The Vauxhall A17DTI is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2003 and 2010. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC) 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct fuel injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), delivering 74 kW (101 PS) and 230 Nm of torque. The use of a high-pressure Bosch CP3 injection system enables precise fuel metering for improved combustion efficiency and reduced emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa C, Meriva A, and Combo C, the A17DTI was engineered for urban and light commercial use, prioritising low‑end torque and fuel economy. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst, allowing the engine to meet Euro 4 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel, particularly in stop‑start or high‑clutch‑slip applications. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TIS‑17‑05‑03, is attributed to thermal fatigue and torsional stress exacerbated by aggressive driving or frequent short trips. Later production batches incorporated revised flywheel damping characteristics to mitigate this failure mode.
All production years (2003–2010) meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892).
The Vauxhall A17DTI is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and light vans (2003–2010). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances reliability with everyday usability.
| 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 | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 138 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires adherence to 15,000 km or 12‑month oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and timing chain. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR valve and intake manifold. The dual-mass flywheel is prone to fatigue in stop-start use; replacement with updated OEM unit (P/N 93198765) per TIS‑17‑05‑03 is recommended if judder or clunking is observed. No DPF simplifies maintenance, though oxidation catalyst efficiency must be monitored for emissions compliance.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑17‑05‑03). ACEA C3 oils are acceptable if GM‑LL‑B‑025 is unavailable.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all A17DTI production (2003–2010) (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892). No market variants deviate from this standard.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2004 test protocol.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑17‑01‑08, TIS‑17‑02‑11, TIS‑17‑05‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7892)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall A17DTI was used across Vauxhall's T200/C platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Combo C and modified intake manifolds in the Meriva A—and from 2006 minor ECU updates improved cold‑start emissions, 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 exhaust manifold (Vauxhall TIS TIS‑17‑02‑01). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('7' for 1.7L). All A17DTI units feature black plastic cam covers with 'CDTi' embossed. Critical differentiation from A17DTR: A17DTI lacks exhaust gas aftertreatment beyond oxidation catalyst and uses ECU part number '1229456'. Post‑2006 models use updated ECU '1229871' with revised idle maps (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑17‑04‑05).
The A17DTI's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel degradation, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start or commercial delivery use. Vauxhall internal data from 2008 indicated a measurable uptick in flywheel replacements beyond 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show secondary failures linked to EGR valve coking from frequent short trips. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality oil significantly accelerate wear, making adherence to GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil specs and service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2004–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DTI.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval & V5C
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
WLTP and RDE testing procedures for emissions certification.
GOV.UK: Vehicle Approval
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