Common Faults

  • Some faults that are commonly found.

    Peugeot 1.6VTI or 1.6THP timing chain issues
    The PSA/BMW developed "prince" engine in 1.4 or 1.6 form can develop problems with the camshaft drive (timing chain) system which causes at best engine rattle/knock or at worse engine destruction. The fault develops as a rythmic knock or rattle from the driver's side end of the engine and at this point referal to the workshop is very important before the chain becomes so slack that it jumps a tooth and causes valve timing issues and possible valve damage. The engine diagnostic lamp may also illuminate when valve timing issues develop with this fault. You'll find one of our YouTube videos below that clearly shows the timing chain rattling.



  • Peugeot DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter) problems
    All models fitted with a DPF will develop maintenance issues at some point within their life. The gradual buld up of exhaust particulates requires regular cleaning or "re-generation" at 400 to 600 mile intervals. This cleaning is carried out without any driver intervention and will take around 10 or 15 minutes. However it can only happen when the conditions are right (higher speed use) and slower use in regular traffic will prevent the cleaning process. The DPF will eventually block if regular driving style (short journeys) prevents the filter from "re-generating". Partial or complete blockage will result in loss of power, increased fuel consumption and possible turbocharger problems due to increased exhaust back-pressure. The burning of soot particles during re-generation will result in a build up of ash that will require manual cleaning with the DPF removed around every 80,000 miles.

    1.6 HDI turbocharger failure
    The PSA/Ford developed 1.6 HDI engine can develop turbocharger oil supply issues caused by oil change neglect and also leaking fuel injector seals. The oil becomes contaminated with carbon and starves the turbocharger of oil. Turbocharger failure will result and require replacement along with a partial engine strip down to remove carbon deposits. Excessive carbon contamination to the engine internals can result in a replacement engine.

    EGR valve issues (all models)
    The EGR (Exhaust Gas Recirculation) valve is fitted to all modern diesel engines. It is designed to divert a proportion of exhaust gases back into the inlet stream in an effort to lower combustion temperatures and help prevent excessive Nitrogen Oxide levels in the exhaust gas. The valve can stick or fail all together causing power loss and exhaust smoking.

    1.6 HDI injector seal failure
    The 1.6 HDI fuel injector seal can fail causing a regular hissing or chuffing noise from the top of the engine along with possible exhaust gas smell in the passenger compartment. The failure of the seals should be repaired asap in order to help prevent oil contamination and injector damage. Neglect can also result in turbocharger failure (see above).

    Peugeot 407 heater problems
    The heater may develop faults which include being unable to set the air temperature or divert the air to the correct vents. This fault is normally due to failure of the air mixer flap control motors and will require removal of the heater assembly from the car for repair.

    Peugeot 3008 electric handbrake faults
    The electric handbrake can develop a fault that prevents it operating automatically along with the handbrake, ABS and engine systems indicating errors at the same time. This is normally due to a faulty handbrake switch.

    Peugeot 1.6 THP engine air inlet valve clogging
    This engine uses high pressure direct fuel injection after the inlet valve and can have valve clogging issues as a result. This result in a loss of power and general rough running. Valve cleaning on the car is possible or complete cylinder head overhaul in some extreme cases.

    Turbocharger boost pressure too high
    This can affect all Petrol and diesel turbocharged engines. It will normally appear whilst accelerating hard in 3rd or 4th gear at more than 50mph. The engine will operate normally until the fault appears and the engine enters a safe mode whereby the turbocharger is prevented from operating to safeguard the engine. This may continue until the engine is restarted and the fault appears the next time under similar conditions. The turbocharger pressure regulation solenoid valve is normally at fault but the problem can be caused by sticking turbocharger vanes.

    1.4 or 1.6 VTI MOT failure due to high exhaust emmissions
    This can be due to failure of the exhaust catalyst and subsequently high exhaust CO or HC content.

    1.4 or 1.6V VTI excessive oil consumption
    These engines can use a large amount of oil due to cylinder bore wear. This will lead to eventual failure of the exhaust catalyst. In some cases the burning oil odour can be detected in the exhaust gases. Engine overhaul may be required after monitoring of the rate of oil consumption. This fault can also be caused by incorrect oil viscosity or a failure in the engine breather system.

    1.4/1.6 VTI and 1.6 THP misfire
    The ignition coils on these engines have a high failure rate and will result in power loss, juddering and the engine fault warning lamp illuminating.

    1.6 THP pinking under load
    A metallic sounding rattle (pinking or combustion knock) can appear whilst the engine is under load. This can be caused by inlet clogging (see above). There is also a software revision available to help with this issue.

    1.6 THP high pressure fuel pump failure
    The camshaft driven high pressure fuel pump can fail causing loss of power and in some cases a complete breakdown. A slight hesitation or misfire at low engine speeds can be the first indication of this failure developing.

    Peugeot 208 1.2 "eco" or "stop/start" not working
    The "eco" lamp on the instrument panel flashes and the stop/start system does not work. This may be because the vehicle battery charge state is low. The battery will need recharging. Vehicles that are used in mostly heavy traffic or only very short journeys may have this problem.


    These are some common faults but should not be read a a confirmed diagnosis. Correct fault diagnosis by Autosolutions is recommended in all cases