The Vauxhall Z17DTJ is a 1,686 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2012. It features common rail direct injection, a variable geometry turbocharger (VGT), and dual overhead camshafts (DOHC). In standard form it delivered 81 kW (110 PS) and 230 Nm of torque, engineered for responsive urban performance and low emissions.
Fitted to models such as the Astra H, Zafira B, and Corsa D—including the 1.7 CDTi variants—the Z17DTJ was designed for drivers seeking a balance of fuel economy, low-end torque, and compact drivability. Emissions compliance was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), allowing Euro 4 compliance across all production years.
One documented concern is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear linked to low-lubricity diesel and extended service intervals. This issue is referenced in Vauxhall Service Bulletin 09‑041, which notes premature failure in Bosch CP1-based pumps. From 2009, revised pump internals and updated fuel filters improved reliability in later Astra H and Zafira B builds.
All production years 2006–2012 meet Euro 4 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4105).
The Vauxhall Z17DTJ is a 1,686 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for compact hatchbacks and MPVs (2006–2012). It combines Bosch common‑rail direct injection with a variable‑geometry turbocharger to deliver strong low‑rpm torque and efficient urban driving. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances everyday drivability with regulatory compliance.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,686 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 79.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 81 kW (110 PS) | |
| Torque | 230 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP1 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.4:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Variable‑geometry turbo (BorgWarner BV39) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted) | |
| Oil type | GM Dexos2 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 132 kg |
The variable-geometry turbo provides responsive low-end torque ideal for city driving but requires consistent oil changes every 15,000 km to protect the front-mounted timing chain and HPFP. GM Dexos2 (5W-30) oil is essential due to its low SAPS formulation, which reduces EGR and catalyst fouling. Extended idling or frequent short trips accelerate HPFP wear—per Vauxhall SIB 09 041—and may cause rail pressure faults. Bosch CP1 pumps demand ultra-low-sulfur diesel (EN 590) to maintain lubricity. EGR systems should be inspected for coking, which can trigger limp mode in high-mileage units.
Oil Specs: Requires GM Dexos2 (5W-30) specification (Vauxhall SIB 08 022). Meets ACEA C3 but adds OEM-specific shear stability.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all 2006–2012 Z17DTJ models (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/4105). No Euro 5 variants were produced.
Power Ratings: Measured under SAE J1349 standards. Power output assumes EN 590 diesel with ≤10 ppm sulfur (Vauxhall TIS Doc. VD1725).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VD1710, VD1718, SIB 09 041
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/4105)
SAE International: J1349 Engine Power Certification Standards
The Vauxhall Z17DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Delta and GM4200 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Opel under GM's global small-engine strategy. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced mounts in the Astra H and modified cooling in the Zafira B—and from 2009 the facelifted Astra H models adopted updated ECU calibrations, creating minor software interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.
Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the crank pulley (Vauxhall TIS VD1710). The 8th VIN digit indicates engine family ('Z' for Z17 series). All Z17DTJ units feature a black plastic valve cover with '1.7 CDTi' branding. Critical differentiation from petrol Z17XEP: Z17DTJ has a VGT turbo on the exhaust manifold and a high-pressure fuel rail on the cylinder head. Bosch EDC16C39 ECU is mounted near the battery. Service parts for HPFP require production date verification—units before 06/2009 use different inlet filters per Vauxhall SIB 09 041.
The Z17DTJ's primary reliability risk is high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles using inconsistent fuel quality or extended service intervals. Vauxhall internal data from 2011 indicated a significant share of pre-2009 builds required HPFP replacement before 120,000 km, while UK DVSA MOT records show EGR-related smoke failures in high-mileage Astra Hs. Short-trip driving and infrequent oil changes accelerate pump and chain wear, making fuel quality and maintenance adherence critical.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2008–2012) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2014–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-17-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
Type-approval guidance and documentation.
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