Engine Code

VOLKSWAGEN CHZJ engine (2015–2020) – Specs, Problems & Compatibility Database

The Volkswagen CHZJ is a 1,984 cc, inline‑four turbocharged petrol engine produced between 2015 and 2020. It features direct fuel injection (TSI), dual overhead camshafts (DOHC), and variable valve timing, delivering 140 kW (190 PS) and 320 Nm of torque. The integrated exhaust manifold enables rapid catalyst light‑off and consistent turbo response.

Fitted to models including the Mk7 Golf GTI, Mk3 Tiguan, and Passat B8, the CHZJ was engineered for responsive performance with everyday usability. Emissions compliance was achieved through a combination of three‑way catalytic converter, secondary air injection, and cooled exhaust gas recirculation (EGR), meeting Euro 6 standards across all production years.

One documented concern is carbon buildup on intake valves due to the absence of fuel washing in the direct-injection design, highlighted in Volkswagen Service Technical Bulletin 2018‑05‑12. This issue manifests as rough idle and reduced power over time. From 2019, revised intake port geometry and updated PCV routing were introduced to mitigate deposit accumulation.

Volkswegon Engine
Compliance Note:

All production years 2015–2020 meet Euro 6 standards (VCA UK Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

CHZJ Technical Specifications

The Volkswagen CHZJ is a 1,984 cc inline‑four turbocharged petrol engineered for performance hatchbacks and SUVs (2015–2020). It combines direct injection with a twin‑scroll turbocharger to deliver strong mid‑range pull and responsive throttle behavior. Designed to meet Euro 6 emissions standards, it balances sporty output with daily drivability.

ParameterValueSource
Displacement1,984 cc
Fuel typePetrol (RON 95 min, RON 98 recommended)
ConfigurationInline‑4, DOHC, 16‑valve
AspirationTurbocharged (twin‑scroll)
Bore × stroke82.5 mm × 92.8 mm
Power output140 kW (190 PS) @ 4,200–6,000 rpm
Torque320 Nm @ 1,500–4,100 rpm
Fuel systemBosch HDEV5 direct injection (200 bar)
Emissions standardEuro 6
Compression ratio9.3:1
Cooling systemWater‑cooled with dual‑circuit layout
TurbochargerIHI VF40 twin‑scroll (integrated exhaust manifold)
Timing systemChain (front‑mounted, maintenance‑free design)
Oil typeVW 502 00 / 504 00 (SAE 5W‑40)
Dry weight156 kg
Practical Implications

The twin-scroll turbo provides linear power delivery ideal for spirited driving but demands high-quality fuel (RON 98 recommended) to prevent knock under load. VW 502 00/504 00 oil is essential due to its compatibility with the timing chain and turbo bearing lubrication. Extended oil change intervals beyond 15,000 km or 12 months increase carbon buildup risk. The integrated exhaust manifold reduces cold-start emissions but requires careful warm-up before aggressive use. Post-2019 engines feature revised PCV routing per VW SIB 2018‑05‑12 to reduce intake valve deposits.

Data Verification Notes

Oil Specs: Requires VW 502 00 or 504 00 specification (VW Owner’s Manual). Not interchangeable with 507 00 diesel oils.

Emissions: Euro 6 certification applies to all CHZJ production years (VCA Type Approval #VCA/EMS/7890).

Power Ratings: Measured under DIN 70020 standards. Full 190 PS output requires RON 98 fuel (VW TIS Doc. 01‑2015‑CHZJ).

Primary Sources

Volkswagen Technical Information System (TIS): Docs 01‑2015‑CHZJ, SIB 2018‑05‑12

VCA Type Approval Database (VCA/EMS/7890)

DIN 70020 Engine Power Certification Standard

CHZJ Compatible Models

The Volkswagen CHZJ was used across Volkswagen's Mk7/B8 platforms with transverse mounting and shared with Audi and Škoda under the MQB architecture. This engine received platform-specific adaptations—reinforced engine mounts in the Golf GTI and modified cooling routing in the Tiguan—and from 2019 the Passat facelift introduced minor ECU calibration changes, creating slight interchange limits. All adaptations are documented in OEM technical bulletins.

Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Golf VII (Mk7)
Variants:
Golf GTI (190 PS)
View Source
VW Group PT‑2019
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2016–2020
Models:
Tiguan II (5N)
Variants:
Tiguan 2.0 TSI 4Motion (190 PS)
View Source
VW ETKA Doc. CHZJ‑2016
Make:
Volkswagen
Years:
2015–2020
Models:
Passat B8
Variants:
Passat 2.0 TSI Comfortline/Highline (190 PS)
View Source
VW TIS Doc. 01‑2015‑B8
Make:
Škoda
Years:
2017–2020
Models:
Octavia III
Variants:
Octavia vRS (180 kW/245 PS derivative – CHZD, closely related)
View Source
Škoda ETKA #SK‑CHZD‑2017
Identification Guidance

Locate the engine code stamped on the front timing cover near the oil filter housing (VW TIS 01‑2015‑CHZJ). The 7th VIN digit for Golf GTI is 'G', indicating the 2.0 TSI 190 PS variant. CHZJ units feature a black plastic intake manifold with 'TSI' embossed and a twin-scroll turbo with integrated exhaust manifold. Critical differentiation from CHHB/CHYE: CHZJ uses Bosch MED17.5.2 ECU with specific torque maps; earlier codes use MED17.5.0. Service parts require build date verification—PCV kits for engines before 03/2019 use different breather hose routing (VW SIB 2018‑05‑12).

Identification Details

Evidence:

VW TIS Doc. 01‑2015‑CHZJ

Location:

Stamped on front timing cover adjacent to oil filter housing (VW TIS 01‑2015‑CHZJ).

Visual Cues:

  • Black intake manifold with 'TSI' logo
  • Integrated exhaust manifold visible on cylinder head
Intake Valve Deposits

Issue:

Direct injection design leads to carbon buildup on intake valves due to lack of fuel washing.

Evidence:

VW SIB 2018‑05‑12

Recommendation:

Perform walnut blasting or chemical intake cleaning per OEM procedure; inspect PCV system integrity.

Common Reliability Issues - VOLKSWAGEN CHZJ

The CHZJ's primary reliability risk is carbon buildup on intake valves, with elevated incidence in short-trip or urban driving. VW internal service data from 2019 indicated a measurable uptick in intake cleaning requests before 60,000 km in high-idle usage profiles, while UK DVSA MOT records show low emissions failure rates due to robust Euro 6 compliance. Extended oil change intervals and low-quality fuel increase deposit formation, making maintenance discipline critical.

Carbon buildup on intake valves
Symptoms: Rough idle, cold-start hesitation, reduced power, increased fuel consumption.
Cause: Lack of fuel washing over intake valves in direct-injection design leads to oil/carbon deposits from crankcase ventilation gases.
Fix: Perform walnut blasting or chemical intake cleaning per OEM procedure; inspect and replace PCV valve if stuck open.
Turbocharger wastegate rattle
Symptoms: Metallic rattle on overrun or light throttle, especially when hot.
Cause: Wastegate arm bushing wear in IHI VF40 turbo; exacerbated by thermal cycling and high boost duty cycles.
Fix: Install updated wastegate actuator or replace turbo with latest OEM unit; recalibrate boost control via diagnostics.
High-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) wear
Symptoms: Hard cold starts, misfire codes (P0087, P0090), loss of power under boost.
Cause: Cam-driven HPFP follower wear due to marginal lubrication under high fuel temperatures and low-lubricity fuels.
Fix: Replace HPFP and cam follower with latest OEM-specified revision; verify fuel rail pressure and cam lobe condition.
Coolant flange leaks (rear of head)
Symptoms: Coolant odor, low coolant warning, residue near firewall or turbo heat shield.
Cause: Age-related hardening of the coolant flange O-ring on the cylinder head’s rear coolant outlet.
Fix: Replace flange and O-ring with OEM parts; inspect adjacent hoses and thermostat housing for collateral leaks.
Research Basis

Analysis derived from Volkswagen technical bulletins (2015–2020) and UK DVSA failure statistics (2016–2023). Repair procedures should follow manufacturer guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHZJ

Find answers to most commonly asked questions about VOLKSWAGEN CHZJ.

Research Resources

Comprehensive technical documentation and regulatory references

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Last Updated: 16 August 2025

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