Peugeot 208 dashboard warning lights

🔧 Issue: ECU detects emission, ignition, fuel or sensor fault – from loose fuel cap to catalytic converter failure.

📋 Symptoms: Rough idle, loss of power, increased fuel consumption, possible misfire, flashing indicates severe misfire (stop driving).

🩺 Detailed diagnosis (multiple options):

• Basic OBD2 scan – read codes (P0xxx, P1xxx). Record freeze frame data (RPM, temp, load).
• Visual & mechanical – check air filter, vacuum leaks (smoke test), fuel trim values via live data.
• Ignition test – for petrol: spark tester, coil resistance, crankshaft/cam correlation (oscilloscope).
• Fuel system – fuel pressure test (Peugeot common rail: 300–1600 bar), injector return flow measurement.
• Advanced – compression test, exhaust backpressure (DPF), EGR function test with vacuum pump or scan tool.

diagnosis: €50–€110 O2 sensor: €140–€280 ignition coil (each): €90–€190 EGR valve: €300–€650

🔧 Issue: Low oil pressure – level too low, worn pump, clogged pickup, faulty switch, or bearing wear.

📋 Symptoms: Light flickers at idle, buzzing / tapping noise, overheats. Stop immediately if steady red.

🩺 Diagnosis steps:

• 1. Check oil level and top up if needed (5W‑30 C2).
• 2. Listen for bottom end knock – if present, tow.
• 3. Mechanical oil pressure test – remove switch, attach gauge (spec: min 0.8 bar at hot idle, >3.5 bar at 3000 rpm).
• 4. Inspect oil filter and pressure relief valve.
• 5. If pressure still low, oil pump or bearing clearance issue (requires pan removal).

oil + filter: €70–€140 oil pump: €450–€950 pressure switch: €80–€160

🔧 Issue: Alternator not charging, broken belt, bad battery, or voltage regulator.

📋 Symptoms: Dim lights, slow crank, eventually stall.

🩺 Diagnosis (multimeter + more):

• Multimeter: engine off 12.4‑12.7V; running 13.8‑14.6V (if lower, suspect alternator).
• Load test battery with proper tester (CCA test).
• Check serpentine belt tension & condition.
• Inspect alternator wiring and ground straps (common corrosion on 208).
• For stop‑start: test auxiliary battery (if fitted) and BMS reset.

AGM battery: €150–€300 alternator recon: €280–€480 new alternator: €550–€900

🔧 Issue: Handbrake on, low fluid, worn pads, or ABS fault (if amber ABS).

📋 Symptoms: Spongy pedal, squeal, longer stopping distance.

🩺 Advanced diagnosis:

• Check fluid level – if low, inspect pad thickness and lines for leaks.
• Measure brake pad thickness (min 3mm). Electronic pad wear sensor on 208.
• For ABS light: scan ABS module (C1xxx codes), test wheel speed sensors (resistance ~1kΩ, AC signal when spinning).
• Inspect tone rings for cracks / rust.
• Check handbrake switch and electric parking brake motors (rear calipers).

front pads + sensor: €150–€280 ABS sensor: €100–€220 brake flush: €80–€140

🔧 Issue: Fault in passive safety – connector under seats, clock spring, crash sensor, or ECU.

📋 Symptoms: Light stays on, airbags may not deploy. Often after seat adjustment.

🩺 Diagnosis (safety first):

• Never measure resistance on airbag modules. Use professional scan tool (DiagBox, Autocom).
• Check yellow connectors under front seats – common corrosion / loose fit.
• Clock spring test: verify horn and steering wheel controls work.
• Read codes: B1000, B1025, etc. – clear and retest.

clock spring: €180–€350 occupant sensor: €300–€600 SRS reset: €80–€180

🔧 Issue: Low coolant, stuck thermostat, fan failure, water pump leak, head gasket.

📋 Symptoms: Needle in red, steam, coolant smell, loss of power.

🩺 Step-by-step:

• Stop engine, let cool 30min. Check expansion tank level.
• Pressure test cooling system (leaks).
• Check electric fan operation – with AC on, fan should run.
• Thermostat: upper hose should get hot after engine reaches 90°C.
• Look for water pump weep hole leak.
• For diesel 208: check if auxiliary water pump works.

thermostat: €140–€270 fan resistor / motor: €150–€400 water pump: €350–€700

🔧 Issue: Low pressure or sensor fault / battery died.

📋 Symptoms: Amber (!) symbol, pressure display shows dashes or low values.

🩺 Diagnosis:

• Check all tyre pressures with gauge; inflate to placard.
• Drive above 25 km/h for 10 min – light may reset.
• Use TPMS trigger tool to activate each sensor, read IDs and battery status.
• 208 uses direct TPMS (Schrader or Continental). Sensor battery life ~5‑7 years.

sensor replacement: €70–€160 each relearn: €40–€90

🔧 Issue: Diesel particulate filter clogged, additive low (Eolys), or pressure sensor fault.

📋 Symptoms: Reduced power, increased regen frequency, warning “particle filter clogged”.

🩺 Advanced diag:

• Read DPF soot mass (via diagnostic tool) – above 40g usually needs regen.
• Check differential pressure sensor readings (idle ~2‑5 mbar, at load >100 mbar).
• Inspect additive level (Eolys fluid) and pump.
• Forced regeneration with scan tool (ensure oil level correct).

forced regen: €100–€200 Eolys additive: €180–€350 DPF replacement: €900–€2000

🔧 Issue: Low AdBlue, poor quality, or SCR system fault (NOx sensor, pump).

📋 Symptoms: Countdown distance, limp mode, “emissions fault” message.

🩺 Diagnosis:

• Top up AdBlue (minimum 5 litres) with certified fluid.
• Check AdBlue tank heater and pump operation via scan tool.
• Read NOx sensor values – plausible readings, compare pre/post SCR.
• Inspect for crystallisation around injector.

AdBlue top‑up: €20–€50 NOx sensor: €400–€700 AdBlue pump: €550–€1000

🔧 Issue: Traction control deactivated, steering angle sensor, ABS sensor, or yaw rate.

📋 Symptoms: Light on, stability control not working, possibly speedometer dead.

🩺 Diagnosis:

• Scan ABS/ESP module for codes (C1xxx, U1xxx).
• Check steering angle sensor calibration (live data 0° when straight).
• Inspect wheel speed sensors and reluctor rings.
• Perform zero point calibration with diagnostic tool after repairs.

steering angle sensor: €180–€350 yaw sensor: €320–€600

🔧 Issue: Scheduled maintenance reminder (oil change, inspection) or overdue service.

📋 Symptoms: Spanner symbol with miles/km countdown.

🩺 Diagnosis: No real fault – just reset via instrument cluster procedure or scan tool after service. If persistent, check service interval indicator.

oil service: €120–€250 reset only: €20–€50

🔧 Issue: System unavailable – battery low, sensor fault, or bonnet switch.

📋 Symptoms: “Stop/Start not available” on dash, ECO light off.

🩺 Diagnosis: Check auxiliary battery (if fitted), brake vacuum sensor, bonnet switch, and battery condition (AGM).

aux battery: €90–€180 switch: €60–€140