Opel Zafira A

Zafira Opel was first presented in Frankfurt at the motor show in 1997, and the first serial "compact van" came off the assembly line in 1999. Official deliveries did not begin until 2002. In 2003, Van underwent plastic surgery on his face. The car was built on the GM T platform used on the 1998 Astra G/B. The model was assembled in Bochum, Germany. Thanks to its practicality, reliability and availability, the Opel Zafira A has won the approval of many family car enthusiasts. Most of the cars were imported from Europe, the rest were sold by official dealers. It is impossible to call a car a problem, but after its acquisition, one way or another, some malfunctions in the operation process may occur, still age takes its toll.

Body and salon

The body of the car is quite strong, the geometry is well preserved unchanged after prolonged operation with maximum load. Painting, especially on older cars, most likely already has small “spikes”, which are in no hurry to give up to the aggressive external environment, but also with the elimination of them should not be pulled. The weak spot is the front wings under the regular splashers. Over time, the coating is erased there, and the metal begins to corrosion. Short-lived paintwork and at the junction of the front and rear bumper with the wings. It will not be superfluous to prevent corrosion of thresholds. Often condensate accumulates inside them. In this case, it is enough to put the car so that the rear part was above the front, open the drain plugs in the threshold and dry them. It will not hurt to additional treatment with the anticorrosive composition of its internal cavities. Some owners complain of the appearance of water in the cabin in the legs of the front passenger and driver, especially after heavy rains and washing. The reason is bad windshield squeezing. The place of the "leak" can be determined by removing the skin of the racks of the windshield. To contribute to the appearance of water can and clogged drainage - in the area of fastening of the front pillars of shock absorbers. It will get into the salon through the seals of the wire harnesses that go there from the engine compartment, which have shrunk from old age. When replacing the wheel, you may have the following problem. The loop with the bolt of the spare pallet due to corrosion loses its strength characteristics. Removing the wheel, the frame of the pallet can twist, and the mount burst. The original is quite expensive.

Engines

The Opel Zafira engines are identical to those installed on the Opel Astra. They are represented by gasoline 1.6 liters (100 hp), 1.8 liters (116 and 125 hp), 2.2 liters (147 hp) and top 2.0 l OPC (192 hp). Diesel: 2.0 l (82 hp and 101 hp) and 2.2 l (125 hp). In addition, there was a natural gas version - 1. 6 CNG (97 hp). The mechanical part of the engines itself is very reliable, interruptions in operation mainly cause failed sensors. On cars with a mileage of more than 200,000 km, you have to change the sensors of mass air flow and the crankshaft sensor. In case of defective candles, the ignition module often becomes a consumable with a resource of 30-60 thousand km. Sometimes after 200-300 thousand km dies ECU engine. Replacement for a serviceable block will cost 12-18 thousand rubles. The 1.6 CNG engine is designed to run on methane. As a backup option, work on gasoline with a fuel reserve of about 15 liters is provided. When working on gasoline, the engine traction is significantly reduced, since the octane number of gas is 130, and gasoline is only 95-98. A possible problem, especially on cars from 2001-2004, is the spontaneous switching of the engine to gasoline power. The reason is too low resistance of the electromagnet coil on the valve of the gas cylinder, which causes a short circuit. The problem is solved by replacing all coils of electromagnets along with a tourniquet of cylinder wires. If the engine starts to triple when working on gas, then most likely the nozzles will need to be replaced. Rarely, interruptions in work are associated with a loss of tightness in the system.

Transmission

The engine is recoiled through a mechanical or automatic transmission. Machines with ICDs are the most common option. The period of impeccable operation of mechanics is not less than 200,000 km. But still, on a number of copies, there were small problems. After 80,000 km, 1st and 2nd gears started to switch poorly, especially on the cold box. Poor inclusion can contribute to the sleeve of the backstage that breaks over time. You can also check the lever frame - perhaps weakened the bolts of the mounting, which caused its free movement and, as a result, the discrepancy of the lever angle to the desired position. If during the movement in the box there is a noise resembling “shuttering”, most likely will require replacing the rear bearing of the secondary shaft (the weakest element in the box) or the front (less often). Clutch during moderate driving tends to 100 - 150 thousand km. The oil poured into the box is designed for the entire life of the box, but the replacement will not be superfluous every 100,000 km.

The Aisin Warner AF-17 is usually not a surprise and is considered one of the most reliable boxes. The machine is confidently operating at least 300,000 km. By this time, when running more than 200,000 km, some owners faced the first problems, such as poor gearshift (box packets burned) and vibrations when switching ("tired" rear airbag automatic transmission).

Walking

The suspension is pretty strong. The only weak element is the front hub, which rarely nurses more than 70,000 km, and often begins to “buzz” already by 45-50 thousand km. A little longer live stabilizer racks - about 100,000 km. By this run, the bearings begin to surrender. At 150 – 200 thousand km, ball supports, bushings, front levers silent blocks and shock absorbers will most likely require replacement. By 250-270 thousand km, the silent blocks of the rear beam "die" and the rubber gaskets of the springs (especially the lower ones) wear out. At the same time, springs begin to subside, and with frequent large loads, the turn breaks on the floor.

The steering rack to the first tacks and knocks runs at least 200 thousand km.

The brakes on the Opel Zafira A were installed in two types: before 2000, the company Bosch, and after Lucas. The reason for the change of supplier is a small resource and rapid acidification of system elements. The front pads are laden for 30 – 60 thousand km. When replacing them, it is necessary to update the wear sensor of the pads (about 300 rubles. for 1 pc). Many, not wanting to spend money, simply interlace the wires of the wear sensor, thereby getting rid of the intrusive signaling of the production of pads.

Electrician.

The electric part of the Opel sometimes also causes temporary inconvenience. Among them, a generator with a resource of about 100 - 200 thousand km - due to the failure of the voltage regulator, wear of pulley bearings and rollers. The starter may fail due to the oxidation of the contacts of the wires from the brushes to the "retractor". Often pops up an error of the ABS sensor - the reason is poor tightness of the connector contacts. The sensor changes only in the assembly with the hub, which will require some costs. Don't be in a hurry to change it. The problem can be eliminated in most cases by cleaning contacts and silicone lubrication.

When the washing liquid freezes in winter and an unsuccessful attempt to “spray” on the glass behind the motor, you can not worry, he will remain alive. And after warming and thawing, it will again cope with its task. Sometimes the pixels on the onboard computer display burn out, or the screen dims. The monitor can be repaired, and the replacement for used will be in 1500 - 3000 rubles. Another “dog” that concerns the electrician, is damage to the insulation and rupture of wires in the corrugated rear doors, which stops working windows.

Body and salon

• Over time, the coating is erased there, and the metal begins to corrosion.
• It will not be superfluous to prevent corrosion of thresholds.
• It will not hurt to additional treatment with the anticorrosive composition of its internal cavities.
• The place of the "leak" can be determined by removing the skin of the racks of the windshield.
• When replacing the wheel, you may have the following problem.
• The loop with the bolt of the spare pallet due to corrosion loses its strength characteristics.
• The frame of the rear seat from frequent loads over time is slightly deformed, and when it is laid out, problems with the ease of transformation may arise.
• The problem is the motor that controls her position.

Engines

• The mechanical part of the engines itself is very reliable, interruptions in operation mainly cause failed sensors.
• Replacement for a serviceable block will cost 12-18 thousand rubles.
• A possible problem, especially on cars from 2001-2004, is the spontaneous switching of the engine to gasoline power.
• The reason is too low resistance of the electromagnet coil on the valve of the gas cylinder, which causes a short circuit.
• The problem is solved by replacing all coils of electromagnets along with a tourniquet of cylinder wires.
• If the engine starts to triple when working on gas, then most likely the nozzles will need to be replaced.
• Rarely, interruptions in work are associated with a loss of tightness in the system.
• Difficulties with gas charging arise due to loss of tightness between filling units, as a result, the gas partially gets out, and the filling valve freezes and freezes.

Transmission

• But still, on a number of copies, there were small problems.
• You can also check the lever frame - perhaps weakened the bolts of the mounting, which caused its free movement and, as a result, the discrepancy of the lever angle to the desired position.
• The oil poured into the box is designed for the entire life of the box, but the replacement will not be superfluous every 100,000 km.
• By this time, when running more than 200,000 km, some owners faced the first problems, such as poor gearshift (box packs burned) and vibrations when switching ("tired" rear airbag automatic transmission).

Walking

• The steering rack to the first tacks and knocks runs at least 200 thousand km.
• When replacing them, it is necessary to update the wear sensor of the pads (about 300 rubles. for 1 pc).
• Many, not wanting to spend money, simply interlace the wires of the wear sensor, thereby getting rid of the intrusive signaling of the production of pads.

Electrician.

• km - due to the failure of the voltage regulator, wear of pulley bearings and rollers.
• The starter may fail due to the oxidation of the contacts of the wires from the brushes to the "retractor".
• The problem can be eliminated in most cases by cleaning contacts and silicone lubrication.
• When the washing liquid freezes in winter and an unsuccessful attempt to “spray” on the glass behind the motor, you can not worry, he will remain alive.
• And after warming and thawing, it will again cope with its task.
• The monitor can be repaired, and the replacement for used will be in 1500 - 3000 rubles.

It is unlikely that all these malfunctions can be found on one car, but information about them will help to avoid buying a car with problems and save money in the process of operation. Opel Zafira A against the background of representatives of its class looks the best contender for the role of a family car in the age.

• Body and salon: Over time, the coating is erased there, and the metal begins to corrosion.
• Engines: The mechanical part of the engines itself is very reliable, interruptions in operation mainly cause failed sensors.
• Transmission: But still, on a number of copies, there were minor problems.
• Driving: The steering rack to the first undertrenches and knocks runs at least 200 thousand km.
• Electricity: km - due to voltage regulator failure, wear of pulley bearings and rollers.

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