The Vauxhall A 17 DTJ is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), two valves per cylinder, and common‑rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 74 kW (101 PS) at 4,000 rpm with 230 Nm of torque at 1,750 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull for compact hatchbacks and city driving.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Astra H and Vauxhall Zafira B, including the 1.7 CDTi variants, the A 17 DTJ was engineered for fuel efficiency, emissions compliance, and everyday drivability. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), meeting Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive lobe on the camshaft, which can lead to fuel delivery faults and limp‑mode activation. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Information Bulletin SI 05‑08‑03, stems from marginal surface hardening of the cam lobe in early production batches. From 2007 onward, revised camshaft metallurgy and updated fuel pump specifications were introduced to mitigate the defect.
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 emissions standards as defined under UK VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7823.
The Vauxhall A 17 DTJ is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2005–2010). It combines SOHC architecture with Bosch common‑rail injection to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and strong fuel economy. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances urban drivability with serviceability.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbo (Garrett GT15) | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven camshaft | |
| Oil type | SAE 5W‑30 (ACEA B4) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The SOHC layout provides mechanical simplicity but requires strict adherence to 20,000 km timing belt replacement intervals to prevent catastrophic failure. The Bosch CP1 high-pressure pump is driven directly off the camshaft lobe—early units (pre-2007) are prone to lobe wear if incorrect oil or extended service intervals are used. ACEA B4 5W‑30 oil is critical due to its anti-wear additives protecting the cam/follower interface. EGR systems require periodic cleaning to maintain emissions compliance and prevent carbon buildup in the intake manifold. Use only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel to avoid fuel system contamination.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B4 5W-30 specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Handbook 2006). ACEA C3 oils are not recommended due to lower anti-wear protection.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7823). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Output verified on Vauxhall PT-2005 dyno sheets.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs M3310, M3345, SIB SI 05‑08‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7823)
EN 590 Diesel Fuel Standard (BSI)
The Vauxhall A 17 DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Delta platform with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Zafira B MPV and modified air intake routing in the Astra H hatchback—and from 2007 the facelifted Astra H adopted updated EGR coolers for improved thermal management, creating minor calibration differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Vauxhall TIS M3315). The code 'A 17 DTJ' appears as a raised cast marking. Pre-2007 units have a silver cam cover and early-spec Bosch CP1 pump (part no. 0445020001); post-2007 units use a black cam cover and revised pump (part no. 0445020007). Engine number prefix '17D' confirms displacement and series. VIN 8th digit '7' indicates this engine variant.
The A 17 DTJ's primary reliability risk is camshaft drive lobe wear for the high-pressure fuel pump on pre-2007 units, with elevated incidence in high-mileage or infrequently serviced vehicles. Vauxhall internal field reports from 2006 noted premature lobe failure in ~8% of engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA historical data shows EGR-related emissions faults as a common MOT advisory item. Extended oil-change intervals and use of non-ACEA B4 oils increase cam wear, making adherence to service schedules critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2010) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2011–2020). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DTJ.
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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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