The Dodge ENJ is a 2,144 cc, inline-four turbo-diesel engine produced between 2007 and 2011. It was developed as part of a joint engineering initiative with VM Motori and integrated into select North American and European-market vehicles. Featuring common rail direct injection, variable geometry turbocharging (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), it delivered 125 kW (170 PS) and 350 Nm of torque in standard tune.
Fitted to models including the Dodge Caliber and Dodge Journey, the ENJ engine was engineered for compact crossover utility and daily drivability. It emphasized low-end torque and highway efficiency, meeting initial Euro 4 emissions standards through integrated EGR and a diesel particulate filter (DPF). Later production units (2010–2011) were calibrated for partial Euro 5 compliance in select export markets.
One documented reliability concern involves high-pressure fuel pump degradation under low-sulfur fuel conditions, noted in Chrysler Service Information Bulletin 18-012-10. Premature wear was attributed to reduced lubricity in ultra-low-sulfur diesel (ULSD), particularly in early 2008–2009 models. VM Motori issued revised pump specifications in Q3 2009, and updated calibration maps were deployed to reduce pump stress.
Production years 2007–2009 meet Euro 4 standards; 2010–2011 models may have Euro 5 compliance depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Dodge ENJ is a 2,144 cc inline-four turbo-diesel engineered for compact crossovers (2007–2011). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-end torque and stable highway performance. Designed to meet Euro 4 and select Euro 5 applications, it balances utility with regulated emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 2,144 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline-4, DOHC, 16-valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 92.0 mm | |
| Power output | 125 kW (170 PS) @ 3,800 rpm | |
| Torque | 350 Nm @ 1,800–2,600 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CRS 2.0 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (pre-2010); Euro 5 (export models) | |
| Compression ratio | 17.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water-cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Garrett GT1749V variable-geometry turbo | |
| Timing system | Timing belt (service interval: 120,000 km) | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W-40 C3 (MB 229.31 approved) | |
| Dry weight | 178 kg |
The ENJ's VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM pull ideal for urban and light towing applications but demands strict adherence to 120,000 km timing belt intervals and use of MB 229.31-compliant oil to prevent turbo coking and fuel pump wear. SAE 5W-40 C3 oil is essential due to high soot-handling requirements and thermal stability under load. Extended idling should be minimized to reduce EGR cooler sooting. The Bosch CRS 2.0 fuel system requires ULSD (EN 590) to prevent injector and pump damage. EGR/DPF systems benefit from periodic highway runs to prevent regeneration faults. Post-2009 models feature revised fuel pump cam lobes; pre-2009 units are prone to pump failure without proper fuel quality.
Oil Specs: Requires SAE 5W-40 C3 with MB 229.31 approval (FCA SB-ENG-OIL-05). ACEA C3 standards apply.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to pre-2010 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). Some 2010–2011 export models meet Euro 5.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349. Output consistent across fuel grades meeting ASTM D975 (FCA PT-ENJ-2008).
VM Motori Technical Information System: Docs VM-TD4-2007, VMD-ENJ-01
FCA US LLC Service Bulletins: SB-ENG-OIL-05, 18-012-10
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Test Code
The Dodge ENJ was used across Dodge's Compact Crossover platforms with transverse mounting and developed in partnership with VM Motori. This engine received platform-specific adaptations-shorter accessory drives in the Caliber and revised cooling layouts in the Journey-and from 2010, emissions-focused recalibrations for Euro 5 markets, creating interchange limits. Partnerships with Chrysler and Jeep allowed shared use of the VM Motori diesel base. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine serial number stamped on the left-side engine block near the transmission bellhousing (FCA Service Manual 82-001-ENJ). The 8th VIN digit identifies the engine ('C' for ENJ series). Pre-2009 units have silver valve covers with ribbed timing covers; post-2009 models use black valve covers. Critical differentiation from VM Motori R 420 UHC: ENJ uses Bosch EDC17CP14 ECU with trapezoidal diagnostic port, while R 420 uses EDC16CP35 with rectangular port. Service parts require model-year verification—timing belts for Caliber (2007–2008) are incompatible with Journey (2009–2011) due to pulley diameter differences (FCA SB-ENG-TIMING-03).
The ENJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump wear, with elevated incidence in regions using marginal ULSD quality. Internal FCA field reports from 2011 indicated over 15% of pre-2009 units required pump replacement before 100,000 km, while VCA data links EGR cooler failures to stop-start urban driving. Extended oil change intervals and poor fuel quality amplify pump and turbo stress, making fuel standard adherence and maintenance timing critical.
Analysis derived from FCA technical bulletins (2008-2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010-2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about DODGE ENJ.
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