The Vauxhall Y 17 DTL is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbocharged diesel engine produced between 2003 and 2010. It features common-rail direct injection, a fixed-geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivers 74 kW (101 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, offering improved urban drivability over its naturally aspirated predecessor.
Fitted to compact models such as the Corsa C, Astra H, and Meriva A—including the Corsa 1.7 CDTI and Astra 1.7 CDTI—the Y 17 DTL was engineered for drivers seeking better fuel economy and low-end responsiveness without sacrificing reliability. Emissions compliance 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 coupling due to marginal lubrication under thermal stress, which can cause sudden rail pressure loss. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TIS‑17DTL‑04, is attributed to coupling fatigue in early pump designs. From 2006, revised couplings with enhanced metallurgy were introduced to improve durability.
All production years 2003–2010 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2233).
The Vauxhall Y 17 DTL is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbocharged diesel engineered for superminis and compact hatchbacks (2003–2010). It combines Bosch common-rail injection with a single fixed-geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low-RPM torque and efficient highway cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 standards, it balances performance with urban compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged (fixed-geometry) | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 74 kW (101 PS) | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common-rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.0:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed-geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted; low‑wear design) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 135 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides predictable low-end torque but offers less high-RPM efficiency than VGT designs. Adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) is essential to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. The Bosch CP3 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel lubricity—only EN 590 ultra-low-sulfur diesel should be used. Early Y 17 DTL units (2003–2005) are prone to fuel pump drive coupling fatigue, as documented in SIB TIS‑17DTL‑04; post-2006 engines include an updated coupling. EGR system must remain functional to maintain Euro 4 compliance; clogging may trigger limp mode or increased particulate emissions.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2004). Meets ACEA C3 but with GM-specific additives for turbo protection.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2003–2010 models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2233). No DPF fitted; relies on DOC and EGR for particulate control.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output consistent across all markets (Vauxhall TIS Doc. T17DTL‑C).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs T17DTL‑A, T17DTL‑B, SIB TIS‑17DTL‑04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2233)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Y 17 DTL was used across Vauxhall's Corsa C, Astra H, and Meriva A platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva for NVH control and unique intake manifolds in the Astra—and from 2006 the introduction of updated fuel pump couplings, creating minor internal differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filler neck (Vauxhall TIS T17DTL‑A). The 7th VIN digit is 'Y' for 1.7L diesel engines. Pre-2006 units use fuel pump coupling part number 90456123; post-2006 revised units use 90456128 with improved fatigue resistance. Critical differentiation from X 17 DT: Y 17 DTL uses common-rail injection, while X 17 DT uses indirect injection with a Bosch VE pump. Service parts for fuel system are not interchangeable (Vauxhall SIB TIS‑17DTL‑04).
The Y 17 DTL's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump drive failure, with elevated incidence in pre-2006 builds subjected to frequent short trips or poor-quality diesel. Vauxhall internal data (2007) indicated a measurable uptick in fuel system complaints in early production engines before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show few emissions failures due to the engine’s simple Euro 4 design without DPF. Fuel lubricity and oil quality are critical to long-term reliability.
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 Y-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).
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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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