Peugeot 206 Common Problems and Solutions
Bumpy Ride
Problem:
Driving isn't as smooth as it used to be.
Solution:
The 206 is well known for issues with its rear suspension system. Although it is well designed, it requires regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance. Check your bearings, seals, and axle for any signs of wear and tear, and make sure they are properly lubricated. If there is more serious damage, you might need to replace the rear axle, which will require specific tools that can be purchased from us.
Difficulty level
Axle
Erratic RPM
Problem:
You're experiencing sudden spikes on the RPM gauge.
Solution:
The first step is to check the water temperature sensor. Sometimes, it can cause erratic RPM readings, and you might need to clean or replace the sensor to resolve the problem. If there are no issues with the sensor, then it could be a failed coil pack. This needs to be replaced, which takes only a few minutes, and you can easily get a part from us.
Difficulty level
Excessive Vibration When Driving
Problem:
The car vibrates excessively while driving and sometimes pulls to the left or right.
Solution:
This is a common issue across all 206 models, caused by the front lower ball joints. These will need replacing. Although it is a relatively quick job, the difficulty lies in the position of the ball joints. They can be very hard to access, making this a frustrating repair to attempt yourself.
Difficulty level
Gears Slipping
Problem:
The gears often slip, and at times the clutch does not engage fully.
Solution:
There's a good chance that the car has been driven through deep water at some point. This could have damaged the gearbox. Usually, this issue is accompanied by a damp, musty smell inside your car. The only solution is a thorough clean and a gearbox replacement, which you can get from us.
Difficulty level
Gearbox Transmission
Shaking and Juddering While Idling
Problem:
When you're idling, the car jitters and judders.
Solution:
Although this issue affects all 206 models, it occurs more often in 1.5-litre versions. The usual culprit is the engine mounts. These should be replaced with one of our parts; otherwise, the engine will wear out quickly and become less efficient. Fixing this yourself takes time, but it is significantly cheaper than taking the car to a professional.
Difficulty level
Engine Mount
Water leaking into front footwells
Problem:
If you notice that the carpets in the front footwells are wet from water entering the cabin, this is usually caused by a blockage in the bulkhead drain. The drain may become blocked with leaves or other debris, which will need to be cleared.
Solution:
Removing debris or leaves should unblock the drain and prevent water from leaking into the front footwells. You will also need to dry the carpets to prevent dampness from settling in.
Difficulty level
Engine stalling
Problem:
It is known on the 206, especially for cars that are either over 2 years old or have done more than 40,000 miles, to experience problems with random stalling. The usual cause is a faulty potentiometer and a faulty stepper motor.
Solution:
Try replacing the stepper motor and potentiometer. Some owners have attempted replacing the ECU, coil pack, and other parts to no effect, so give the suggested solution a go.
Difficulty level
Stepper Motor
Engine misfiring / loss of power
Problem:
You might have noticed that your engine is misfiring and there is a loss of power while driving. This issue is caused by a faulty ignition coil pack. You may also have seen the engine management warning light illuminated on the dashboard.
Solution:
Fitting a replacement ignition coil pack will resolve the issue. Watch the video below to see how to replace this part:
Difficulty level
Ignition Coil
Central locking problem
Problem:
A common central locking problem on the Peugeot 206 is 'bouncing'. This happens when you lock or unlock the car using the central locking, and it immediately re-opens or re-locks. The issue is caused by a faulty actuator.
Solution:
To address this issue, you will need to fit a replacement actuator.
Difficulty level
Actuator
Snapped Indicator Stalk
Problem:
The indicator stalk has snapped in half.
Solution:
It seems that every Peugeot 206 produced from 2001 onwards has a problem with very fragile indicator stalks, which makes them easy to break. Although the indicator will still work, it is recommended to replace the stalk entirely with one of our available options.
Difficulty level
Indicator Stalk
The Horn Keeps Going Off
Problem:
The car horn continues sounding, even when you're a good distance from the car.
Solution:
In most cases, this simply comes down to a low battery. Check your battery charge, and if it's low, you might be able to fix the issue by taking some long drives. If your battery has reached the end of its lifespan, you'll need to replace it with one from us. This should resolve the car horn problem.
Difficulty level
Battery
Temperature Gauge Shooting Up
Problem:
The temperature gauge on your 206 rises quickly then drops suddenly. This is often accompanied by jerky driving, which causes the engine to cut out.
Solution:
This could be an issue with your head gasket or cylinder head. Perform a block test to check for leaks. Usually, you will need to replace either the head gasket or the cylinder head with a part from us.
Difficulty level