Peugeot 406 Common Problems and Solutions
Car Lower on One Side
Problem:
The car is sitting lower on one side even when not in use. Eventually, you will find that that the issue gets more noticeable, even affecting the vehicle when driving.
Solution:
Fortunately, this isn't a case of having to replace the entire suspension. Instead, you'll only have to order some rear suspension springs from our parts page. While tricky to install, this is a job that most people are capable of.
Difficulty level
Suspension Coil Spring
Black Smoke From Exhaust
Problem:
There is black smoke coming from your exhaust pipe when you accelerate. The engine performance will usually have dropped at the same time.
Solution:
Your EGR valve has reached its end of life or has become damaged. Check through the BreakerYard parts list for a replacement and install the new version in under 20-minutes.
Difficulty level
EGR Valve
Vibrations
Problem:
You can feel the car vibrating when you accelerate. The vibration will be there when you are idling but will be a lot less.
Solution:
This is going to be a problem with your rear engine mounts, but don't panic. We always have these in stock and can deliver them to you. Installing the mounts might seem like a big job, but it's a lot easier than you might assume.
Difficulty level
Engine Mount
Bumpy Drive
Problem:
You can feel that the car is driving much bumpier than it used to.
Solution:
Check your suspension, particularly at the rear of the car. It's very likely to have worn out or become damaged and will need to be completely replaced in most cases. Check our parts list for a 406 suspension system and take your time when it comes to installing and securing it.
Difficulty level
Suspension Complete System
Inconsistent Acceleration
Problem:
The acceleration level is very inconsistent, and you are using more fuel than you used to. Occasionally, the engine will sputter.
Solution:
The 406 has a well-known habit of wearing out the fuel pump a lot more quickly than you'd expect. The good news is that fuel pumps are readily available in our store, and they are a lot easier to replace than you might assume.
Difficulty level
Fuel Pump Diesel
AC Malfunction
Problem:
The aircon has stopped working.
Solution:
If you don't use your AC very regularly, then it is very prone to failure. Unfortunately, the only solution is going to be to replace the whole AC system. While this is fairly easy to do yourself, it can be a time-consuming task. Order a new AC system from our parts list and watch some online guides to make it easier.
Difficulty level
Aircon Unit
No Indicator Lights
Problem:
When you move the indicator stalk, you can hear the clicking sound, but your indicator lights are not working.
Solution:
This could be a simple case of replacing the indicator lights. If that doesn't work, then your entire indicator stalk is at fault and will need to be replaced. We sell indicator stalks at a very low cost, although they can be tricky to install yourself.
Difficulty level
Indicator Stalk
Overlong Stopping Distances
Problem:
The car is taking longer and longer to come to a stop, no matter how much pressure you apply to the pedal.
Solution:
The brake discs on the 406 are very prone to warping. Fortunately, there are multiple step-by-step guides online that will walk you through the replacement process, and you can order new brake discs directly from us.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc
Fan problems
Problem:
Have you noticed that you are having problems with your fan, with the fan burning or stopping, or sometimes the relay getting burnt? This is usually caused by one of two issues: Either it has a bad earth, or a faulty fan control problem.
Solution:
Once you have identified if it is the earth or control module at fault, you will either need to get a good earth, or replace the fan control module to resolve the fault.
Difficulty level
ABS warning light
Problem:
If you have noticed that the ABS warning light has appeared on the dashboard, then you most likely have an issue with an ABS sensor. This is a common problem with in these cars.
Solution:
You will need to have a diagnostic check done on the car, in order to correctly identify exactly which ABS sensor is at fault. Once identified, you will need to replace the faulty sensor to solve the problem.
Difficulty level
ABS Sensor
Starting problems
Problem:
On the HDI version of the Peugeot 406, it is common for the diesel pump to fail. If this is the case, you will have problems with starting the car, whether it is cold or warm.
Solution:
You will need to replace the diesel fuel pump, in order to resolve this issue.
Difficulty level
Suspension problems
Problem:
When you are driving over rough surfaces, or speed bumps and you hear a knocking noise coming from the front and rear suspension, this is usually an indication of the drop links or ball joints failing.
Solution:
To resolve this issue, you will need to correctly identify exactly which part is at fault and replace the faulty part. This should fix it. The video below shows how not to do it!
Difficulty level
Switch gear stalk problem
Problem:
You may have noticed that when you turn on the indicator stalk, you can hear the indicator relay clicking, but have no indicator light coming on. This is due to a faulty switch gear stalk.
Solution:
You will need to remove the steering column, in order to gain access to the switch gear. Once you have accessed the switch gear, you will need to fit a replacement one, in order to fix the problem.
Difficulty level
Indicator Switch Stalk
