What are the reasons why the Peugeot 307 cannot start?
4 Answers
Peugeot 307's failure to start is largely due to corrosion at the battery terminal positions, caused by electrolyte leakage. When corrosion occurs at the battery terminals, the recommended method is to remove the terminal head, spray clean the lead terminal head and wire connectors with an alkaline cleaning agent, wipe them clean, apply a thin layer of butter or Vaseline oil, and finally tighten the wire connectors on the terminal head with a wrench. Batteries are divided into conventional batteries, dry-charged batteries, and maintenance-free batteries. Conventional Batteries: The plates of conventional batteries are made of lead and lead oxide, with the electrolyte being a sulfuric acid solution. Their main advantages are stable voltage and low cost; the disadvantages are low specific energy (the amount of electrical energy stored per kilogram of battery), short service life, and frequent daily maintenance. Dry-Charged Batteries: The full name of a car battery is dry-charged lead-acid battery. Its main feature is that the negative plate has a high storage capacity. In a completely dry state, it can preserve the obtained charge for two years. When in use, you only need to add the electrolyte and wait 20-30 minutes before it can be used. Maintenance-Free Batteries: Due to their structural advantages, maintenance-free batteries consume very little electrolyte and basically do not require the addition of distilled water during their service life. They also have the characteristics of being shock-resistant, high-temperature resistant, compact, and having low self-discharge. Their service life is generally twice that of conventional batteries. There are two types of maintenance-free batteries on the market: the first type is filled with electrolyte once at the time of purchase and does not require maintenance (adding supplementary fluid) during use; the other type comes pre-filled with electrolyte and sealed from the factory, making it impossible for users to add supplementary fluid.
I've been driving a Peugeot 307 for five years and encountered two no-start situations. The first time was due to a completely dead battery because I left the headlights on for too long while parked, causing the voltage to drop below 10 volts which couldn't power the starter. The second time I found it was worn starter motor carbon brushes, making a rattling noise during rotation. Other common issues include burnt ignition coils or faulty crankshaft position sensors, both of which affect ignition signals. Fuel system problems also need attention, such as blown fuel pump fuses or clogged fuel filters, though these are less likely in Peugeot vehicles. I recommend first checking the battery terminals for green oxidation, clean them and try jump-starting. If the engine cranks but won't start, then you should troubleshoot the ignition system. If you can't fix it yourself, contacting roadside assistance would be more reliable.
When repairing a Peugeot 307 that won't start, most issues stem from the starting system. Battery aging is the most common cause, especially noticeable during winter when cold cranking amps are insufficient. Another possibility is starter motor failure - hearing clicking sounds without engine turnover is a classic symptom. The contact copper strips in the ignition switch wear out over time, resulting in no response when turning the key. Also check the EF10 fuse in the fuse box, as it controls the starting circuit. Don't overlook poor connections in the fuel injection system wiring harness that might prevent the ECU from functioning. The simplest test is to turn on headlights before starting - if they dim significantly, it indicates battery drain. For older vehicles, also inspect whether the alternator belt is loose.
My Peugeot 307 suddenly wouldn't start the other day. After struggling for a while, I found out it was a faulty crankshaft position sensor. This small component is located on the side of the engine and can fail if it gets dirty or wet, causing the ECU to lose track of piston position and preventing ignition. I recommend first checking the dashboard warning lights - if the wrench icon is flashing, it indicates an engine system issue. A malfunctioning key immobilizer chip can also lock the ignition system; trying the spare key will confirm this. Pay special attention to loose battery terminals - I fixed mine by sanding them with sandpaper. It's wise to keep jumper cables in the car for emergencies; you can always ask a neighbor for a jump start. During routine maintenance, remember to ask the mechanic to test your battery's lifespan.
