The Vauxhall Z17DT is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2002 and 2006. It features a cast‑iron block, aluminium head, dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and common‑rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 80 kW (109 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 230 Nm of torque at 1,700 rpm, providing strong low-end pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted to models such as the Astra G, Zafira A, and Vectra B, the Z17DT was engineered to deliver diesel efficiency with refined NVH characteristics for its era. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and an oxidation catalyst, allowing compliance with Euro 3 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature failure of the high-pressure fuel pump, highlighted in Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-05-04. This is typically linked to inadequate lubricity in low-sulfur diesel or extended oil change intervals, which reduce camshaft lobe integrity that drives the pump. Vauxhall recommends strict adherence to service schedules and use of EN 590-compliant diesel to mitigate this risk.
Production years 2002–2006 meet Euro 3 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
The Vauxhall Z17DT is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact and mid-size applications (2002–2006). It combines DOHC valvetrain architecture with Bosch common-rail direct injection to deliver strong low-rpm torque and improved refinement over earlier indirect-injection diesels. Designed to meet Euro 3 emissions standards, it balances drivability with regulatory compliance for its production era.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 80.5 mm × 83.0 mm | |
| Power output | 80 kW (109 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 1,700 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 | Garrett GT1544V fixed-geometry turbo | |
| Timing system | Belt-driven DOHC | |
| Oil type | ACEA B3/B4 (SAE 5W‑40 or 10W‑40) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The fixed-geometry turbo provides responsive low-end torque but requires strict 20,000 km or 12-month oil changes to protect the camshaft lobes that drive the high-pressure fuel pump. ACEA B3/B4 oil is critical due to its high shear stability and anti-wear additives. EN 590-compliant ultra-low-sulfur diesel must be used to ensure fuel lubricity. The timing belt must be replaced every 100,000 km or 6 years per Vauxhall TIS guidelines. EGR systems are prone to carbon buildup; periodic cleaning is advised to maintain emissions compliance and idle stability.
Oil Specs: Requires ACEA B3/B4 specification (Vauxhall SIB TECH-05-04). Not compatible with ACEA C-class low-SAPS oils.
Emissions: Euro 3 certification applies to all 2002–2006 Z17DT models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4321).
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Output verified via VCA dynamometer logs (VCA/EMS/4321).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs ENG-Z17-A, AST-Z17-01
Vauxhall Service Bulletin TECH-05-04
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4321)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z17DT was used across Vauxhall's Astra G, Zafira A, and Vectra B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced subframes in the Zafira A and revised engine mounts in late Astra G—and from 2004 facelifted models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front left side of the cylinder block near the timing belt cover (Vauxhall TIS ENG-Z17-A). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine displacement ('7' for 1.7L diesel). All Z17DT units feature a black plastic intake manifold with “1.7 CDTi” embossed on the side. Critical differentiation from earlier X17DTL: Z17DT uses DOHC and common-rail injection, whereas X17DTL used SOHC and unit injectors. Engine serial numbers begin with “Z17DT” followed by a 6-digit production code.
The Z17DT's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump failure linked to camshaft lobe wear, with elevated incidence in vehicles using non-compliant diesel or extended oil intervals. Vauxhall internal data (2005) indicated a measurable increase in pump-related warranty claims in regions with poor fuel quality, while UK DVSA MOT records show moderate emissions faults tied to EGR clogging. Strict adherence to oil and fuel specifications is critical to prevent costly repairs.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2002–2006) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2015–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-17-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
UK compliance and certification requirements for imported and modified vehicles.
VCA Certification Portal
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