The Citroen Berlingo was first introduced back in 1996 as a range of multi-purpose vehicles that included passenger variants, panel vans, and commercial vehicles. Since its release, the Berlingo has been fully redesigned twice with the latest full redesign coming in 2018. The first two generations of the Berlingo rely solely on a manual box while the 3rd generation of the Berlingo is also available with an automatic.
In this article, we are going to focus on the most common Citroen Berlingo automatic gearbox problems which means that we are only going to talk about the 3rd generation of the Berlingo. The 3rd generation of the Berlingo uses an 8-speed EAT8 automatic transmission which can be seen in various other carmakers as well.
These problems include gear slipping, harsh/delayed shifts, failure to engage a gear completely, fluid leaks, and a noisy transmission. Overall, this box is able to endure more serious issues which means that it should be able to serve you for many years to come.
Either way, in this article, we are going to go over all of the causes, symptoms, and solutions to these problems. So, if you own a Berlingo and want to know what you can expect or you are planning to buy one, be sure to read this article!
Gear Slipping
The Citroën Berlingo is known to sometimes experience gear slipping, an issue where the transmission involuntarily falls out of gear. Symptoms include sudden changes in speed, high RPM, and a delay in acceleration. Causes usually include worn-out clutches, faulty solenoids, and degraded transmission fluid.
To solve this, regularly check and replace the transmission fluid if you need to, ensure that the clutches and solenoids are in optimal condition, and adhere to recommended maintenance schedules. It’s also a good idea to take your car in the moment you sense it starts slipping in order to not experience any more serious damage down the line.
Harsh/Delayed Shifts
Citroën Berlingo owners might also face problems with harsh or delayed shifts. This problem is characterized by a noticeable delay or jolt when the car changes gears. The causes tend to range from malfunctioning transmission control modules, contaminated or low transmission fluid to a problem with the solenoids.
Solutions can include regular maintenance checks and maintaining proper transmission fluid levels. It’s also a good idea to bring this issue to the attention of a professional just to be sure that the problem isn’t associated with something a bit more serious.
Failure to Engage a Gear
This specific problem manifests as the vehicle’s inability to switch to the desired gear, impacting the vehicle’s driveability, safety, and comfort. Predominant causes include a shift solenoid trouble, a malfunctioning transmission control module, or severe internal mechanical failures within the gearbox.
Solutions include professional diagnostics to identify the root cause, followed by necessary repairs or replacements. It’s worth mentioning that this problem can become very serious as it could sometimes lead to a complete transmission rebuild.
Fluid Leaks
Citroen Berlingo fluid leaks are signified by puddles or spots of red or brown fluid under the vehicle. The causes often include damaged seals, gaskets, or transmission lines, potentially resulting in low fluid levels and transmission overheating.
Addressing fluid leaks involves searching for leaks, making sure to seal the leak sources, replacing damaged components, and replenishing the lost transmission fluid. Swift intervention and regular maintenance are imperative to mitigate any severe repercussions.
Noisy Transmission
The last problem we are going to talk about today is a noisy transmission, one that can be identified as whining, clunking, grinding, or humming noises when the vehicle is in gear. These problems can be caused by worn bearings, damaged gear teeth, or inadequate lubrication due to low or contaminated transmission fluid.
If you do come across any of these, it would be best to take your car in for professional diagnostics as that is going to help you narrow down the root cause. There are many reasons why this can happen and it’s very important to know the real culprit. Either way, be sure to be gentle with the transmission as these issues can often stem from being overly muscly with changing gears yourself or engaging in reverse gear while the car is still in forward motion.
FAQ Section
Is the EAT8 8-Speed Transmission Any Good?
The EAT8 (Efficient Automatic Transmission 8-Speed) is a collaborative effort between Peugeot, Citroën, and the Japanese manufacturer Aisin. Generally, it has received positive reviews and is known for providing smooth and efficient gear changes, improved fuel efficiency, and reduced CO2 emissions compared to its predecessors. It offers a responsive and relaxed driving experience, especially in vehicles equipped with paddle shifters, allowing manual control of gear selection.
Even though it has its fair share of issues, it’s a transmission that continuously can do its job without any major issues. If you maintain it correctly and take proper care of it, it should easily be able to last as long as you want it.
Is a Citroen Berlingo Manual Better than an Automatic?
The preference for a manual or automatic transmission in a Citroën Berlingo largely depends on individual driving preferences, needs, and the conditions under which the vehicle is primarily used. A manual is going to give you more control over how your car operates, but it is also going to make for a more engaging experience, and that can be viewed both good and bad.
Manual cars are cheaper to buy, but they don’t hold their value as good as automatic examples do. Overall, neither is objectively better, they both have their pros and cons. However, it is to be expected that most people are going to prefer automatic models.
Should I Buy a Citroen Berlingo?
If you are a business owner, a family man, or someone who just wants an MPV, the Berlingo is indeed a good choice. It gives you pretty much everything you’d expect from a car, but it does not offer you much more than that.
It is not luxurious by any means, it isn’t going to turn any heads, and it’s not exciting to drive. However, as a point-A to point-B vehicle, it does its job very well.
