The Vauxhall A17DTL is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑charged diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018. It features a DOHC 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 96 kW (130 PS) and 300 Nm of torque, providing strong low‑rpm pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted primarily to the Astra J, Insignia A, and Zafira Tourer, the A17DTL was engineered for fuel‑efficient daily use with responsive torque delivery. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), enabling adherence to Euro 5 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high‑pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower, which can lead to pump failure and hard starting. This issue, referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS 13‑021, is often linked to extended oil change intervals or use of non‑specification lubricants. Later production units incorporated a hardened cam follower to improve durability.
Production years 2010–2018 meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892).
The Vauxhall A17DTL is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid‑size models (2010–2018). It combines Bosch 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 (EN 590) | |
| 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 @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP4.2 common‑rail (up to 1,800 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell VNT15) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo and common-rail system deliver responsive low-end torque but require strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) to prevent HPFP cam follower wear and turbo degradation. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) is essential to avoid high-pressure pump seizure. Extended idling or frequent short trips increase DPF soot load, potentially triggering regeneration issues. Vauxhall SIB 13‑021 recommends HPFP inspection if hard-start symptoms occur before 100,000 km, especially in vehicles with non‑compliant oil history.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 13‑021). Not interchangeable with older GM-LL-A-025.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 A17DTL models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Peak output assumes EN 590 diesel quality (Vauxhall TIS Doc. A17‑7801).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs A17‑7721, A17‑7745, SIB 13‑021
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7892)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall A17DTL was used across Vauxhall's Astra J and Insignia A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Insignia and revised EGR routing in the Zafira Tourer—and from 2015 the facelifted Astra J MY15 models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor 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 A17‑7725). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('7' for A17 series). All A17DTL units feature a black plastic cam cover with “1.7 CDTi” badge. Critical differentiation from A17DTR: A17DTL produces 130 PS and uses Bosch EDC17C10 ECU; A17DTR (110 PS) uses EDC16C39. ECU and injector part numbers must match application—interchange between power levels is not supported (Vauxhall SIB 12‑018).
The A17DTL's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) cam follower wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non‑Dexos2 oil or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2014 indicated a measurable uptick in HPFP-related warranty claims before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show no significant emissions failure correlation. Oil quality and change discipline make HPFP longevity critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2016) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL A-17-DTL.
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
UK vehicle approval processes, import rules, and MoT guidance.
DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
Official guidance on engine swaps and inspection implications.
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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