The Vauxhall Z13DT is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2005 and 2010. It features common‑rail direct injection, a fixed‑geometry turbocharger, and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 59 kW (80 PS) and 190 Nm of torque, engineered for compact vehicle efficiency with responsive low‑end pull.
Fitted to models such as the Corsa C and Combo, the Z13DT was designed for urban and light‑commercial use, prioritising fuel economy and emissions control over performance. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and an oxidation catalyst, allowing Euro 4 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high‑pressure fuel pump, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑06‑12‑03. This issue is often linked to fuel contamination or extended service intervals. The Z13DT was succeeded by the updated Z13DTH with variable geometry turbo and higher output.
Production years 2005–2010 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Vauxhall Z13DT is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and light vans (2005–2010). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,248 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑3, DOHC, 12‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 74.0 mm × 97.0 mm | |
| Power output | 59 kW (80 PS) | |
| Torque | 190 Nm @ 1,750 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,350 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 18.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Fixed‑geometry (Garrett GT1241V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM‑LL‑A‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 112 kg |
The compact inline‑three layout offers excellent fuel economy but demands strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals to protect the high-pressure fuel pump and timing chain. GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) oil is critical due to its low‑SAPS formulation required for Euro 4 emissions hardware. Ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) must be used to prevent CP1 pump seizure. The front-mounted timing chain is generally robust but requires inspection if unusual valvetrain noise appears. EGR system clogging is common in stop-start urban use and may trigger limp mode if not addressed.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑A‑025 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall TSB 06‑12‑03). Equivalent to ACEA B3/B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2005–2010 Z13DT models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890). No Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Output verified on dynamometer per Vauxhall PT‑2006.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V‑1105, V‑1110, TSB 06‑12‑03
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z13DT was used across Vauxhall's Corsa C and Combo platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global small‑diesel strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Combo and modified exhaust routing in the Corsa—creating minor service part differences. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crankshaft pulley (Vauxhall TIS V‑1105). The 7th VIN digit for Vauxhall models is 'Z' for the Z13DT engine family. Visual identification: black plastic valve cover with '1.3 CDTi' badge; Bosch EDC15C7 ECU mounted near the battery. Critical differentiation from later Z13DTH: Z13DT lacks variable geometry turbo and has a single-mass flywheel. High-pressure pump is Bosch CP1 (round body); Z13DTH uses CP3. Service parts are not interchangeable between Z13DT and Z13DTH without ECU and rail upgrades.
The Z13DT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (Bosch CP1) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-EN 590 diesel or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2007 indicated up to 15% of early-build engines required pump replacement before 90,000 km, while UK DVSA records show EGR-related faults as the second-most common diesel issue in this generation. Urban driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2005–2008) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-13-DT.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
Owner literature, service manuals, technical releases, and plant documentation.
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)
UK type-approval authority for automotive products.
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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