The Vauxhall A17DTF is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct fuel injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 96 kW (130 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 300 Nm of torque at 2,000–2,500 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra J, Corsa D, and Meriva B—including the 1.7 CDTi 130 variants—the A17DTF was engineered for responsive performance and fuel efficiency. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing it to meet Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive mechanism, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent short trips without full warm-up. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SIB‑10‑05‑12, is attributed to marginal lubrication under cold-start conditions and fuel contamination. Affected engines exhibit hard starting, fuel pressure faults, and reduced power.

All production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891).
The Vauxhall A17DTF is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2010–2018). 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 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with fuel 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) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 300 Nm @ 2,000–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for urban driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025–approved oil to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. Short trips without full warm-up accelerate fuel dilution and oil degradation. The Bosch CP4.2 pump is sensitive to fuel contamination and requires ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590); poor fuel quality can cause rapid wear of the pump drive lobe. EGR and DPF systems demand periodic regeneration cycles—extended city driving without highway runs may trigger limp mode. Post-2013 units feature updated pump drive components per SIB‑10‑05‑12.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2010). Equivalent to ACEA C3.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7891). No market variations.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified across Astra J and Corsa D applications (Vauxhall PT‑2010).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T10‑224, SIB 10‑05‑12
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7891)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A17DTF was used across Vauxhall's J30/Z30 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva B and modified airbox routing in the Corsa D—and from 2013 the facelifted Astra J models retained the same engine code but updated ECU calibrations for improved DPF management, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS T10‑224). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('7' for 1.7L). All A17DTF units feature black plastic cam covers with 'CDTi' embossing. Critical differentiation from A17DTR: A17DTF uses a single VGT turbo and Bosch CP4.2 pump; A17DTR has twin-turbo layout. ECU part number begins with '1358475' for pre‑2013 units and '1359012' for post‑DPF‑update. Service parts require calibration verification—fuel pumps and injectors are not interchangeable across ECU generations (Vauxhall SIB 11‑08‑14).
The A17DTF's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive wear, with elevated incidence in high-mileage vehicles used primarily for short urban trips. Vauxhall internal field data from 2014 indicated pump failures in a notable subset of engines exceeding 100,000 km without strict oil and fuel maintenance, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to DPF blockage and EGR faults. Cold-start cycles without full warm-up increase pump stress, making fuel quality and oil change interval adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2010–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DTF.
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