The Vauxhall Z17DTH is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2014. It features a dual overhead camshaft (DOHC), 16‑valve layout with common‑rail direct injection and a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT). In standard form it delivered 81 kW (110 PS) at 4,000 rpm and 250 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, providing strong low‑end pull ideal for urban and motorway driving.
Fitted primarily to the Corsa D, Astra H, and Meriva B, the Z17DTH was engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs, balancing fuel economy, drivability, and emissions compliance. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), and from 2009 onward, a diesel particulate filter (DPF) on certain variants, enabling adherence to Euro 4 standards initially and Euro 5 in later production.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure due to inadequate lubrication from low-sulfur diesel, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑08‑09. This issue stems from early Bosch CP3 pump designs sensitive to fuel quality. From 2010, revised pump internals and updated fuel filters were introduced to improve reliability.
Production years 2006–2008 meet Euro 4 standards; 2009–2014 models meet Euro 5 depending on market (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
The Vauxhall Z17DTH is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2006–2014). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with common‑rail injection and a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive low‑rpm torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 (and later Euro 5) standards, it balances urban drivability with fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 85.8 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 250 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 (2006–2008); Euro 5 (2009–2014, market-dependent) | |
| Compression ratio | 16.3:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single variable‑geometry turbo (Garrett) | |
| Timing system | Chain‑driven (maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The VGT turbo provides strong low-RPM torque ideal for city driving but requires strict adherence to 10,000–15,000 km oil change intervals using GM‑LL‑B‑025 (5W‑30) oil to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. The Bosch CP3 high-pressure fuel pump is sensitive to fuel quality—only ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) should be used to prevent premature wear. Pre-2010 engines are prone to HPFP failure; post-2010 units include revised internals per Vauxhall TSB 08‑09. DPF-equipped variants (2009+) require regular highway driving to enable passive regeneration and avoid clogging.
Oil Specs: Requires GM‑LL‑B‑025 (5W‑30) specification (Vauxhall Owner’s Manual 2007). Equivalent ACEA C3 oils permitted.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to 2006–2008 models; Euro 5 applies to 2009–2014 builds in EU-compliant markets (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).
Power Ratings: Measured under EEC 80/1269 standards. Power figures verified via VCA homologation testing.
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs TIS‑Z17DTH‑01, TSB 08‑09
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)
EU Directive 2005/55/EC (Euro 4/5 Implementation)
The Vauxhall Z17DTH was used across Vauxhall's T250 and T300 platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—revised engine mounts in the Meriva B and modified exhaust routing in the Astra H—and from 2009 the addition of a DPF on certain variants, creating minor service distinctions. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front face of the cylinder block near the timing cover (Vauxhall TIS Z17DTH‑01). The 7th VIN digit is '7' for 1.7-litre diesel engines. Pre-2009 models lack a DPF (visible as absence of exhaust pressure sensors and smaller exhaust manifold); post-2009 DPF-equipped units include a particulate filter and additional sensors. Critical differentiation from Z17DT: Z17DTH includes VGT and higher output (110 PS vs 100 PS). Service parts for fuel pumps require production date verification—pre-2010 HPFP units are not interchangeable with updated versions (Vauxhall TSB 08‑09).
The Z17DTH's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on pre-2010 builds, with elevated incidence in vehicles using poor-quality diesel or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal quality reports from 2009 indicated a notable share of early engines requiring HPFP replacement before 100,000 km, while UK DVSA records show fuel system faults as a recurring MOT advisory in neglected examples. Infrequent oil changes and low-sulfur fuel non-compliance increase risk, making adherence to 10,000 km service critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2006–2014) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-17-DTH.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
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