Opel · Astra J · 2009-2015

Opel Astra J 1.6 Twinport specs and common problems

The A16XER, from the same engine family as the Cruze, is the Astra J's most common petrol engine. Its problems are similar too: thermostat housing, valve cover with PCV and cam timing solenoids. LPG-compatible, but tuning and spark plug maintenance matter.

Engine code
A16XER
Engine oil · 5W-30
4.5 L
Timing
Belt
Original size
205/60 R16
LPG
Yes

01 / 07

How much oil does the Astra J 1.6 Twinport take?

The Astra J 1.6 Twinport takes about 4.5 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: GM dexos2.

Engine oil
5W-30
With filter
4.5 L
Approval
GM dexos2
Alternative
0W-30
Manual 5-speed
75W-85 GL-4 · ≈ 1.6 L
Automatic 6T30
Dexron VI · ≈ 4.0 L (drain and fill)
Coolant
Dex-Cool (OAT) 50/50 · ≈ 6.3 L
Brake fluid
DOT 4

02 / 07

Timing belt and maintenance

TimingBelt

Manufacturer interval 150,000 km / 10 years; in practice 90,000 km / 5 years

If the belt snaps, the engine is damaged. Replace it as a kit with the water pump and tensioner.

The water pump is driven by the timing belt, so it should be replaced at the same time.

Oil change
15,000 km or once a year
Spark plug
Gap ≈ 0.8 mm · 60,000 km (30,000 km on LPG)
Valves / tappets
Mechanical tappets. Periodic valve checks recommended on LPG.
Air filter
15,000 km
Power
115 hp @ 6,000 rpm
Torque
155 Nm @ 4,000 rpm
Displacement
1,598 cc
Fuel
Petrol · Naturally aspirated
Valvetrain
DOHC 16V, dual variable cam timing
Injection
Multi-point sequential injection (MPI)
Transmission
5-speed manual / 6-speed automatic (6T30)
Emissions
Euro 5

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
33/33 PSI
Full load
36/41 PSI
Original size
205/60 R16
Alternative sizes
225/50 R17 · 205/55 R16 · 235/45 R18
Bolt pattern (PCD)
5x105
Centre bore
56.6 mm
Wheel
6.5J x 16 ET39
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the Astra J 1.6 Twinport suitable for LPG?

Suitable, valve protection recommended

Sequential LPG system

Toroidal tank
Hatchback: 600/200 toroidal tank, ≈ 42 L gross
Valve protection
Recommended
  • It shares its engine family with the Cruze 1.6, so LPG tuning experience is widespread.
  • The coil pack wears out sooner on LPG cars.

05 / 07

Astra J 1.6 Twinport common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    Thermostat housing leak

    Medium Risk

    60,000-120,000 km

    Symptom:
    Coolant loss, wetness behind the engine.
    Cause:
    Cracked plastic housing.
    Proper fix:
    The thermostat housing is replaced complete and the system bled.
    P0128
  2. #02

    Air leak from the valve cover with PCV

    Medium Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    Whistling at idle, shaking, P0171.
    Cause:
    Torn PCV diaphragm integrated into the cover.
    Proper fix:
    The valve cover is replaced complete.
    P0171
  3. #03

    Cam timing solenoid failure

    High Risk

    After 100,000 km

    Symptom:
    Ticking when cold, hard starting, P0016 / P0011.
    Cause:
    Dirty oil and a clogged solenoid screen.
    Proper fix:
    Change to the correct oil, clean or replace the solenoid.
    P0016P0011

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the Astra J 1.6 Twinport

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the Astra J 1.6 Twinport take?

The Astra J 1.6 Twinport (A16XER) takes about 4.5 litres of engine oil including the filter. Recommended viscosity is 5W-30; look for the GM dexos2 approval. Check the level on the dipstick after filling.

When should the timing belt on the Astra J 1.6 Twinport be replaced?

This engine uses a timing belt. Manufacturer interval 150,000 km / 10 years; in practice 90,000 km / 5 years. If the belt snaps, the engine is damaged. Replace it as a kit with the water pump and tensioner.

What tyre pressure should the Astra J 1.6 Twinport run?

With the original 205/60 R16 tyres, 33 PSI front and 33 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 36 front / 41 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the Astra J 1.6 Twinport suitable for LPG?

Suitable, valve protection recommended. It shares its engine family with the Cruze 1.6, so LPG tuning experience is widespread.

What are the common problems of the Astra J 1.6 Twinport?

The best-known problems are: Thermostat housing leak, Air leak from the valve cover with PCV, Cam timing solenoid failure. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Opel models

Corsa D 1.2 TwinportCorsa D 1.3 CDTI 90

Values are approximate and may vary by engine and VIN. Check against your service manual before doing any work. ·