Volkswagen EA288
2.0 TDI
A compact diesel with an appetite for long journeys. The EA288 pairs 150 hp with low-speed torque, precise fuel injection and carefully managed cooling.
Specifications
Architecture
- Family / engine codes
- EA288 · CRUA / CVCA
- Layout / mounting
- Inline four · transverse
- Displacement
- 1,968 cc / 2.0 L
- Bore × stroke
- 81.0 × 95.5 mm
- Compression ratio
- 16.2:1
- Cylinder spacing
- 88.0 mm
Construction
- Cylinder block
- Cast iron
- Cylinder head
- Aluminum alloy
- Crankshaft
- Forged · five main bearings
- Valvetrain
- DOHC · 16 valves
- Camshaft drive
- Toothed timing belt · geared cam link
- Valve timing
- Variable camshaft timing
Power & fuel
- Advertised output
- 150 hp
- Peak torque
- 236 lb-ft / 320 Nm · 1,750–3,000 rpm
- Fuel injection
- Common rail · up to 2,000 bar
- Injectors
- Solenoid controlled
- Firing order
- 1–3–4–2
- Fuel specification
- ULSD · ASTM D975 · ≤15 ppm sulfur
Air, cooling & emissions
- Turbocharger
- Single · variable turbine geometry
- Charge-air cooler
- Water cooled · integrated in intake
- Engine cooling
- Liquid cooled · switchable pump
- EGR
- High- and low-pressure circuits
- Exhaust treatment
- Oxidation catalyst · DPF · SCR / DEF
- Engine-oil approval
- VW 507 00
Engine codes & controllers
| Specification | CRUA | CVCA |
|---|---|---|
| Bosch ECU | EDC17 | EDC17 |
| Vehicle architecture | MQB | PQ35 / PQ46 |
| DEF / AdBlue | Yes | Yes |
| Oil with filter* | 5.5 L (5.8 US qt) | 5.5 L (5.8 US qt) |
The same headline output, with installation and calibration tailored to each vehicle. Match the ECU’s full part number and hardware/software IDs before replacement.
*Approximate service fill. Confirm the vehicle’s filling procedure and final oil level.
Vehicles by engine code
| Engine code | Vehicle | Model year | Chassis / platform |
|---|---|---|---|
| CRUA | Audi A3 TDI sedan | 2015 | 8VMQB |
| VW Golf TDI | 2015 | Mk7 · 5G / AUMQB | |
| VW Golf SportWagen TDI | 2015 | Mk7 · AUMQB | |
| CVCA | VW Jetta TDI | 2015 | Mk6 · 16PQ35 / NCS |
| VW Beetle TDI¹ | 2015 | A5 · 5CPQ35 | |
| VW Passat TDI | 2015 | NMS · A32PQ46-derived |
U.S. and Canadian applications. Chassis labels are common model identifiers; AU is the North American Golf VIN model code. ¹ Includes the U.S.-market Beetle Convertible TDI.
Care & trouble spots
- Oil approval and level. Use VW 507 00-approved oil and follow mileage/time limits. Check the EA288 dipstick carefully: overfilling can trigger oil-service warnings.
- Scheduled servicing. Keep fuel-filter and timing-belt work current. Use the schedule for your VIN and market, with earlier attention where operating conditions require it.
- Cooling system. Investigate coolant loss or unstable temperatures. Check the switchable pump, control valves and thermostats; follow the correct filling procedure after repairs.
- DPF, EGR and SCR. Diagnose warnings promptly. Check soot/ash loading, EGR flow, DEF delivery and sensor readings before replacing expensive emissions components.
- Turbo and airflow. Clean oil, an unrestricted air filter and intact boost plumbing matter. Warm up gently; allow temperatures to settle after sustained heavy loads.
- Intake cleaning. Inspect deposits when symptoms or testing suggest restricted flow. Clean affected parts as needed; cleaning will not fix failed sensors or actuators.
Service the car in front of you. Confirm its engine code, service history and emissions-modification status. Base cleaning on component condition, rather than a universal kilometre interval.
References & image credit
| Topic | Sources |
|---|---|
| Design & specifications | Audi EA288 SSP 920143 Volkswagen EA288 SSP 820433 |
| Vehicles & model years | Volkswagen Canada: 2015 applications Audi Canada: 2015 A3 TDI |
| Model identifiers & platforms | Volkswagen 2015 VIN guide Volkswagen model designations Volkswagen: MQB Golf Estate Volkswagen: North American platforms Volkswagen: Passat platform history |
| Oil approval, capacity & level | Volkswagen 2015 CRUA fluid chart Volkswagen oil-capacity guide EA288 dipstick / overfill bulletin |
| Maintenance & turbo care | Volkswagen 2015 TDI maintenance schedule Garrett: turbo failure causes |
| Engine photograph & usage terms | Volkswagen EA288 image DB2017AU01207 Volkswagen Newsroom terms |
Original ECU5 editorial overview of North American CRUA/CVCA applications. Engine photograph: © Volkswagen AG, Volkswagen Newsroom, used for editorial coverage. Volkswagen and Audi names identify the vehicles discussed; this article is independently produced.
