Opel Combo
Isuzu-based 1.7-litre unit-injector diesel. Economical and long-lived with correct maintenance, but a characteristic weakness in the electronic injection pump ECU (EDU), whose solder joints crack from engine vibrations.
Combo diesel base
55 kW in the Combo – pure commercial vehicle feel.
Engine Weaknesses 8
The EDU suffers from cold solder joints caused by engine vibration. The engine suddenly stops running warm or cuts out under load. Fault code P0251 is typical. Specialist repair is possible; a new pump is very expensive.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out when warm and will not restart; rough idle; engine does not respond to throttle; fault code P0251
The Y17DTL is an interference engine. A broken timing belt causes engine damage through valve-to-piston contact. Prescribed replacement intervals are often not adhered to.
Symptoms: Engine suddenly will not start; tearing noise
The control unit integrated into the injection pump head on the Y17DTL typically fails under heat: engine judders, loses power and will not restart when hot. Fault code P0251 is typical. Replacement pumps cost 400–800 EUR.
Symptoms: Engine dies at operating temperature, starts cold but not when warm, juddering and power loss, fault code P0251.
The pump control unit on the Y17DTL develops cold solder joints through engine vibration. Fault code P0370 is typical. Replacement of the pump ECU is necessary, approx. 300–500 EUR.
Symptoms: Engine cuts out at operating temperature, starting problems when warm, fault code P0370 or P0335.
Glow plugs seize in the cylinder head through corrosion and frequently snap during removal. This creates a complex repair job. Poor cold starting and the glow plug warning light are the symptoms.
Symptoms: Poor cold starting especially below 5 °C, glow plug warning light illuminated permanently, white smoke on cold start
On the Y17DTL, the injectors sit under the cam cover gasket and are subject to crankcase pressure. A blocked crankcase ventilation builds up pressure which forces oil past the injector seals. All four injectors affected simultaneously.
Symptoms: Oil seeping around injectors, smoke from engine block, contaminated engine bay, increased oil consumption.
The crankshaft sensor on the Y17DTL fails frequently and causes starting problems when the engine is warm. Fault code P0335 often appears. Cheap to replace and solves the problem reliably.
Symptoms: Engine starts only when cold, warm engine does not start or only starts after several attempts.
The EGR valve on the Y17DTL clogs with soot deposits, especially with frequent short-trip use. The result is reduced engine power, increased fuel consumption and rough idle. Cleaning or replacement costs 80–300 EUR.
Symptoms: Juddering under load, rough idle, power loss, increased fuel consumption, black smoke under acceleration.
Vehicle Weaknesses 12
The engine control unit on the Combo C can fail and cause issues such as running on only 3 cylinders or sporadic power loss. OBD diagnosis required; repair often expensive.
Rubber entry strips collect water; the metal band abrades the paint. Corrosion on the door sills is only visible after the strips are removed.
Deep corrosion forms at the front and rear wheel arches and underbody during winter use.
Control arms, anti-roll bar drop links, and steering bushings wear quickly with commercial use and frequent full loads.
The mechanical handbrake frequently shows insufficient holding force. Brake cables stretch or seize.
On the Combo C, steering bushings and tie rod joints wear faster than on a private car in everyday and commercial use. Typical problem at higher mileages, especially on frequently loaded vehicles.
Lower and middle guide rail of the sliding door: paint flakes off, rust develops. Pre-2004 vehicles used inferior-quality material.
Faulty actuator motors at the sliding door and tailgate. Cable breaks at moving door components or corroded connectors.
The heater matrix becomes blocked by coolant sludge, especially if water rather than coolant concentrate was topped up frequently. The cabin stays cold despite a warm engine.
Leaking gaskets at the thermostat housing lead to slow coolant loss. Head gasket damage can follow if left unaddressed.
The sliding door guide rail corrodes; the plastic protective strip becomes brittle and breaks. Stiff sliding door and moisture ingress.
Plastic clips and connections in the dashboard loosen with age. Rattling noises especially in cold weather and over poor road surfaces.
