Peugeot 405. Manual - part 4

0•12

Weekly Checks

Warning: DO NOT attempt to
remove the expansion tank
pressure cap when the engine
is hot, as there is a very great
risk of scalding. Do not leave
open containers of coolant

about, as it is poisonous.

Car Care

l With a sealed-type cooling system,
adding coolant should not be necessary on a
regular basis. If frequent topping-up is
required, it is likely there is a leak. Check the
radiator, all hoses and joint faces for signs of
staining or wetness, and rectify as necessary.

l It is important that antifreeze is used in
the cooling system all year round, not just
during the winter months. Don’t top-up with
water alone, as the antifreeze will become
too diluted.

Coolant level

The coolant level varies with engine
temperature. When cold, the coolant
level should be on the “MAXI” mark

(arrowed). When the engine is hot, the level
may rise slightly above the “MAXI” mark.

If topping up is necessary, wait until the
engine is cold. Unscrew the expansion
tank cap to the first stop, to release any

pressure present in the system. Push the cap
down, turn to the second stop, and remove it.

Add a mixture of water and antifreeze
through the expansion tank filler neck,
until the coolant level is up to the “MAXI”

level mark. Refit the cap, turning it clockwise
as far as it will go to secure.

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2

3

Engine oil level

Before you start

4 Make sure your car is on level ground.

4 Check the oil level before the car is driven,
or at least 5 minutes after the engine has been
switched off. 

The correct oil

Modern engines place great demands on their
oil. It is very important that the correct oil for
your car is used (See “Lubricants, fluids and
tyre pressures”).

Car Care

l  If you have to add oil frequently, you
should check whether you have any oil leaks.
Place some clean paper under the car
overnight, and check for stains in the morning.
If there are no leaks, the engine may be
burning oil (see “Fault Finding”).

l Always maintain the level between the
upper and lower dipstick marks (see photo 3).
If the level is too low severe engine damage
may occur. Oil seal failure may result if the
engine is overfilled by adding too much oil.

If the oil is checked
immediately after driving the
vehicle, some of the oil will
remain in the upper engine

components, resulting in an inaccurate
reading on the dipstick!

The dipstick top is often brightly coloured
for easy identification (see “Underbonnet
check points” on pages 0•10 and 0•11

for exact location). Withdraw the dipstick.

Using a clean rag or paper towel remove
all oil from the dipstick. Insert the clean
dipstick  into the tube as far as it will go,

then withdraw it again.

Note the oil level on the end of the
dipstick, which should be between the
upper ("MAX") mark and lower ("MIN")

mark. Approximately 1.0 litre of oil will raise
the level from the lower mark to the upper
mark.

Oil is added through the filler cap.
Unscrew  the cap and top-up the level; a
funnel may help to reduce spillage. Add

the oil slowly, checking the level on the dipstick
often.  Don’t overfill (see “Car Care” left).

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3

4

Weekly Checks  

0•13

Brake fluid level

Warning: Brake fluid can harm
your eyes and damage painted
surfaces, so use extreme
caution when handling and
pouring it.

Warning: Do not use fluid that has been
standing open for some time, as it absorbs
moisture from the air, which can cause a
dangerous loss of braking effectiveness.

Before you start:

4 Park the vehicle on level ground.
4 On models with ABS (anti-lock brakes),

switch the ignition off and pump the brake
pedal at least 20 times or until the pedal
feels hard. Open the bonnet. Switch on
the ignition: the hydraulic unit pump will
be heard running. Wait until the pump
stops, then switch off the ignition.

Safety First!

l If the reservoir requires repeated topping-
up this is an indication of a fluid leak
somewhere in the system, which should be
investigated immediately. 
l If a leak is suspected, the car should not
be driven until the braking system has been
checked. Never take any risks where brakes
are concerned.

The fluid level in the reservoir
will drop slightly as the brake
pads wear down, but the
fluid level must never be

allowed to drop below the “MIN” mark.

The “MAX” (A) and “DANGER” (B) marks
are indicated on the side of the reservoir,
which is located in the scuttle at the rear
driver’s side of the engine compartment.

The fluid level must be kept between these
two marks.

1

If topping-up is necessary, first wipe the
area around the filler cap with a clean rag
before removing the cap. Check the fluid

already in the reservoir - the system should be
drained and refilled if dirt is seen in the fluid
(see Chapter 9 for details).

2

Carefully add fluid, avoiding spilling it on
surrounding paintwork. Use only the
specified hydraulic fluid; mixing different

types of fluid can cause damage to the
system and/or a loss of braking effectiveness.
After filling to the correct level, refit the cap
securely. Wipe off any spilt fluid.

3

Check the operation of the low fluid level
warning light. Chock the roadwheels,
release the handbrake, and switch on the

ignition. Ask an assistant to press the button on
top of the reservoir. The brake fluid level/
handbrake warning light should come on. Apply
the handbrake and switch off the ignition

4

Power steering fluid level

Before you start:

4 Park the car on level ground.
4 Set the steering wheel straight-ahead.
4 The engine should be turned off.

Safety First! 

l The need for frequent topping-up
indicates a leak, which should be investigated
immediately.

For the check to be
accurate, the steering must
not be turned once the
engine has been stopped.

The fluid level is visible through the
translucent material of the reservoir, and
should be between the maximum (A) and

minimum (B) level lines marked on the side of
the reservoir.

1

If topping-up is necessary, and before
removing the cap, wipe the area so that
dirt does not enter the reservoir. Unscrew

the cap, allowing the fluid to drain from the
bottom of the cap as it is removed.

2

Top-up to the “MAX” mark, using the
specified type of fluid. Take great care
not to allow dirt to enter the reservoir,

and do not overfill the reservoir. When the
level is correct, refit the cap.

3

0•14

Weekly Checks

Tyre condition and pressure

It is very important that tyres are in good
condition, and at the correct pressure - having
a tyre failure at any speed is highly dangerous.
Tyre wear is influenced by driving style - harsh
braking and acceleration, or fast cornering,
will all produce more rapid tyre wear. As a
general rule, the front tyres wear out faster
than the rears. Interchanging the tyres from
front to rear ("rotating" the tyres) may result in
more even wear. However, if this is
completely effective, you may have the
expense of replacing all four tyres at once!
Remove any nails or stones embedded in the
tread before they penetrate the tyre to cause
deflation. If removal of a nail does reveal that

the tyre has been punctured, refit the nail so
that its point of penetration is marked. Then
immediately change the wheel, and have the
tyre repaired by a tyre dealer.
Regularly check the tyres for damage in the
form of cuts or bulges, especially in the
sidewalls. Periodically remove the wheels,
and clean any dirt or mud from the inside and
outside surfaces. Examine the wheel rims for
signs of rusting, corrosion or other damage.
Light alloy wheels are easily damaged by
"kerbing" whilst parking; steel wheels may
also become dented or buckled. A new wheel
is very often the only way to overcome severe
damage.

New tyres should be balanced when they are
fitted, but it may become necessary to re-
balance them as they wear, or if the balance
weights fitted to the wheel rim should fall off.
Unbalanced tyres will wear more quickly, as
will the steering and suspension components.
Wheel imbalance is normally signified by
vibration, particularly at a certain speed
(typically around 50 mph). If this vibration is
felt only through the steering, then it is likely
that just the front wheels need balancing. If,
however, the vibration is felt through the
whole car, the rear wheels could be out of
balance. Wheel balancing should be carried
out by a tyre dealer or garage.

Tread Depth - visual check

The original tyres have tread wear safety

bands (B), which will appear when the tread
depth reaches approximately 1.6 mm. The
band positions are indicated by a triangular
mark on the tyre sidewall (A).

1

Tread Depth - manual check

Alternatively, tread wear can be

monitored with a simple, inexpensive device
known as a tread depth indicator gauge.

2

Tyre Pressure Check

Check the tyre pressures regularly with

the tyres cold. Do not adjust the tyre
pressures immediately after the vehicle has
been used, or an inaccurate setting will result.

3

Tyre tread wear patterns

Shoulder Wear

Underinflation (wear on both sides)
Under-inflation will cause overheating of the
tyre, because the tyre will flex too much, and
the tread will not sit correctly on the road
surface. This will cause a loss of grip and
excessive wear, not to mention the danger of
sudden tyre failure due to heat build-up.
Check and adjust pressures
Incorrect wheel camber (wear on one side)
Repair or renew suspension parts
Hard cornering
Reduce speed!

Centre Wear

Overinflation
Over-inflation will cause rapid wear of the
centre part of the tyre tread, coupled with
reduced grip, harsher ride, and the danger of
shock damage occurring in the tyre casing.
Check and adjust pressures

If you sometimes have to inflate your car’s
tyres to the higher pressures specified for
maximum load or sustained high speed, don’t
forget to reduce the pressures to normal
afterwards.

Uneven  Wear

Front tyres may wear unevenly as a result of
wheel misalignment. Most tyre dealers and
garages can check and adjust the wheel
alignment (or "tracking") for a modest charge.
Incorrect camber or castor
Repair or renew suspension parts
Malfunctioning suspension
Repair or renew suspension parts
Unbalanced wheel
Balance tyres
Incorrect toe setting
Adjust front wheel alignment
Note: The feathered edge of the tread which
typifies toe wear is best checked by feel.

Weekly Checks  

0•15

Wiper blades

Check the condition of the wiper blades;
if they are cracked or show any signs of
deterioration, or if the glass swept area is

smeared, renew them. For maximum clarity of
vision, wiper blades should be renewed
annually, as a matter of course. To remove a
front wiper blade, first prise off the securing
clips, and disconnect the washer tube from
the arm.

1

Pull the arm fully away from the glass
until it locks. Swivel the blade through
90°, then pull up the blade securing clip,

and slide the blade out of the arm’s hooked
end.

2

On Estate models, to remove a tailgate
wiper blade, pull the arm fully away from
the glass until it locks. Swivel the blade

through 90°, then press the locking tab, and
slide the blade out of the arm’s hooked end.

3

Screenwash additives not only keep the
winscreen clean during foul weather, they also
prevent the washer system freezing in cold

weather - which is when you are likely to need
it most. Don’t top up using plain water as the
screenwash will become too diluted, and will

freeze during cold weather. On no account
use coolant antifreeze in the washer system
- this could discolour or damage paintwork.

Screen washer fluid level

On Estate models, the tailgate washer
fluid reservoir is located behind a hinged
cover on the right-hand side of the

luggage compartment.

2

The windscreen/headlight washer fluid
reservoir is located in the scuttle at the
rear right-hand corner of the engine

compartment.

1

When topping-up the reservoir(s) a
screenwash additive should be added in
the quantities recommended on the

bottle.

3