Peugeot 308 Common Problems and Solutions
Loud noise from HDI engine
Problem:
When your HDI engine is running and you hear a very loud metallic tapping noise, this indicates a problem with the crankshaft pulley.
Solution:
You will need to replace the crankshaft pulley to fix this issue.
Difficulty level
Crankshaft Pulley
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
Stuck in 5th Gear
Problem:
Shifting from 5th gear into 4th causes the gear stick to remain in the 5th position.
Solution:
This is caused by worn selector arms attached to the gearbox. It is usually due to a lack of oil, and if the selector arms are not too worn, simply topping up your oil may resolve the issue. If the arms are excessively worn, they will need to be replaced. This can be quite fiddly, but it is manageable, and you can easily buy replacement selector arms here.
Difficulty level
Overheating Engine
Problem:
The engine is overheating even after brief drives.
Solution:
This is common in early models of 308s and is caused by the cooling system. Try bleeding the system yourself, as this usually solves the problem. If not, you'll need to replace the entire coolant system. While this can be tricky, it's more cost-effective to buy the parts and do the replacement yourself rather than hiring a mechanic. You can find the parts here.
Difficulty level
Oil Warning Light
Problem:
You know you have plenty of oil, but your oil warning light remains on.
Solution:
If you recently replaced the oil filter, the oil warning light staying on could simply mean that you need to add more oil due to a volume discrepancy. Alternatively, you might just need to reset the light. This is a straightforward process, and instructions can be found in your owner's manual.
Difficulty level
Starting problems
Problem:
If your 308 is having trouble starting when the engine is cold, it is usually caused by a fault in the ECU. Does the video below sound anything like your problem?
Solution:
A software update is available that should resolve the issue.
Difficulty level
Car pulling to the left side
Problem:
If your car has started pulling to the left slightly, this is common on the 308. It is caused by uneven front tyre wear, which occurs due to roundabouts and damage to the near side of the road.
Solution:
You can change the front tyres, or first, try swapping the front tyres around, which might remedy the situation.
Difficulty level
Anti pollution warning message
Problem:
If you notice the Anti-pollution warning message on the dashboard, you have an issue with the Peugeot Emission Filter (PEF). This filter is responsible for removing harmful particles from the exhaust system.
Solution:
You may need to replace the PEF, but first try taking the car onto a motorway or A-road, driving at about 60mph for at least 15 minutes to burn off these particles. The build-up occurs mostly in cars driven around town, as they do not reach high enough speeds to heat up sufficiently to burn the particles. If this does not work, then you will need to fit a replacement PEF.
Difficulty level
Turbo problems
Problem:
The 308 engine may experience some turbo issues, which can be recognised by certain symptoms: You might notice blue or black smoke from the exhaust, a significant loss of power, or a distinct whistling noise from the top of the engine. If you observe any of these signs, your car's turbocharger is likely faulty.
Solution:
You will need to have the turbo replaced to resolve this issue. Ensure you also replace the EGR valve at the same time, as it can be the main cause of turbo problems. However, this repair could be quite expensive.
Difficulty level
EGR Valve
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
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
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
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
Fan Constantly Running
Problem:
Even when the engine is switched off, the fan continues to run for five to ten minutes.
Solution:
This is usually a problem caused by the coolant levels. First, check that you have plenty of coolant. If you do, then check that the coolant temperature sensor is working correctly. You may need to replace the sensor, but you can buy these very easily right here, and they are very inexpensive.
Difficulty level
Air Pollen Filter Warning Light
Problem:
The warning light for the air pollen filter is illuminated.
Solution:
This is a common electrical fault that can be very difficult to fix yourself. Sometimes, it might simply be a matter of cleaning or replacing the air pollen filter, but if that doesn't solve the problem, you'll need a mechanic to check your electrics.
Difficulty level
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
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
Braking Power Reduced
Problem:
Brake assistance levels have significantly decreased, raising the risk of accidents.
Solution:
This was a serious issue for 308s built between 2013 and 2017 due to the cog belt becoming worn. Material abrasion was common and led to a vehicle recall on all models with a 1.2-litre turbo petrol engine. You can replace the cog belt yourself as a short-term, low-cost fix, but for a more long-term solution, you will need to take the car to a Peugeot authorised dealer.
Difficulty level
AirCon Has Stopped Working
Problem:
The air conditioning has stopped working when needed.
Solution:
308s manufactured between 2014 and 2015 experienced an issue with compressor failure, which prevented the air conditioning unit from working properly. The aircon system will need to be flushed, and in some cases, replaced. While it is one of the more difficult repairs to undertake, there are YouTube tutorials available that guide you through the process. It's also simple to purchase a replacement aircon system from our website.
Difficulty level
Corroded or Fractured Sub-Frame
Problem:
The subframe on the car has become severely corroded and may have fractured in places, impacting structural integrity and safety.
Solution:
This was a recall issue for 308s manufactured in 2015 between February and March. If you notice this problem, the only option is to contact a Peugeot dealer. Do not ignore the issue, as it will significantly increase the risk of an accident.
Difficulty level
Car Alarm Going Off
Problem:
The car alarm goes off randomly without any apparent reason.
Solution:
Try sealing your air vents, as this might be triggering the alarm. You can also attempt deactivating the interior volumetric monitoring system; instructions for this will be in your owner's handbook. If the issue persists, then you'll need to conduct a full diagnostics check to find the cause.
Difficulty level
Cracked DPF
Problem:
Cracks or holes in the Diesel Particle Filter (DPF) can cause your emission levels to exceed legal limits.
Solution:
This issue was caused by the spacer in the exhaust line, but only in the 308s manufactured between 2016 and 2018. The plastic component damaged the DPF, creating holes and cracks. The affected 308s were recalled, but replacing the DPF is relatively straightforward. The concern is that doing so incorrectly could lead to breaching Road Vehicle Regulations.
Difficulty level
Loss of Acceleration
Problem:
The time it takes to reach full speed while pressing the accelerator has increased. It now takes longer to achieve the desired speed than it did before.
Solution:
For second-hand vehicles, it might simply be that the cruise control settings need adjustment. This can be done by resetting those settings, following the instructions in the owner's handbook. If the problem is a new one, particularly in a new car, then a full diagnostic will be necessary to identify the fault codes.
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