Peugeot 205. Manual - part 55

REF•18

Fault finding

10 Electrical system

Note: For problems associated with the starting system, refer to the
faults listed under “Engine” earlier in this Section.

Battery will not hold a charge for more than a few
days

m

m

Battery defective internally (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Battery terminal connections loose or corroded(“Weekly checks” ).

m

m

Auxiliary drivebelt worn or incorrectly adjusted (Chapter 1).

m

m

Alternator not charging at correct output (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Alternator or voltage regulator faulty (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Short-circuit causing continual battery drain (Chapters 5A and 12).

Ignition/no-charge warning light remains
illuminated with engine running

m

m

Auxiliary drivebelt broken, worn, or incorrectly adjusted 
(Chapter 1).

m

m

Alternator brushes worn, sticking, or dirty (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Alternator brush springs weak or broken (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Internal fault in alternator or voltage regulator (Chapter 5A).

m

m

Broken, disconnected, or loose wiring in charging circuit 
(Chapter 5A).

Ignition/no-charge warning light fails to come on

m

m

Warning light bulb blown (Chapter 12).

m

m

Broken, disconnected, or loose wiring in warning light circuit
(Chapter 12).

m

m

Alternator faulty (Chapter 5A).

Lights inoperative

m

m

Bulb blown (Chapter 12).

m

m

Corrosion of bulb or bulbholder contacts (Chapter 12).

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty relay (Chapter 12).

m

m

Broken, loose, or disconnected wiring (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty switch (Chapter 12).

Instrument readings inaccurate or erratic

Instrument readings increase with engine speed

m

m

Faulty voltage regulator (Chapter 12).

Fuel or temperature gauges give no reading

m

m

Faulty gauge sender unit (Chapters 3 and 4A, 4B, 4C or 4D).

m

m

Wiring open-circuit (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty gauge (Chapter 12).

Fuel or temperature gauges give continuous maximum
reading

m

m

Faulty gauge sender unit (Chapters 3 and 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D).

m

m

Wiring short-circuit (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty gauge (Chapter 12).

Horn inoperative, or unsatisfactory in operation

Horn operates all the time

m

m

Horn push either earthed or stuck down (Chapter 12).

m

m

Horn cable-to-horn push earthed (Chapter 12).

Horn fails to operate

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Cable or cable connections loose, broken or disconnected
(Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty horn (Chapter 12).

Horn emits intermittent or unsatisfactory sound

m

m

Cable connections loose (Chapter 12).

m

m

Horn mountings loose (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty horn (Chapter 12).

Suspension and steering (continued)

Excessive play in steering

m

m

Worn steering column intermediate shaft universal joint 
(Chapter 10).

m

m

Worn steering track rod end balljoints (Chapters 1 and 10).

m

m

Worn rack-and-pinion steering gear (Chapter 10).

m

m

Worn steering or suspension joints, bushes or components
(Chapters 1 and 10).

Lack of power assistance

m

m

Broken or incorrectly-adjusted auxiliary drivebelt (Chapter 1).

m

m

Incorrect power steering fluid level (“Weekly checks” ).

m

m

Restriction in power steering fluid hoses (Chapter 1).

m

m

Faulty power steering pump (Chapter 10).

m

m

Faulty rack-and-pinion steering gear (Chapter 10).

Tyre wear excessive

Tyres worn on inside or outside edges

m

m

Tyres under-inflated (wear on both edges) (“Weekly checks” ).

m

m

Incorrect camber or castor angles (wear on one edge only)
(Chapter 10).

m

m

Worn steering or suspension joints, bushes or components
(Chapters 1 and 10).

m

m

Excessively-hard cornering.

m

m

Accident damage.

Tyre treads exhibit feathered edges

m

m

Incorrect toe setting (Chapter 10).

Tyres worn in centre of tread

m

m

Tyres over-inflated (“Weekly checks” ).

Tyres worn on inside and outside edges

m

m

Tyres under-inflated (“Weekly checks” ).

Tyres worn unevenly

m

m

Tyres/wheels out of balance (Chapter 1).

m

m

Excessive wheel or tyre run-out (Chapter 1).

m

m

Worn shock absorbers (Chapters 1 and 10).

m

m

Defective tyre (“Weekly checks” ).

Windscreen/tailgate wipers inoperative, or
unsatisfactory in operation

Wipers fail to operate, or operate very slowly

m

m

Wiper blades stuck to screen, or linkage seized or binding
(“Weekly checks” and Chapter 12).

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Cable or cable connections loose, broken or disconnected
(Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty relay (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty wiper motor (Chapter 12).

Wiper blades sweep over too large or too small an area of
the glass

m

m

Wiper arms incorrectly positioned on spindles (Chapter 12).

m

m

Excessive wear of wiper linkage (Chapter 12).

m

m

Wiper motor or linkage mountings loose or insecure (Chapter 12).

Wiper blades fail to clean the glass effectively

m

m

Wiper blade rubbers worn or perished (“Weekly checks” ).

m

m

Wiper arm tension springs broken, or arm pivots seized 
(Chapter 12).

m

m

Insufficient windscreen washer additive to adequately remove
road film (“Weekly checks” ).

Windscreen/tailgate washers inoperative, or
unsatisfactory in operation

One or more washer jets inoperative

m

m

Blocked washer jet (Chapter 1).

m

m

Disconnected, kinked or restricted fluid hose (Chapter 12).

m

m

Insufficient fluid in washer reservoir (Chapter 1).

Washer pump fails to operate

m

m

Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter 12).

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty washer switch (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty washer pump (Chapter 12).

Washer pump runs for some time before fluid is emitted
from jets

m

m

Faulty one-way valve in fluid supply hose (Chapter 12).

Electric windows inoperative, or unsatisfactory in
operation

Window glass will only move in one direction

m

m

Faulty switch (Chapter 12).

Window glass slow to move

m

m

Regulator seized or damaged, or in need of lubrication 
(Chapter 11).

m

m

Door internal components or trim fouling regulator (Chapter 11).

m

m

Faulty motor (Chapter 11).

Window glass fails to move

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty relay (Chapter 12).

m

m

Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty motor (Chapter 11).

Central locking system inoperative, or
unsatisfactory in operation

Complete system failure

m

m

Blown fuse (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty relay (Chapter 12).

m

m

Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty control unit (Chapter 11).

Latch locks but will not unlock, or unlocks but will not lock

m

m

Faulty master switch (Chapter 12).

m

m

Broken or disconnected latch operating rods or levers 
(Chapter 11).

m

m

Faulty relay (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty control unit (Chapter 11).

One solenoid/motor fails to operate

m

m

Broken or disconnected wiring or connections (Chapter 12).

m

m

Faulty solenoid/motor (Chapter 11).

m

m

Broken, binding or disconnected latch operating rods or levers
(Chapter 11).

m

m

Fault in door latch (Chapter 11).

Fault finding

REF•19

REF

REF•20

Glossary of technical terms

A

ABS (Anti-lock brake system)

A system,

usually electronically controlled, that senses
incipient wheel lockup during braking and
relieves hydraulic pressure at wheels that are
about to skid.
Air bag  An inflatable bag hidden in the
steering wheel (driver’s side) or the dash or
glovebox (passenger side). In a head-on
collision, the bags inflate, preventing the
driver and front passenger from being thrown
forward into the steering wheel or windscreen.
Air cleaner

A metal or plastic housing,

containing a filter element, which removes
dust and dirt from the air being drawn into the
engine.
Air filter element The actual filter in an air
cleaner system, usually manufactured from
pleated paper and requiring renewal at regular
intervals.

Allen key A hexagonal wrench which fits into
a recessed hexagonal hole.
Alligator clip

A long-nosed spring-loaded

metal clip with meshing teeth. Used to make
temporary electrical connections.
Alternator

A component in the electrical

system which converts mechanical energy
from a drivebelt into electrical energy to
charge the battery and to operate the starting
system, ignition system and electrical
accessories. 

Ampere (amp) A unit of measurement for the
flow of electric current. One amp is the
amount of current produced by one volt
acting through a resistance of one ohm.
Anaerobic sealer

A substance used to

prevent bolts and screws from loosening.
Anaerobic means that it does not require
oxygen for activation. The Loctite brand is
widely used.
Antifreeze

A substance (usually ethylene

glycol) mixed with water, and added to a
vehicle’s cooling system, to prevent freezing
of the coolant in winter. Antifreeze also
contains chemicals to inhibit corrosion and
the formation of rust and other deposits that

would tend to clog the radiator and coolant
passages and reduce cooling efficiency.
Anti-seize compound

A coating that

reduces the risk of seizing on fasteners that
are subjected to high temperatures, such as
exhaust manifold bolts and nuts.

Asbestos A natural fibrous mineral with great
heat resistance, commonly used in the
composition of brake friction materials.
Asbestos is a health hazard and the dust
created by brake systems should never be
inhaled or ingested.
Axle A shaft on which a wheel revolves, or
which revolves with a wheel. Also, a solid
beam that connects the two wheels at one
end of the vehicle. An axle which also
transmits power to the wheels is known as a
live axle.

Axleshaft

A single rotating shaft, on either

side of the differential, which delivers power
from the final drive assembly to the drive
wheels. Also called a driveshaft or a halfshaft.

B

Ball bearing

An anti-friction bearing

consisting of a hardened inner and outer race
with hardened steel balls between two races.

Bearing The curved surface on a shaft or in a
bore, or the part assembled into either, that
permits relative motion between them with
minimum wear and friction.
Big-end bearing The bearing in the end of
the connecting rod that’s attached to the
crankshaft.
Bleed nipple

A valve on a brake wheel

cylinder, caliper or other hydraulic component
that is opened to purge the hydraulic system
of air. Also called a bleed screw.

Brake bleeding Procedure for removing air
from lines of a hydraulic brake system.
Brake disc The component of a disc brake
that rotates with the wheels.
Brake drum The component of a drum brake
that rotates with the wheels.
Brake linings

The friction material which

contacts the brake disc or drum to retard the
vehicle’s speed. The linings are bonded or
riveted to the brake pads or shoes.
Brake pads

The replaceable friction pads

that pinch the brake disc when the brakes are
applied. Brake pads consist of a friction
material bonded or riveted to a rigid backing
plate.
Brake shoe The crescent-shaped carrier to
which the brake linings are mounted and
which forces the lining against the rotating
drum during braking.
Braking systems

For more information on

braking systems, consult the Haynes
Automotive Brake Manual.
Breaker bar

A long socket wrench handle

providing greater leverage.
Bulkhead

The insulated partition between

the engine and the passenger compartment.

C

Caliper The non-rotating part of a disc-brake
assembly that straddles the disc and carries
the brake pads. The caliper also contains the
hydraulic components that cause the pads to
pinch the disc when the brakes are applied. A
caliper is also a measuring tool that can be set
to measure inside or outside dimensions of an
object.

Brake bleeding

Bearing

Axle assembly

Anti-seize compound

Alternator (exploded view)

Air filter

Glossary of technical terms

REF•21

REF

Camshaft A rotating shaft on which a series
of cam lobes operate the valve mechanisms.
The camshaft may be driven by gears, by
sprockets and chain or by sprockets and a
belt.
Canister

A container in an evaporative

emission control system; contains activated
charcoal granules to trap vapours from the
fuel system.

Carburettor A device which mixes fuel with
air in the proper proportions to provide a
desired power output from a spark ignition
internal combustion engine.

Castellated Resembling the parapets along
the top of a castle wall. For example, a
castellated balljoint stud nut.

Castor In wheel alignment, the backward or
forward tilt of the steering axis. Castor is
positive when the steering axis is inclined
rearward at the top.

Catalytic converter A silencer-like device in
the exhaust system which converts certain
pollutants in the exhaust gases into less
harmful substances.

Circlip

A ring-shaped clip used to prevent

endwise movement of cylindrical parts and
shafts. An internal circlip is installed in a
groove in a housing; an external circlip fits into
a groove on the outside of a cylindrical piece
such as a shaft.
Clearance

The amount of space between

two parts. For example, between a piston and
a cylinder, between a bearing and a journal,
etc.
Coil spring A spiral of elastic steel found in
various sizes throughout a vehicle, for
example as a springing medium in the
suspension and in the valve train.
Compression

Reduction in volume, and

increase in pressure and temperature, of a
gas, caused by squeezing it into a smaller
space.
Compression ratio The relationship between
cylinder volume when the piston is at top
dead centre and cylinder volume when the
piston is at bottom dead centre.
Constant velocity (CV) joint

A type of

universal joint that cancels out vibrations
caused by driving power being transmitted
through an angle.
Core plug A disc or cup-shaped metal device
inserted in a hole in a casting through which
core was removed when the casting was
formed. Also known as a freeze plug or
expansion plug. 
Crankcase

The lower part of the engine

block in which the crankshaft rotates.
Crankshaft

The main rotating member, or

shaft, running the length of the crankcase,
with offset “throws” to which the connecting
rods are attached.

Crocodile clip See Alligator clip

D

Diagnostic code Code numbers obtained by
accessing the diagnostic mode of an engine
management computer. This code can be
used to determine the area in the system
where a malfunction may be located.
Disc brake A brake design incorporating a
rotating disc onto which brake pads are
squeezed. The resulting friction converts the
energy of a moving vehicle into heat.
Double-overhead cam (DOHC)

An engine

that uses two overhead camshafts, usually
one for the intake valves and one for the
exhaust valves.
Drivebelt(s)

The belt(s) used to drive

accessories such as the alternator, water
pump, power steering pump, air conditioning
compressor, etc. off the crankshaft pulley.

Driveshaft

Any shaft used to transmit

motion. Commonly used when referring to the
axleshafts on a front wheel drive vehicle.

Drum brake A type of brake using a drum-
shaped metal cylinder attached to the inner
surface of the wheel. When the brake pedal is
pressed, curved brake shoes with friction
linings press against the inside of the drum to
slow or stop the vehicle.

Castellated nut

Catalytic converter

Crankshaft assembly

Carburettor

Canister

Drum brake assembly

Accessory drivebelts

Driveshaft