What causes the Peugeot 308 to fail to start and make abnormal noises?
3 Answers
The reasons why the Peugeot 308 fails to start and makes abnormal noises are as follows: 1. The gear is not in the P position when starting the car: Many car owners start the car without the gear in the P position. This situation does not occur with manual transmissions but is common with automatic transmissions, usually due to the owner's carelessness. Since automatic transmissions do not require frequent manipulation of the gear lever, it is easy to forget to put it in P or leave it in N. When starting the car, simply ensure the gear is in the P position. 2. The locked steering wheel is not unlocked: If the steering wheel is not straightened when parking and turning off the engine, it will automatically lock. When starting the car again, you may find the steering wheel cannot be turned, leading to failure to start. The solution is to turn the locked steering wheel slightly and then turn the key to start the vehicle.
I've been driving for many years, and this kind of situation where the car won't start and makes strange noises is quite common. It's most likely a problem with the starter motor. It could be that the internal gears of the motor are stuck or worn out due to aging, making it difficult for the motor to turn when you try to start the car, resulting in that rattling noise. Another possibility is insufficient battery power, where the engine can't turn over, causing the starting system to struggle and make noise. My suggestion is to first check if the battery voltage is low using a multimeter; if the battery is fine, it's probably a faulty motor. It's best to have a mechanic take a look and avoid trying to fix it yourself, as you might make things worse. Paying attention to these components during regular maintenance can help avoid major repairs.
I just encountered this issue last week with my old Peugeot 308 - same problem of not starting and metallic grinding noises. After struggling for a while, I found out it was due to battery aging. When the battery reaches its lifespan and has insufficient charge, the starter can't engage properly, causing that gear clicking sound. Loose relays or wiring connections can also cause similar issues - in my case, temporarily tightening them with a screwdriver helped, but ultimately the battery needed replacement. Remember to regularly replace your car battery, typically every 2-3 years for inspection. Don't wait until you're stranded on the road. Getting a professional current test at a specialized shop is the most reliable approach. Safety first - never underestimate this matter.
