Reconditioned SEAT Altea Gearbox

1.6 TDI, 1.4 TSI or 2.0 TDI: which gearbox did the Altea have before and after 2009?

The answer depends on both the engine and the year of production, as the Altea (2004–2015) went through several gearbox families over its lifetime — engine capacity alone is not enough to determine the right one. The engine code stamped on the block remains the only reliable reference point for avoiding a specification error.

The 1.6 TDI: three possible gearboxes depending on the generation

The situation is most complex with the 1.6 TDI. This engine, identified by the codes CAYC or CAXC, can be paired with a 5-speed manual, a DSG 6 or a DSG 7, depending on the original specification. Both DSG units are sold with a new dual-clutch but without the mechatronic unit — a point that determines the preliminary diagnostic to be carried out on the control unit. The 1.6 naturally aspirated (codes BSE, BGU, BSF) and the 2.0 TDI (code BKD or CFHC) each came with just one gearbox family: a 5-speed manual for the former, a 6-speed manual for the latter. The 1.4 TSI (code CAXC depending on variant) is also paired with a 6-speed manual.

Key points for identification

On Alteas produced before 2009, the 1.6 TDI did not yet exist; the diesel engines of that period were 2.0 TDI units or older 1.9 TDI units not covered by this range. After 2009, the 1.6 TDI took over, with gearbox variants that differ considerably depending on the market and trim level. Checking both the engine code and the original gearbox code (found on the casing plate or the vehicle registration document) avoids any confusion between references LHY, QQW, PVX, NFP or NBW, which cover distinct mechanical assemblies that are not interchangeable.