What causes the Peugeot 408 to display an engine fault?
4 Answers
Peugeot 408 displaying an engine fault can be caused by: 1. Excessive engine carbon deposits; 2. Abnormal temperature sensor; 3. Poor gasoline quality; 4. Carbon deposits in the intake tract and piston top. Taking the 2020 408 model as an example, it is a compact car with body dimensions of: length 4750mm, width 1820mm, height 1488mm, wheelbase 2730mm, and a body weight of 1325kg. The 2020 408 model features a MacPherson strut front suspension and a torsion beam rear suspension. It is equipped with a 1.2T turbocharged engine, delivering a maximum horsepower of 136PS, maximum torque of 230Nm, and maximum power of 100kW, paired with a 6-speed dual-clutch transmission.
The engine malfunction light on the Peugeot 408 has come on, and this isn't the first time I've encountered this issue. It usually indicates that the engine control unit has detected an abnormality. Common causes include dirty or malfunctioning sensors, such as a carbon-clogged oxygen sensor measuring exhaust gases, which affects the combustion mixture. Alternatively, there might be an issue with the ignition system—old spark plugs failing to ignite properly, leading to incomplete combustion, or faulty coils triggering an error. The fuel system could also be the culprit, like clogged fuel injectors preventing proper fuel delivery or a weak fuel pump causing unstable pressure. I recommend pulling over to a safe spot immediately and checking—first, try turning off and restarting the engine to see if it's a false alarm. If the light remains on, quickly use an OBD diagnostic tool to scan the port for specific trouble codes to address the problem accurately. Don't delay—minor issues left unattended can damage the catalytic converter over time. Using clean gasoline during regular driving can help reduce such problems.
Seeing the engine warning light illuminated in the Peugeot 408, my biggest concern is the driving safety risk. This could indicate emission issues or engine performance impairment, such as sensor false alarms for excessively rich or lean fuel mixtures; or ignition coil cracks causing misfires. Fuel system blockages like a dirty fuel filter can lead to poor fuel supply. The ECU triggers an alarm upon detection. Continuing to drive may result in engine thermal damage or stalling accidents. After stopping, I check if the fluids are normal and restart to see if the light goes off. If it stays on, immediately seek a professional repair shop for code reading and diagnosis—don't make blind guesses yourself. For prevention, replace spark plugs and engine oil on schedule to maintain system cleanliness. Once this light comes on, don't take chances or delay.
My Peugeot 408 also had the check engine light on once. When I used an OBD scanner, it showed a P0300 code, which means random/multiple cylinder misfire. There could be many reasons - sensors covered in dust, clogged fuel lines, or worn spark plugs. From a DIY perspective: unplug the sensor to clean carbon deposits; check for loose electrical connectors. If the code indicates a faulty ignition coil, replace it. But don't be overconfident about DIY - more complex issues like ECU errors require professional repair. Keeping a small scanner handy is very practical.
