Opel · Corsa D · 2006-2014

Opel Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 specs and common problems

The diesel Corsa D uses an Opel-coded version of Fiat's 1.3 Multijet engine. It's chain-driven and economical; on DPF versions, short trips lead to clogging.

Engine code
Z13DTH (1.3 Multijet)
Engine oil · 5W-30
3.2 L
Timing
Chain
Original size
185/65 R15
LPG
No

01 / 07

How much oil does the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 take?

The Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 takes about 3.2 litres of 5W-30 engine oil including the filter. Approval to look for on the bottle: GM dexos2.

Engine oil
5W-30
With filter
3.2 L
Approval
GM dexos2
Alternative
0W-30
Manual 5-speed
75W-85 GL-4 · ≈ 1.6 L
Coolant
Paraflu (OAT) 50/50 · ≈ 6 L
Brake fluid
DOT 4

Approximate value; may vary by engine version. Check with the dipstick.

02 / 07

Timing chain and maintenance

TimingChain

No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear

A rattle on cold start signals chain stretch.

Oil change
15,000 km or once a year (10,000 km with DPF)
Glow plug
4 pcs · When they fail
Valves / tappets
Hydraulic tappets.
Fuel filter
30,000 km
Power
90 hp @ 4,000 rpm
Torque
200 Nm @ 1,500 rpm
Displacement
1,248 cc
Fuel
Diesel · Variable geometry turbo, intercooler
Valvetrain
DOHC 16V
Injection
Common-rail direct injection
Transmission
5-speed manual
Emissions
Euro 5 (DPF)

03 / 07

Tyre size and pressure

Front / Rear
32/29 PSI
Full load
35/38 PSI
Original size
185/65 R15
Alternative sizes
185/70 R14 · 195/55 R16
Bolt pattern (PCD)
4x100
Centre bore
56.6 mm
Wheel
6J x 15 ET39
Calculate speedometer error for a size change →

04 / 07

Is the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine
  • Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

05 / 07

Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 common problems and fixes

  1. #01

    DPF clogging

    High Risk

    After 60,000 km (earlier in the city)

    Symptom:
    DPF warning, loss of power, oil level rising.
    Cause:
    Regeneration being interrupted on short trips.
    Proper fix:
    Motorway driving or service regeneration, DPF cleaning if needed.
  2. #02

    EGR valve failure

    Medium Risk

    After 80,000 km

    Symptom:
    Rough idle, limp mode, P0401.
    Cause:
    Soot build-up.
    Proper fix:
    EGR cleaning or replacement.
  3. #03

    Timing chain stretch

    High Risk

    After 180,000 km

    Symptom:
    Rattle when cold, hard starting, P0016.
    Cause:
    Long oil change intervals and a worn tensioner.
    Proper fix:
    The chain kit and tensioner are replaced.

06 / 07

Common fault codes on the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90

07 / 07

Frequently asked questions

How much engine oil does the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 take?

The Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 (Z13DTH (1.3 Multijet)) takes about 3.2 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 chain on the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 be replaced?

This engine uses a timing chain. No replacement interval; replaced when stretch symptoms appear. A rattle on cold start signals chain stretch.

What tyre pressure should the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 run?

With the original 185/65 R15 tyres, 32 PSI front and 29 PSI rear are recommended at normal load, and 35 front / 38 rear at full load. The exact values are on the door pillar or fuel flap sticker.

Is the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90 suitable for LPG?

Not suitable, diesel engine. Classic LPG conversions are not done on diesel engines.

What are the common problems of the Corsa D 1.3 CDTI 90?

The best-known problems are: DPF clogging, EGR valve failure, Timing chain stretch. The symptoms and fix for each are explained on this page.

Other Opel models

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