The Vauxhall A17DTS is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2013 and 2018. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 96 kW (130 PS) with 320 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive low-end pull and fuel efficiency.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Insignia B, and Zafira Tourer, the A17DTS was designed for drivers prioritising fuel economy without sacrificing everyday drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), meeting Euro 5 and Euro 6 standards depending on model year and market.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower, leading to pump failure. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB-15-04-13, stems from inadequate lubrication under high thermal load. From 2015 onward, revised cam followers and updated fuel pump designs were introduced to mitigate the failure mode.
Production years 2013–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678).
The Vauxhall A17DTS is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2013–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 5 and Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances everyday performance with economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 96 kW (130 PS) | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2013–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 148 kg |
The VGT turbo delivers responsive low-RPM torque ideal for urban and motorway use but requires strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump cam follower. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is mandatory to prevent CP4.2 pump seizure. EGR and DPF systems are sensitive to short-trip driving; periodic highway runs help maintain regeneration cycles. Post-2015 engines include a reinforced cam follower per TSB-15-04-13, significantly reducing pump failure risk.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB-15-04-13). Meets ACEA C3 but adds OEM-specific wear protection.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2013–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/5678). 2015–2018 models meet Euro 6 in all EU markets.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V88240).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V88230, V88235, TSB-15-04-13
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/5678)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A17DTS was used across Vauxhall's Astra J/Insignia B platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Insignia and revised cooling ducts in the Zafira Tourer—and from 2015 the Euro 6-compliant variants adopted updated ECU calibrations and cam follower designs, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS V88260). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('D' for 1.7 diesel series). Pre-2015 models use a silver cam cover with Bosch CP4.2 pump and round diagnostic port; post-2015 Euro 6 units have black cam covers and updated ECU with trapezoidal OBD port. Critical differentiation from A17DT: A17DTS features VGT turbo and DOHC; A17DT is SOHC with fixed-geometry turbo. Fuel pump cam followers are not interchangeable across model years due to TSB-15-04-13 redesign.
The A17DTS's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure due to cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or stop-start urban use. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring pump replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in short-trip vehicles. Extended oil intervals and low-quality diesel accelerate wear, making oil specification and fuel quality critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2014–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DT.
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EUR-Lex
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GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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