Peugeot 106 Common Problems and Solutions
1st Gear and Reverse Gear Difficulties
Problem:
You are struggling to get the car into 1st gear and reverse.
Solution:
Your gear linkages have worn out or been excessively damaged. You're going to need to replace the linkages, which is a very straightforward DIY job, and the linkages themselves are very low cost when you order from BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Gear Linkage
Blue Exhaust Smoke (All 1.5-Ltr Models)
Problem:
When you accelerate, there is blue smoke coming from your exhaust.
Solution:
This is a sign that your cylinder bores have not been looked after and have worn out as a result. Check our parts list for new bores.
Difficulty level
Trouble From Cold Start
Problem:
You struggle to get the engine to turn over when starting from cold.
Solution:
Your glow plugs have likely failed. These can be very hard to remove if they've been in for too long, but installing the new ones is very straightforward. You can have new glow plugs delivered while you get on with the hard work of removing the older ones.
Difficulty level
Glow Plug
Overheating and White Smoke
Problem:
Your engine has started to overheat very quickly, and there is white smoke coming from the exhaust.
Solution:
The head gasket on the 106 is pretty tough, but it can still fail occasionally. The good news is that we always have replacement head gaskets available to order, and although this is a big job that needs to be done right, it's something that most people are capable of doing.
Difficulty level
Head Gasket Set
Clutch Pedal Stuck
Problem:
The clutch pedal has become stuck to the floor, meaning that you are unable to make gear changes.
Solution:
If you have a cable-operated clutch, then it's the cable that's either broken or has disconnected. If it's disconnected, then you can pop it back into place and secure it. If broken, find a new cable using our registration number search function. However, if you have a hydraulically operated clutch then you will either need to replace the cylinder seals or the cylinder itself.
Difficulty level
Long Braking Distance
Problem:
It is taking a long time to get the car to come to a complete stop.
Solution:
Very common on older models, this will likely be due to rusty front brake discs. Check your front callipers as well to see if they have been affected by the corrosion, and order the replacements from our parts page as needed.
Difficulty level
Brake Disc
Squealing Noise From Front
Problem:
There is a squealing noise coming from the engine when it's running. Your power steering may also fail, and your AC will stop working.
Solution:
The serpentine belt on the 106 has been the cause of multiple complaints due to very rapid wear. You'll need to replace the belt, which you can have delivered when you order via BreakerYard.
Difficulty level
Rear suspension failure
Problem:
If the rear wheels appear as though they are leaning outwards, at the bottom or there is even a creaking noise from the rear suspension, you have a problem with the rear radius arm.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement rear radius arm, in order to resolve this problem.
Difficulty level
Replacement Radius Arm Parts | Used, Second-Hand Radius Arm
Leaking sunroof
Problem:
It is common for water to leak in through the sunroof, on the Peugeot 106. This is caused by water leaking in around the screws of the sunroof handle.
Solution:
You will need to apply some silicone into the hole where the screws are, which will stop the leak.
Difficulty level
Cylinder head gasket failure
Problem:
It is not unusual for the cylinder head gasket to be failing on these cars. You may have noticed oil weeping out of the top corners, particularly out of the top left corner. If this is the case, it may be a sign that the cylinder head gasket is broken.
Solution:
You will need to fit a replacement cylinder head gasket to fix the problem. It can be expensive to replace the head gasket but you can save on a replacement head gasket by shopping with us.
Difficulty level
Cylinder Head Gasket
Growling/knocking noise from exhaust
Problem:
If when you start the car, you have noticed a strong growling or knocking noise coming from the exhaust, then this is a symptom of a faulty Catalytic converter.
Solution:
The Catalytic converter will need to be replaced, in order to resolve the issue. Although a new Catalytic converter can be quite expensive, it is possible for you to be able to save money and replace your Catalytic converter with us.
Difficulty level
Catalytic Converter
Erratic idling
Problem:
If you have noticed that the engine on your 106 is not remaining at constant revs when idling, then this is usually down to a problem with the idle control valve. You will notice that the revs are going up and down when idling, when they should be remaining at a steady level. Does the video below look anything like your problem?
Solution:
You will need to replace the idle control valve to sort this problem.
Difficulty level
Idle Control Valve
Slipping Gears
Problem:
The gears have started to slip unexpectedly.
Solution:
The clutch on the 106 can be quite prone to premature wear, which is what's causing your gears to slip. This will usually mean replacing the entire clutch assembly, which you find easily on our parts list. It's a big job, but there are hundreds of guides available online that will ensure that you can do this yourself and save a hefty garage bill.
Difficulty level
Clutch Kit
Knocking Noise
Problem:
You can hear a loud knocking noise when you're driving.
Solution:
The suspension system on the 106 is fairly long-lasting, but it will need to be replaced at around the 50,000-mile point. Check every component of your suspension, and order any worn-out parts from our online store.
Difficulty level
Suspension Complete System
