The Vauxhall A13DTE is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a double overhead camshaft (DOHC) layout with common‑rail direct injection and an aluminium block with cast‑iron cylinder liners. In standard form it delivered 70–77 kW (95–105 PS) and 230–280 Nm of torque, offering strong low‑end pulling power and class‑leading fuel economy for subcompact applications.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa E, Adam, and Meriva B, the A13DTE was engineered for urban efficiency, responsive low‑rpm torque, and compliance with Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF).
One documented concern is high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear leading to hard starting or limp‑mode activation. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑14‑087, is often linked to fuel lubricity degradation in ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel (ULSD) without adequate additive packages. From 2015 onward, revised HPFP internals and updated rail pressure maps were introduced to improve durability.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5b standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2145).
The Vauxhall A13DTE is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for subcompact and city cars (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and excellent fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 5b and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 compliant) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 70–77 kW (95–105 PS) @ 4,000–4,500 rpm | |
| Torque | 230–280 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5b (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable‑geometry turbo (VGT, Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 98 kg |
The DOHC three‑cylinder layout provides excellent low‑end torque and packaging efficiency but demands strict adherence to 20,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. The Bosch CP4.2 high‑pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel lubricity; only EN 590 diesel with adequate lubricity additives should be used to prevent premature wear. Extended idling and frequent short trips increase DPF soot loading, requiring periodic highway driving for passive regeneration. Post‑2015 engines feature revised HPFP internals and updated ECU maps per Vauxhall SB‑14‑087 to enhance reliability.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 2013). Equivalent ACEA C3 oils are not recommended due to additive incompatibility.
Emissions: Euro 5b certification applies to 2011–2014 models; Euro 6 applies to 2015–2018 builds (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2145).
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. 77 kW output requires Euro 6 calibration and updated turbo actuator (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V-A13DTE-03).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V-A13DTE-01, V-A13DTE-02, V-A13DTE-03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2145)
Vauxhall Service Bulletin SB‑14‑087
The Vauxhall A13DTE was used across Vauxhall's Global Gamma and Delta platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Adam and altered coolant routing in the Meriva B—and from 2015 the Corsa E facelift adopted updated ECU calibration and DPF substrate, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS V-A13DTE-04). The code 'A13DTE' appears as a laser-etched label on a metal plate affixed to the cylinder head. Pre-2015 engines use Bosch EDC17C74 ECU with silver fuel rail; post-2015 units feature EDC17C75 with black rail and updated pressure sensor. Critical differentiation from the older 1248 'A13DTR' engine: A13DTE has variable-geometry turbo (vs. fixed), confirmed by actuator arm on turbo housing. Fuel pump part number must match production date—CP4.2 pumps for engines after 06/2014 require updated cam follower per SB‑14‑087.
The A13DTE's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear in pre-2015 builds, with elevated incidence in urban or short-trip use. Vauxhall internal quality data from 2016 noted a significant share of Corsa E 1.3 CDTI models requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records link DPF-related failures to frequent city driving. Extended idling and low-quality diesel accelerate pump wear, making fuel quality and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2011–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-13-DTE.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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