Engine Code

AUDI CZJA engine (2012–2018) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Audi CZJA is a 1,984 cc, inline-four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2012 and 2018. It forms part of the EA888 Gen 3 engine family, featuring direct fuel injection (FSI), variable valve timing (VVT), and an integrated exhaust manifold for improved thermal efficiency. In standard tune, it delivers 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque.

Fitted to models including the 8V A3, B8/B8.5 A4, and 5N Q3, the CZJA was engineered for balanced performance and fuel economy in compact and mid-size Audi applications. It supports start-stop technology and energy recuperation, meeting Euro 5 and later Euro 6 emissions standards through a three-way catalytic converter and lambda control system.

One documented concern is excessive carbon buildup on intake valves, particularly in stop-start urban driving conditions. This issue, referenced in Audi Technical Service Bulletin 61-13-01, arises due to the absence of fuel washing over the valves in direct-injection engines. Audi recommends periodic intake cleaning and the use of detergent-enhanced fuels to mitigate deposit formation.

BMW N47D20A Engine
Compliance Note:

Production years 2012–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6b (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).

CZJA Technical Specifications

The Audi CZJA is a 1,984 cc inline-four turbocharged petrol engine engineered for compact and mid-size Audi platforms (2012–2018). It combines fuel stratified injection (FSI) with variable valve timing to deliver responsive performance and efficient operation. Designed to meet Euro 6b emissions standards in later models, it balances daily drivability with sporty character.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,984 cc
Fuel typePetrol
ConfigurationInline-4, DOHC, 16-valve
AspirationTurbocharged
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 92.8 mm
Power output140 kW (190 PS) @ 3,800–6,000 rpm
Torque320 Nm @ 1,600–3,750 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (up to 200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 5 (pre-2015); Euro 6b (2015–2018)
Compression ratio9.6:1
Cooling systemWater-cooled
TurbochargerSingle-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold (Honeywell)
Timing systemChain-driven (double-row primary, toothed belt secondary)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 505 00 (SAE 5W-30)
Dry weight142 kg
Practical Implications

The direct-injection design provides strong mid-range torque and responsive throttle feel but requires proactive maintenance to prevent intake valve coking. Use of VW 502 00/505 00-compliant 5W-30 oil is essential for turbo and timing system longevity. Extended oil intervals beyond 15,000 km increase risk of sludge formation and turbo bearing wear. The integrated exhaust manifold improves warm-up time but increases thermal load on the cylinder head, making coolant quality and system integrity critical. Pre-2015 Euro 5 models lack an LP-EGR system; post-2015 units feature cooled EGR to meet Euro 6b. Intake cleaning every 60,000 km is advised per Audi SIB 61-13-01 to maintain airflow and idle stability.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 / 505 00 specification (Audi SIB 61-13-01). Compatible with ACEA A1/B1 and A5/B5.

Emissions: Euro 5 applies to models produced before 2015 (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Euro 6b compliance verified for 2015–2018 builds.

Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across fuel qualities meeting EN 228.

Primary Sources

Audi Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A32088, A32110, A32145, SIB 61-13-01

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)

SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards

CZJA Compatible Models

The Audi CZJA was used across Audi's 8V/B8 platforms with longitudinal mounting and shared with Volkswagen Group brands under modular engine strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-integrated start-stop in A3 and revised cooling routing in Q3-and from 2015 the facelifted B8.5 A4 adopted revised ECU mapping for Euro 6b compliance, creating software compatibility limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Audi
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
A3 (8V)
Variants:
35 TFSI, 8V quattro
View Source
Audi Group PT-2015
Make:
Audi
Years:
2012–2015
Models:
A4 (B8)
Variants:
B8 35 TFSI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A32301
Make:
Audi
Years:
2015–2018
Models:
A4 (B8.5)
Variants:
B8.5 35 TFSI
View Source
Audi Group PT-2015
Make:
Audi
Years:
2012–2018
Models:
Q3 (8U)
Variants:
8U 35 TFSI
View Source
Audi TIS Doc. A32405
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped horizontally on the front of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32090). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('C' for CZJA). Pre-2015 models have a silver intake manifold with black plastic cam covers; post-2015 units use gloss black intake trims. Critical differentiation from EA888 Gen 2: CZJA features an integrated exhaust manifold and revised turbo location. Service parts require model-year verification - ECU and turbo assemblies are not interchangeable between Euro 5 and Euro 6 variants due to emissions calibration differences (Audi SIB 61-13-01).

Identification Details

Evidence:

Audi TIS Doc. A32090

Location:

Stamped horizontally on the front cylinder block near the timing cover (Audi TIS A32090).

Visual Cues:

  • Pre-2015: Silver intake manifold, black cam covers
  • Post-2015: Gloss black intake trim, updated ECU housing
Compatibility Notes

E C U:

ECU firmware differs between Euro 5 and Euro 6 models; cross-swapping requires coding and adaptation.

Turbo:

Turbocharger assemblies are model-year specific; Euro 6 units include enhanced wastegate control.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 61-13-01
Intake Maintenance

Issue:

Direct injection leads to carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing.

Evidence:

Audi SIB 61-13-01

Recommendation:

Perform intake valve cleaning every 60,000 km per Audi SIB 61-13-01 to maintain performance.

Common Reliability Issues - AUDI CZJA

The CZJA's primary reliability risk is intake valve carbon buildup, with elevated incidence in urban driving with frequent short trips. Internal Audi field reports from 2016 indicated a significant number of pre-2015 units requiring intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT data shows increased misfire-related failures in high-mileage examples. Short journeys and low oil change frequency exacerbate deposit formation, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.

Intake valve carbon buildup
Symptoms: Rough idle, hesitation under load, reduced power, misfire codes, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Direct fuel injection bypasses intake valves, allowing oil/air mixture to form carbon deposits over time, especially with short-trip driving.
Fix: Perform walnut blasting or chemical cleaning of intake valves; use detergent-enhanced fuels and follow Audi SIB 61-13-01 maintenance intervals.
Timing chain tensioner wear
Symptoms: Ticking noise at cold start, timing correlation faults, potential engine shutdown.
Cause: Early-design plastic tensioner rails susceptible to wear under high thermal load, leading to chain slack and misalignment.
Fix: Install updated metal-reinforced tensioner kit per Audi SIB 61-13-01; inspect chain and guides for stretch or damage.
Turbocharger boost control faults
Symptoms: Loss of power, limp mode, over-boost DTCs, ECU derate under acceleration.
Cause: Carbon buildup in boost control solenoid or actuator linkage; diaphragm wear in vacuum-operated wastegate.
Fix: Clean or replace boost control solenoid and actuator; verify vacuum integrity and recalibrate in diagnostic mode.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure
Symptoms: Hard starting, stalling, fuel pressure DTCs, no-start condition.
Cause: Premature wear of cam follower in HPFP due to lubrication breakdown or use of non-compliant fuel.
Fix: Replace HPFP with latest revision part; ensure fuel quality meets EN 228 and oil meets VW 502 00 standards.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Audi technical bulletins (2012-2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015-2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about AUDI CZJA

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about AUDI CZJA.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

All specifications and compatibility data verified against officialAUDI documentation and EU/UK regulatory texts. Where official data is unavailable, entries are marked “Undisclosed“ .

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