The Vauxhall F9Q 770 is a 1,461 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2010 and 2018 under licence from Renault. It features a single variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), common‑rail direct injection, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC) with 16 valves. In standard form it delivers 66 kW (90 PS) and 220 Nm of torque, providing adequate low‑end pull for compact city cars and light commercial vehicles.
Fitted to models such as the Vauxhall Combo C, Corsa D, and Meriva B, the F9Q 770 was engineered for cost‑effective urban mobility and light‑duty utility. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), allowing adherence to Euro 5 standards across its production run.
One documented concern is premature failure of the dual-mass flywheel (DMF), noted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0714. This is attributed to thermal fatigue and torsional stress under frequent stop‑start operation. From 2014, revised DMF internals and updated clutch assemblies were introduced to improve durability.
All production years (2010–2018) meet Euro 5 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567).
The Vauxhall F9Q 770 is a 1,461 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered under Renault licence for compact passenger and light commercial vehicles (2010–2018). It combines common-rail direct injection with a variable-geometry turbocharger to deliver usable low-rpm torque and urban drivability. Designed to meet Euro 5 emissions standards, it prioritizes affordability and serviceability over high performance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,461 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel (EN 590) | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (VGT) | |
| Bore × stroke | 76.0 mm × 80.5 mm | |
| Power output | 66 kW (90 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 220 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3.4 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 | |
| Compression ratio | 15.8:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | DEXOS2 5W‑30 (ACEA C3) | |
| Dry weight | 124 kg |
The VGT turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent use of EN 590 diesel and DEXOS2 oil to protect the high-pressure fuel system and turbo bearings. Extended oil change intervals beyond 20,000 km or 12 months may accelerate wear in the Bosch CP3.4 pump and timing chain. The dual-mass flywheel is prone to fatigue under frequent stop-start use; Vauxhall SIB PI0714 recommends replacing with updated DMF (P/N 96845210) during clutch service on pre-2014 units. No DPF is fitted, simplifying emissions maintenance but requiring EGR cleaning to prevent carbon buildup.
Oil Specs: Requires DEXOS2 5W-30 (ACEA C3) specification (Vauxhall Owner's Manual Combo C 2012). Not interchangeable with DEXOS1.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to all 2010–2018 F9Q 770 engines (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4567). No DPF is installed.
Power Ratings: Measured under EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007. Output assumes EN 590 diesel and ambient conditions per ISO 1585.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS-F9Q-01, TIS-F9Q-02, TIS-F9Q-03
Vauxhall Service Bulletin PI0714
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4567)
EU Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
The Vauxhall F9Q 770 was used across Vauxhall's Combo C, Corsa D, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting under licence from Renault. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Combo for commercial load tolerance and modified intake routing in the Meriva—and from 2014 minor clutch and flywheel updates were introduced to address DMF durability, creating service part interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil pump (Vauxhall TIS TIS-F9Q-01). The 7th and 8th VIN digits identify engine variant ('F9' for F9Q series). All units use Bosch EDC16C34 ECU with silver casing. Critical differentiation from 1.3 CDTI (A13DTH): F9Q 770 has DOHC (A13DTH is SOHC) and larger displacement. Service parts for flywheel require production date verification—units before 01/2014 use part number 96731085; later units use 96845210 with reinforced springs (Vauxhall SIB PI0714).
The F9Q 770's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel (DMF) degradation in early builds, with elevated incidence in urban stop-start use. Vauxhall internal data from 2015 indicated a measurable uptick in DMF replacements before 80,000 km for 2010–2013 units, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults as the second-most common emissions issue in high-mileage examples. Extended oil intervals and low-quality fuel amplify turbo and fuel system stress, making adherence to DEXOS2 oil and EN 590 diesel critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2012–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2024). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL F9Q-770.
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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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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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
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