5-speed gearbox, and the symptoms are often different: difficult engagement of first or reverse when cold, increasing play in the gear lever, and sometimes a dull noise under load. These two configurations — 5-speed and 6-speed — share no internal components, so there is absolutely no room for confusion when replacing one.

Identification: the engine code takes priority over engine capacity

The same engine capacity can correspond to different gearboxes depending on the model or year. The 2.2 D and the 2.2 VCDi share the code Z22D1, but the 2.2 VCDi can also carry the code Z22DM. Likewise, the 2.0 VCDi comes in Z20S and Z20S1, and the 1.7 VCDi in A17DTE and A17DTS. The 1.3 VCDi is available in A13DTC and A13DTE. Checking the engine code stamped on the block — not just the engine capacity — is therefore essential to identify the correct reconditioned gearbox.

Models covered and available purchasing options

The EDEN BOITES range covers five models: Captiva, Aveo, Orlando, Spark and Cruze, covering the 2010–2018 period, in both diesel and petrol. Two purchasing options are available depending on the reference: exchange, where a reconditioned unit is dispatched directly to you, and rebuild, where your own gearbox is reconditioned and returned. Which option is available depends on the exact reference and is specified on each product page.