Peugeot 206 Owners' Guide
- Car ownership
- Peugeot
FixMyCar provides key information about the Peugeot 206.
Book a car repair nowEllie Dyer-Brown
Thursday May 22 2025
9 min read
Known for its low running costs, the 206 is a supermini produced by Peugeot between 1998 and 2013 in European markets. It won numerous awards, including ‘Car of the Show’ at the British International Motor Show in 2000.
This owners’ guide compiles key information about your 206 in one convenient place, covering service intervals, recommended tyre pressures, and answers to frequently asked questions to help you keep your car running smoothly.
Peugeot 206 generations
Peugeot 206 1998-2009
The Peugeot 206 was introduced as a replacement for the ageing 205. It quickly became a best-seller, loved for its curvy styling, agile handling, low running costs, and range of engines.
A facelift in 2003 brought significant changes, including a revised bumper and headlight clusters; improved safety kit; the launch of the GTi 180, a hot hatch version; interior material upgrades; and new petrol and diesel engine options.
The 206 was replaced by the 207, which went on sale in the UK in 2007.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
SW (estate)
CC (coupe cabriolet)
Key engine options:
1.1-litre 60bhp petrol
1.4-litre 75bhp petrol
1.4-litre 88bhp 16V petrol
1.6-litre 110bhp 16V petrol
2.0-litre 136bhp GTi petrol
2.0-litre 177bhp GTi petrol
1.9-litre 70bhp diesel
1.4-litre 68bhp HDi diesel
2.0-litre 90bhp HDi diesel
1.6-litre 110bhp HDi diesel
Peugeot 206+ 2009-2012
The 206+ was a facelifted version of the original model intended as a low-cost alternative to the new 207. It was built on the same platform with a revised front end, an updated dashboard, and simplified trim and engine options. It didn’t sell well in the UK and was discontinued after three years.
Body styles:
Three-door hatchback
Five-door hatchback
Key engine options:
1.1-litre 60bhp petrol
1.4-litre 75bhp petrol
1.4-litre 68bhp HDi diesel
Service intervals
Maintaining your 206 is crucial to prevent breakdowns and extend its lifespan. You can find the servicing recommendations for your vehicle in your owner’s guide.
A good rule of thumb for most cars is to book a full service once a year or every 12,000 miles. The following maintenance intervals are recommended by Haynes for 2002-2009 206 models.
Check every 250 miles:
Brake and clutch fluid level
| Petrol | Diesel |
|---|---|
| 10,000 miles/12 months | 6,000 miles/12 months |
| Renew engine oil and filter | Renew engine oil and filter |
| Check for fluid leaks | Drain water from fuel filter |
| Check condition of driveshaft joints and rubber gaiters | Check underbonnet components for leaks |
| Lubricate hinges and locks | Check steering, suspension, driveshaft rubber gaiters and CV joints |
| Carry out a road test | Lubricate hinges and locks |
| 20,000 miles/2 years | 12,000 miles |
| Reset service interval indicator | Reset service interval indicator |
| Check pollen filter | Check pollen filter |
| Check auxiliary drivebelt, renew if necessary | Check auxiliary drivebelt, renew if necessary |
| Check condition of brake pads, renew if necessary | Check brake pads, renew if necessary |
| Check handbrake | Check handbrake |
| Check steering and suspension | - |
| 40,000 miles/4 years | 24,000 miles |
| Renew spark plugs | - |
| Renew fuel filter | Renew fuel filter |
| Renew air filter | Renew air filter |
| Check manual transmission oil | Check manual transmission oil |
| Check automatic transmission fluid | Check automatic transmission fluid |
| Check exhaust emissions | - |
| Renew coolant | - |
| Check brake shoes | - |
| - | 36,000/2 years |
| - | Renew brake and clutch fluid |
| - | Check brake shoes |
| - | 36,000/3 years |
| - | Renew timing belt |
| - | 72,000/5 years |
| - | Renew coolant |
Want to learn more about vehicle servicing? Check out the following guides:
Tyre pressure
What are the tyre pressures for a Peugeot 206?
The recommended tyre pressure varies depending on the spec and engine of your car. The table below shows tyre sizes and pressures listed for the 206 on TyrePressures.com.
However, you should always check this information before adjusting your tyres. You can find the correct pressure:
In the vehicle handbook/owner’s manual.
Printed on the sill of the driver’s door.
On the inside of the fuel tank cap.
Read our guide to tyre pressure for more information.
| 206 model year | Front tyre size | Front tyre pressure | Rear tyre size | Rear tyre pressure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000 | 175/65/R14 82 T | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 175/65/R14 82 T | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
| 2005, 2004 | 195/55/R15 85 H | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR | 195/55/R15 85 H | 35 PSI/2.4 BAR |
How to check the tyre pressures on a Peugeot 206
Most 206 models aren’t fitted with a tyre pressure monitoring system (TPMS), so your car won’t notify you if one of your tyres drops below the recommended pressure. This means you must be more regimented about checking your tyres.
You can check the pressure using a hand-held pressure gauge or an air machine on a petrol station forecourt. Unscrew the tyre valve cap, then place the nozzle over the valve to see a pressure reading and adjust as necessary.
Engine oil
It’s crucial to use the correct engine oil – find out why in this guide.
The recommended oil can vary between different 206 engine configurations and depending on whether the car uses petrol or diesel. Your owner’s manual will provide information about the right oil for your vehicle.
According to Haynes’ maintenance guide, the following oils are suitable.
Petrol models: SAE 10W-40, 5W-40 or 0W-40 Multigrade engine oil to ACEA A3 and API SJ/SL specification.
Diesel models: SAE 10W-40, 5W-40 or 0W-40 Multigrade engine oil to ACEA B3 and API CD/CF specification.
What is the oil capacity of a Peugeot 206?
Oil capacity varies depending on the engine size and model year. The 206 generally requires between 3.0 and 4.5 litres.
| Engine | Capacity (including filter) |
|---|---|
| 1.1 petrol | 3.2-litres |
| 1.4 SOHC petrol | 3.0-litres |
| 1.4 DOHC petrol | 3.2-litres |
| 1.6 petrol | 3.2-litres |
| 2.0 petrol | 4.25-litres |
| 1.4 diesel | 3.75-litres |
| 2.0 diesel | 4.5-litres |
Before changing your oil, check this information in your owner’s manual to ensure you don’t overfill the system.
Need help checking and topping up your engine oil? Read this guide.
Battery
What battery do I need for my Peugeot 206?
The table below shows the battery requirements of Peugeot 206 engine variants using information from What Battery. The base hold-down is B13.
| Fuel type | Engine(s) | Battery type | Typical size (LxWxH, mm) | Voltage | Capacity (Ah) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Petrol | 1.1, 1.1 i, 1.4 16V, 1.4, 1.6 16V, 1.6 i | Lead-acid | 207x175x190 | 12V | 45-54 |
| Petrol | 2.0 RC, 2.0 S16 | Lead-acid | 242x175x190 | 12V | 55-65 |
| Diesel | 1.4 HDi, 1.4 HDi eco 70, 1.6 HDi, 1.9 D, 2.0 HDi | Lead-acid | 242x175x190 | 12V | 60-65 |
Learn more about car batteries in this guide.
What are the signs my Peugeot 206 battery needs replacing?
The following signs often indicate an imminent battery failure.
Dim headlights
Slow engine crank
Electrical issues
Corroded battery terminals
Noticed one or more of these symptoms? It’s time to get your 206’s battery checked by a professional.
Although it’s inevitable that car batteries eventually die, there are things you can do to make them last longer. With that in mind, here are our top tips for maintaining your car battery.
Warning lights
What do the warning lights mean on a Peugeot 206?
Dashboard warning lights are triggered by the car’s electronic control unit (ECU) when a problem is detected. You can learn some information by looking at the shape and colour of the light, but for a detailed diagnosis, you’ll usually need to book a diagnostic test.
Red lights indicate a severe problem. You should stop driving and contact a mechanic.
Yellow lights are less urgent – you can continue driving to your destination, but you should book your car into a garage.
Learn more about car warning lights and what they mean in this guide.
Peugeot 206 warning lights you might not know
Peugeot glow plug warning light
The glow plug warning light is specific to diesel models. It looks like an orange coil and comes on when your car starts in cold weather to signal that the glow plugs are working. If the light stays on or flashes, it signals a problem.
The most likely cause is faulty or worn-out glow plugs. However, there are other reasons the light can come on, including:
ECU fault
Fuel filter issue
EGR or DPF issue
Without functioning glow plugs, your car will likely struggle to start. You might also notice thick black exhaust smoke, rough idling, and a drop in fuel efficiency. Contact a mechanic as soon as possible to investigate the problem.
Peugeot STOP warning light
The STOP warning light is probably the easiest to recognise, though many drivers aren’t sure what it means. The red icon appears when a serious problem develops with the following:
Coolant temperature
Electrical system
Oil pressure
This warning light isn't one you should ignore. Stop when it’s safe, switch your engine off, and contact your breakdown provider or a mobile mechanic.
Spotted a warning light but don’t know what’s causing it? Don’t guess – book a diagnostic test!
Common problems
Here, we explore two common problems with the Peugeot 206.
1. Central locking issues
Numerous 206 owners have reported issues with the central locking system, including:
Intermittent locking
Faulty door lock mechanisms
Broken actuators
Key not responding
There are a few things you can do to troubleshoot locking problems. The first is to check the key fob, replace the battery, or re-sync the key if necessary. If that doesn't work, inspect the wiring for signs of damage. You can also test the door lock mechanisms using a screwdriver to push the lock lever, which simulates a closed door and allows you to assess the sensor.
Central locking systems can be complex, so it might not be possible to diagnose the problem without expert help. We recommend contacting an auto electrician for advice.
2. Transmission problems
Many 206 engine variants share the same transmission problems. Models fitted with an automatic gearbox are prone to oil leaks from the output and torque converter seals, and gearchanges can be rough when moving off due to a faulty automatic gearbox oil sensor.
Signs of a problem with the transmission include:
Puddles of red or brown fluid beneath the car
Gear change issues
Burning smell
As you’d expect, transmission problems are often costly to repair, so if you’re in the market for a second-hand 206, pay close attention to how the car feels on a test drive.
Here are the other things you should look for when buying a used car.
Need help diagnosing car problems? Check out the following guides for advice:
Key Peugeot 206 questions and topics
Does a Peugeot 206 have an aux input?
Peugeot 206 models typically don’t have an aux input, especially those produced before 2006.
Does a Peugeot 206 have ISOFIX points?
Most 206s have at least two ISOFIX points on the rear seats. They aren’t clearly marked, but if you reach between the seat back and the cushion, you should be able to find them. If unsure, check your owner’s manual.
How do you open the bonnet on a Peugeot 206?
Pull the bonnet release lever located under the dashboard on the driver’s side. You will hear the bonnet click open.
Slide your fingers under the bonnet above the Peugeot badge. You should feel another small lever.
Push the lever up.
Open the bonnet and secure it in place.
How long is a Peugeot 206?
The length of a Peugeot 206 ranges from 3,822mm to 3,835mm.
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Written by Ellie
Ellie is FixMyCar's Content Writer. She has over three years of experience writing about cars and regularly collaborates with automotive experts to provide trustworthy advice for drivers that is easy understand. Her work has been featured in Yahoo! Finance, iNews, The Daily Express and The Sun. She has a BA in English literature and an MA in creative writing from Durham University. Outside of work, Ellie follows F1 and eagerly awaits Ferrari's next era of dominance in the sport. She drives a Suzuki Swift.