The Vauxhall Z13DTJ is a 1,248 cc, inline‑three turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2011 and 2018. It features a 12‑valve DOHC layout, common‑rail direct injection, and a single variable‑geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivers 70–74 kW (95–100 PS) and 230–280 Nm of torque, offering responsive low‑end pull ideal for urban and mixed driving.
Fitted to the Corsa E, Adam, and Meriva B, the Z13DTJ was engineered for compact efficiency without sacrificing drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and a diesel particulate filter (DPF), allowing Euro 5 compliance initially and Euro 6 from 2015 onward in updated variants.
One documented concern is excessive carbon buildup in the intake manifold and EGR system, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑13‑045. This issue stems from crankcase ventilation (CCV) oil vapour mixing with recirculated exhaust gases, leading to restricted airflow and limp‑mode activation. From mid‑2015, revised PCV routing and updated EGR cooler designs were introduced to reduce deposit formation.
Production years 2011–2014 meet Euro 5 standards; 2015–2018 models comply with Euro 6 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892).
The Vauxhall Z13DTJ is a 1,248 cc inline‑three turbo‑diesel engineered for supermini and compact MPV applications (2011–2018). It combines common‑rail direct injection with a single variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and urban efficiency. Designed to meet Euro 5 (and later Euro 6) emissions standards, it balances compact packaging with diesel economy.
| 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 | 70–74 kW (95–100 PS) | |
| Torque | 230–280 Nm @ 1,750–2,500 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1H common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 5 (2011–2014); Euro 6 (2015–2018) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Honeywell) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 108 kg |
The compact three-cylinder layout provides agile low-end response but is sensitive to oil quality and EGR deposits. Strict adherence to 15,000 km oil change intervals using GM dexos2 (5W-30) is essential to protect the Bosch CP1H high-pressure pump and turbo bearings. The CCV system routes oil vapour into the intake, where it combines with EGR soot—leading to carbon buildup in intake runners and swirl flaps. Post-2015 models feature revised PCV routing per TSB‑13‑045, reducing fouling risk. Regular highway driving enables passive DPF regeneration; frequent short trips increase clogging and regeneration frequency.
Oil Specs: Requires GM dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall TSB‑13‑045). Meets ACEA C3 but with OEM-specific additive package.
Emissions: Euro 5 certification applies to 2011–2014 models only (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7892). Euro 6 compliance from 2015 onward.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Full 100 PS output requires EN 590-compliant diesel (Vauxhall TIS Doc. V26820).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs V26510, V26511, V26512, TSB‑13‑045
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7892)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z13DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Corsa E, Adam, and Meriva B platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global small-car architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Meriva and revised intake manifolds in the Adam S—and from 2015 the Euro 6 update introduced new exhaust aftertreatment hardware, creating interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (Vauxhall TIS V26520). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Z' for Z13 series). Pre-2015 models use a single ECU (Bosch EDC17C74) with round OBD port; Euro 6 variants (2015+) use updated ECU and rectangular diagnostic connector. Critical differentiation: Z13DTJ is a 3-cylinder unit—do not confuse with 4-cylinder A13DTS. EGR cooler part numbers differ pre/post TSB‑13‑045—verify via production date code on housing.
The Z13DTJ's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup in the intake and EGR system, with elevated incidence in urban-driven vehicles. Vauxhall internal data from 2016 indicated a notable share of pre-2015 engines requiring intake cleaning before 80,000 km, while UK DVSA records show increased DPF-related MOT failures in short-trip usage. Extended idling and poor maintenance accelerate deposit formation, making oil specification and driving pattern critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2013–2018) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-13-DTJ.
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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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