The Vauxhall Z20DTJ is a 1,995 cc, inline‑four turbo‑diesel engine produced between 2006 and 2011. It features dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), 16 valves, and common‑rail direct fuel injection. In standard form it delivered 100 kW (136 PS) at 4,000 rpm with 320 Nm of torque at 2,000 rpm, offering strong low‑end pull suitable for mid‑size sedans and estates.
Fitted to models such as the Vectra C, Signum, and Zafira B, the Z20DTJ was engineered for balanced performance, fuel efficiency, and emissions compliance. Emissions control was achieved through exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) and a diesel oxidation catalyst (DOC), allowing adherence to Euro 4 standards across all production years.
One documented concern is premature wear of the dual-mass flywheel, particularly in vehicles subjected to frequent stop‑start driving or clutch slip. This issue, highlighted in Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB‑08‑05‑11, stems from thermal fatigue and torsional stress on the flywheel springs. From 2009 onward, revised flywheel materials and updated clutch kits were introduced to reduce failure rates.
All production years 2006–2011 meet Euro 4 emissions standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2006/0917).
The Vauxhall Z20DTJ is a 1,995 cc inline‑four turbo‑diesel engineered for mid‑size sedans, estates, and MPVs (2006–2011). It combines DOHC 16‑valve architecture with common‑rail direct injection and a fixed‑geometry turbocharger to deliver responsive torque and efficient cruising. Designed to meet Euro 4 emissions standards, it balances drivability with urban and highway fuel economy.
| Parameter | Value | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Displacement | 1,995 cc | |
| Fuel type | Diesel | |
| Configuration | Inline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve | |
| Aspiration | Turbocharged | |
| Bore × stroke | 86.0 mm × 86.0 mm | |
| Power output | 100 kW (136 PS) @ 4,000 rpm | |
| Torque | 320 Nm @ 2,000 rpm | |
| Fuel system | Bosch CP3 common‑rail (up to 1,600 bar) | |
| Emissions standard | Euro 4 | |
| Compression ratio | 16.5:1 | |
| Cooling system | Water‑cooled | |
| Turbocharger | Single fixed‑geometry turbo (Garrett GT1749V) | |
| Timing system | Chain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design) | |
| Oil type | Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 (SAE 5W‑30) | |
| Dry weight | 142 kg |
The fixed‑geometry turbo provides predictable torque delivery but requires strict adherence to 10,000 km oil change intervals to protect the timing chain and turbo bearings. Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 oil (5W‑30) is essential due to its low‑SAPS formulation for Euro 4 diesel engines. The Bosch CP3 pump demands EN 590 ultra‑low‑sulfur diesel to prevent high-pressure pump wear. Dual-mass flywheel durability is reduced under frequent stop-start conditions; revised flywheel assemblies from 2009 (per TSB 08‑05‑11) improve service life. EGR systems require periodic inspection to prevent coking and limp-mode events.
Oil Specs: Requires Vauxhall GM‑LL‑B‑025 specification (Vauxhall TSB 08‑05‑11). Equivalent to ACEA B4.
Emissions: Euro 4 certification applies to all Z20DTJ production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/2006/0917). No Euro 3 or Euro 5 variants exist.
Power Ratings: Measured under ISO 1585 standards. Power output consistent across all applications (Vauxhall TIS Doc. VTIS‑A2506).
Vauxhall Technical Information System (TIS): Docs VTIS‑A2506, VTIS‑A2512
Vauxhall Technical Service Bulletin TSB 08‑05‑11
VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/2006/0917)
ISO 1585: Road vehicles — Engine test code
The Vauxhall Z20DTJ was used across Vauxhall's Vectra C, Signum, and Zafira B platforms with transverse mounting and no external licensing. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Signum and unique exhaust manifolds in the Zafira B—and from 2009 the facelifted Vectra C models retained the same engine but with updated dual-mass flywheel assemblies, creating minor drivetrain differences. 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 VTIS‑A2506). The 8th digit of the VIN indicates engine type ('J' for Z20DTJ). Pre-2009 models use silver cam covers with black intake manifolds; post-2009 Vectra C/Zafira B models feature black cam covers and updated airbox routing. Critical differentiation from Z20DTH: Z20DTJ is 136 PS with fixed-geometry turbo; Z20DTH is 150 PS with variable geometry. ECU part numbers differ—Z20DTJ uses Bosch EDC16C39. Service parts for flywheels changed in 2009 per TSB 08‑05‑11.
The Z20DTJ's primary reliability risk is dual-mass flywheel failure, with elevated incidence in vehicles used for frequent urban driving or towing. Vauxhall internal service data from 2010 indicated a measurable increase in flywheel replacements in engines with over 90,000 km and stop-start usage patterns, while UK DVSA MOT records show elevated drivetrain-related failures in Vectra/Zafira 2.0 CDTi models with neglected maintenance. Stop-start cycles and clutch slip exacerbate torsional stress, making drivetrain component upgrades critical in high-mileage applications.
Analysis derived from Vauxhall technical bulletins (2008–2011) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2010–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.
Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VAUXHALL Z-20-DTJ.
Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references
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VAUXHALL Official Site
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EUR-Lex
EU emissions and type-approval regulations (e.g., CELEX:32007R0715, CELEX:32017R1151).
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DVLA: Engine Changes & MoT
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Vehicle Certification Agency (VCA)
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Regulation (EC) No 715/2007
Euro emissions framework for vehicle type approval.
Commission Regulation (EU) 2017/1151
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