Reconditioned Opel Combo Gearbox

5-speed or 6-speed: which gearbox for your Opel Combo diesel?

The answer depends first and foremost on the engine, not the model. The 1.6 CDTi is the only Combo engine to come with a 6-speed manual gearbox, whilst the 1.3 CDTi, 1.7 CDTi and 1.5 BlueHDi are all fitted with a 5-speed manual gearbox. No automated manual or automatic versions feature in this collection, which covers model years 2004 to 2011.

Identifying the right gearbox by engine code

The 1.3 CDTi covers three distinct engine codes: Y13DT, Z13DT and Z13DTJ. These codes correspond to different power outputs or emissions standards, and the associated gearboxes are not always interchangeable. The 1.7 CDTi carries the code Z17DTH, and the 1.6 CDTi comes in A16FDH and A16FDL. The more recent 1.5 BlueHDi is identified by the code DV5RCF. Checking the engine code stamped on the block before placing any order is essential: two Combos with the same engine capacity can take mechanically different gearboxes depending on the year and the code.

Symptoms and points to watch on these engines

On the 1.3 CDTi, the 5-speed gearboxes are known for increasingly stiff gear changes over time, often made worse by worn selector forks. The 1.7 CDTi, which is put under greater load in the Combo when used as a light commercial vehicle, places more strain on the lower-ratio synchromesh rings. The most common symptoms remain the same regardless of the engine: noise in direct drive, a gear jumping out, or difficulty engaging reverse. For the 1.6 CDTi, the 6-speed gearbox is shared with other vehicles from the PSA-GM group of the same era, which makes identification straightforward — but you must distinguish between the two codes A16FDH and A16FDL to ensure exact compatibility. Two reconditioning options are available depending on the condition of your original unit: exchange for a reconditioned unit, or rebuilding of your own gearbox.