FAQ
TL;DR: On the Peugeot 206 1.4 8v, valve clearance service every 20–30 tkm reduces cold-start complaints; as one expert says, "This is required service." [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972775]
Why it matters: This FAQ helps 206 owners diagnose hard cold starts, stalling, and smoke without wasting money on unproven parts.
Quick Facts
- Valve clearance spec: intake 0.20 mm, exhaust 0.40 mm (TU3JP). [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #17291483]
- Service interval: adjust clearances every 20–30 tkm on this “old engine.” [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972775]
- Fuel diagnosis: do a rail pressure test—"Check the pressure." [Elektroda, pepe150, post #16962686]
- Crankshaft position sensor faults can cause 3–4 start attempts with no ECU errors. [Elektroda, tomaszpanda123, post #21290602]
- Symptom pattern: cold starts take several cranks, warm starts are immediate. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #16962230]
Why does my Peugeot 206 1.4 8v need several attempts to start when cold?
Common culprits include incorrect valve clearances, weak fuel pressure at cold start, and a failing crankshaft position sensor. Owners report up to six attempts before it catches, then normal driving. Heat can mask marginal issues, so it may start first try on hot days. Begin with a pressure test and clearance check, then test or replace the crank sensor. Document symptoms and temperatures to guide diagnosis. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #17290932]
How do I check if the coolant temperature sensor is lying to the ECU?
Cold engine, key on. Connect a scan tool and compare the ECU’s reported coolant temperature to ambient. A large mismatch indicates a bad sensor or wiring. If the ECU believes the engine is warm, cold enrichment will be wrong and the engine can stall after firing. Replace the sensor only after confirming the reading error. “When it’s cold, connect it and see engine temperature.” [Elektroda, pepe150, post #16962383]
Is hearing the fuel pump prime proof that my fuel pressure is OK?
No. Pump noise does not confirm correct pressure or flow. A marginal pump or restriction can still buzz yet deliver low pressure during cranking. Verify with a gauge on the rail. Do not assume a healthy system based on sound alone. Perform the measurement before replacing parts. [Elektroda, pepe150, post #16962686]
What are the correct valve clearances for the TU3JP 1.4 8v?
Set intake to 0.20 mm and exhaust to 0.40 mm, measured cold. Incorrect clearances hurt compression and starting, especially when cold. Adjustments outside tolerance can cause rough idle and stalling right after start. Record values per cylinder to track wear trends over time. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #17291483]
How often should I adjust valve clearances on this engine?
Adjust every 20–30 thousand kilometers as routine service. Tight valves reduce compression and cold-start quality. “This is required service.” Plan the check alongside timing-belt or plug service to minimize downtime. Keep a service log to avoid drift beyond tolerance. [Elektroda, andrzej20001, post #16972775]
Can a crankshaft position sensor cause cold starts to take 3–4 tries with no fault codes?
Yes. Intermittent crank sensors can misread at low cranking RPM, causing delayed sync and multiple start attempts. Once running, the engine may behave normally and the ECU may log no errors. Replacing the sensor restored immediate starts for one owner. Quote: “Zero errors on the computer.” [Elektroda, tomaszpanda123, post #21290602]
My 206 starts then stalls when I touch the throttle—what’s that point to?
Reports show cold starts that catch, stumble, and die on throttle application. Causes include lean mixture from incorrect temperature input, low rail pressure, or air leaks. Let it idle briefly to stabilize, then recheck fueling and sensor inputs. Fix root causes before chasing throttle body deposits. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #17290932]
Do hot ambient temperatures improve starting on this engine?
Yes, heat can temporarily mask marginal compression, weak sensors, or borderline fuel pressure. One owner noted first-try starts when ambient exceeded 30°C, while cold mornings required several attempts. Treat this as a diagnostic clue, not a fix. Address the underlying issue. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #17290932]
Could charging or alternator issues mimic fuel or sensor faults?
Low battery voltage can slow cranking and worsen sync or fueling at start. If you need frequent charging and hear whining from the bay, test charging voltage and belt-driven components. Correct electrical faults before deeper diagnostics. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #16986513]
Does the ECU always show errors when cold-start issues occur?
No. Owners have seen multiple cold-start attempts with “Zero errors on the computer.” Intermittent crank signals or borderline mechanics may not trigger DTCs. Use live data, pressure testing, and mechanical checks, not codes alone. [Elektroda, tomaszpanda123, post #21290602]
Is filling the fuel tank to full a useful experiment?
One owner observed fewer mis-starts with a full tank compared to half. This suggests marginal pump pickup, internal leaks, or venting effects. It’s a low-cost A/B test that can guide further fuel-system checks. Record results across several mornings. [Elektroda, tomaszpanda123, post #21724865]
What’s a quick 3-step check for a misleading coolant temperature sensor?
- Cold engine: read ECU coolant temp and compare to outdoor temperature.
- Warm fully: recheck; reading should track actual conditions.
- If off by >10–15°C, inspect wiring and replace the sensor.
[Elektroda, pepe150, post #16962383]
Is hearing the pump prime for a few seconds normal on key-on?
Yes. Owners report a brief prime after ignition on, which is normal. However, normal priming does not confirm pressure under cranking load. Always verify with a gauge if starting is difficult. [Elektroda, czarnyblack, post #16962230]
My car starts fine warm but needs 3 tries cold—should I suspect fuel first?
Start with a pressure test because sound can mislead. If pressure is in spec, check valve clearances and the crank sensor next. This sequence avoids parts darts and mirrors successful forum fixes. [Elektroda, pepe150, post #16962686]
After adjusting valves, starting is still poor—what next?
Document remaining symptoms: number of attempts, stall on throttle, ambient temperature. Then test rail pressure and scan coolant temperature at cold start. If both pass, replace the crankshaft position sensor. Many report success at this step. [Elektroda, tomaszpanda123, post #21290602]