The Vauxhall Y17DT is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2000 and 2005. It features direct common‑rail injection, a single overhead camshaft (SOHC), and 8 valves. In standard form it delivers 55 kW (75 PS) and 170 Nm of torque, with improved refinement and efficiency over its indirect-injection predecessor.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa C and Meriva A, the Y17DT was engineered for entry-level diesel efficiency and compliance with Euro 3 emissions standards. Emissions control was achieved through a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), and precise electronic fuel management, enabling adherence to regulatory requirements across EU markets.
One documented concern is premature wear of the high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑015. This issue is linked to insufficient lubrication during frequent cold starts and extended oil change intervals. From 2003, revised pump couplings and updated camshaft sprockets were introduced to improve durability.

Production years 2000–2005 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2218).
The Vauxhall Y17DT is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2000–2005). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with SOHC architecture to deliver improved urban torque and fuel economy over earlier indirect-injection diesels. Designed to meet Euro 3 standards, it balances basic performance with emissions compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, SOHC, 8‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 55 kW (75 PS) @ 4,400 rpm | |
| Torque | 170 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 3 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven (non‑interference design) | |
| Oil type | ACEA B3/B4 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 122 kg |
The SOHC 8-valve common-rail layout offers improved refinement over indirect-injection predecessors but still demands adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using ACEA B3/B4 5W‑30 oil to protect the Bosch CP1 pump and camshaft. The non-interference belt design eliminates catastrophic failure risk, though replacement every 90,000 km or 6 years is still required. Frequent short trips accelerate carbon buildup in the EGR and intake. Post-2003 engines include a reinforced fuel pump drive coupling per Vauxhall SIB 09 015. Fuel must meet EN 590 standards to prevent pump wear.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B3/B4 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 09 015).
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2000–2005 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2218).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output validated on EU diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V16150).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V16110, V16115, V16150, SIB 09 015
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2218)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Y17DT was used across Vauxhall's Corsa C and Meriva A platforms with transverse mounting. This engine received minimal platform-specific adaptations—standardized engine mounts and exhaust routing—but retained consistent architecture across applications. All units are mechanically identical and share service parts. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V16180). The 7th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Y' for Y17 series). All Y17DT units feature a black steel valve cover with “Y17DT” embossed. Critical differentiation from X17D: Y17DT has a Bosch CP1 common-rail pump mounted on the right side of the block, no mechanical injection pump, and an EGR valve. Service parts for fuel pump drive couplings differ before and after production date 04/2003 (Vauxhall SIB 09 015).
The Y17DT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive coupling wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles with frequent cold starts or extended oil change intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2006 indicated a measurable uptick in pump failures before 120,000 km in high-mileage fleets, while UK MOT records show EGR-related advisories rising in urban usage profiles. Adherence to correct oil specification and timely pump coupling inspection is critical to prevent fuel delivery faults.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK MOT failure statistics (2006–2015). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Y-17-DT.
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
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