Starting problems with the Peugeot 207 are common and can often be traced back to a handful of specific causes. Faulty ignition coils, a broken camshaft sensor or issues with the immobiliser can make it hard for the engine to fire up. This is especially noticeable after a cold night. Fortunately, many of these problems can be fixed quite easily with targeted checks and maintenance. Find out which causes are to blame and what you can do yourself.
Why doesn’t the engine start straight away?
If your Peugeot 207 doesn’t start immediately, there can be several reasons. The most common issue lies in the ignition. Worn ignition coils and spark plug leads mean the spark is not transferred properly. The engine then responds slowly or does not start at all. This problem often gets worse in cold weather, when the engine needs more power to start.
Sensor faults are also common in the Peugeot 207. A faulty mass airflow sensor or a broken camshaft sensor sends incorrect information to the engine management system (the computer that controls the engine). The engine then does not receive the correct amount of fuel or air. As a result, the car starts poorly or not at all.
Problems with the ignition coils
Ignition coils are components that convert voltage into a spark at the spark plugs. When these coils wear out, a proper spark is no longer generated. The result is an engine that struggles to start and runs roughly. This is a known issue on the Peugeot 207, especially on older cars.
Do you recognise this problem from the following signs:
- The engine does not start straight away; you have to try several times
- The engine runs rough and irregularly while starting
- The engine warning light comes on
- The engine vibrates more than usual
Replace worn spark plug leads and faulty ignition coils as a preventative measure. This will save you further problems and prevent damage to other engine components.
Starting problems after cold nights
Cold nights make starting problems with the Peugeot 207 significantly worse. At low temperatures the engine needs more power to get going. If the battery, ignition coils or fuel supply are already weak, you’ll notice this straight after a cold night. The car then responds slowly or doesn’t start at all.
With diesel models there are specific problems. In frost the fuel can become thicker, causing the injectors (the components that spray fuel into the engine) to work less effectively. Glow plugs can also fail, meaning the engine does not get pre-heating. This makes starting in winter even more difficult.
Before winter, check these components:
- The battery and battery terminals
- The glow plugs on diesel engines
- The engine oil, and choose a suitable viscosity for low temperatures
- The fuel filter and any water accumulation in the tank
Faulty sensors and their consequences
Modern cars rely on various sensors to keep the engine running properly. On the Peugeot 207, faulty sensors can have a direct impact on starting behaviour. The mass airflow sensor measures how much air the engine is drawing in. When this sensor fails, the engine management system receives incorrect information and the fuel-air mixture is thrown off.
The camshaft sensor can also cause problems. This sensor tells the engine management system when the valves open and close. Without accurate information, the computer does not know when fuel needs to be injected. The result is that the engine will not start or is very hard to start.
Vacuum leaks are another very common problem. Worn hoses or damaged gaskets allow extra air to enter, causing the engine to run poorly and making it difficult to start. Listen for a hissing noise around the engine as a sign of a leak.
‘ This prevents many fuel supply problems and extends the service life of your injectors and filters. ’
Checking the fuel supply
No engine will start without a proper fuel supply. On the Peugeot 207, clogged fuel injectors or low fuel pressure can make the engine hard to start. Dirt in the fuel or worn filters cause blockages.
Check the fuel filter regularly and replace it according to the service schedule. On diesel models this is even more important, because diesel fuel contains more impurities. A clogged filter causes poor acceleration, loss of power and starting problems.
Preferably fill up at reputable fuel stations and use quality fuel. This prevents many fuel supply problems and extends the service life of your injectors and filters.
Turbocharger problems on diesel models
The 1.6-litre diesel engines from the early production years suffer from turbocharger problems. The oil feed line to the turbo can become clogged with carbon deposits. As a result, the turbo does not receive enough lubrication and becomes damaged. This is an expensive repair in which the oil pump, pick-up pipes and turbo all have to be replaced.
Fortunately, Peugeot 207s with diesel engines from 2008 onwards have modified components that prevent this problem. If you have an older diesel model, pay extra attention to signs such as loss of power, blue smoke from the exhaust or excessive oil consumption.
Recognising immobiliser faults
The immobiliser, also known as the starter relay, controls the power supply to the starter motor. When this component fails, the starter motor does not receive any voltage and nothing at all happens when you turn the key. You will not hear any sound.
Sometimes a faulty immobiliser causes intermittent problems. One time the car starts, the next time it doesn’t. This can be confusing, because it seems as if the problem comes and goes by itself. Check the immobiliser and the starter relay if you recognise this.
What can you check yourself?
Before going to the garage, there are a few things you can check yourself. Start with a visual inspection of the engine bay. Look for loose cables, corrosion on the battery terminals and damaged hoses. Problems are often visible without special tools.
Also check the following points:
- Battery voltage with a multimeter (should be above 12.4 volts)
- Check fuses in the fuse box and replace them if necessary
- Check the engine oil level and top up if needed
- Check the fuel level, as the gauge sometimes shows an incorrect reading
Try starting the engine while someone else listens in the engine bay. Sometimes you can hear where the problem lies, for example a clicking noise from a weak battery or no sound at all from a faulty immobiliser.
When should you go to the garage?
Some problems require specialist knowledge and equipment. Sensor faults can often only be detected using professional diagnostic equipment that reads out fault codes. A qualified technician can see exactly which sensor has failed and what is causing the starting problem.
Go to the garage if you notice the following:
- The engine warning light stays on
- Warnings about the anti-pollution system on the dashboard
- Complex electrical faults or complete dashboard failure
- Turbocharger problems on diesel models
- Problems keep coming back after previous repairs
For Peugeot 207s with dashboard warnings about the anti-pollution system, a visit to a Peugeot dealer is often necessary. These warnings can be caused by software faults that only the dealer can fix.
Preventive maintenance prevents problems
The best way to avoid starting problems is regular maintenance. Replace the engine oil according to the service schedule and use quality oil. Contaminated oil affects various engine components and can eventually cause starting problems.
Also replace the spark plug leads as a preventative measure, especially if your car is older or has high mileage. This is a relatively inexpensive service that prevents a lot of trouble. On diesel models, replacing the fuel filter is just as important.
Make sure the battery stays in good condition. Check the battery terminals regularly for corrosion and clean them if necessary. A weak battery is one of the most common causes of starting problems, especially in winter.
On the Carnews website you will find more information about common car problems, maintenance tips and practical guides. Learn more about how to keep your car in top condition and avoid costly repairs.
Frequently asked questions
The most common causes of starting problems on the Peugeot 207 are worn or faulty spark plugs and ignition coils, problems with the fuel supply (clogged injectors or low fuel pressure) and faulty sensors such as the mass airflow sensor. You can recognise these from difficult or uneven starting, especially when cold, an erratic or “jerky” idle, loss of power and sometimes an illuminated engine warning light or “anti-pollution system” message on the dashboard. On diesel versions, turbo and oil supply issues can also play a role, often noticeable as smoke, a whistling turbo and a clear drop in power. Electrical problems (battery/alternator/fuses) show up as a slow-turning or completely dead starter motor and sometimes failing or dim dashboard lighting.
You can start with a visual check under the bonnet: see whether battery terminals, earth connections, fuses and connectors are properly secured and free from corrosion. Then check the condition of the spark plugs and plug leads/ignition coils (cracks, oil or rust) and replace any worn parts. Listen to whether you can hear the fuel pump priming when you switch on the ignition and check the fuel level and – if accessible – the fuse for the pump. Note down any warnings or messages on the dashboard (such as the engine light or anti-pollution system) so the garage can carry out targeted diagnostics.
A starting problem on the Peugeot 207 is too complex for DIY repair if there are complex sensor faults that require diagnostic equipment and technical knowledge. Turbocharger problems on diesel models and faults in the anti-pollution system also fall outside normal DIY work. Complete dashboard failure or electronic faults in the ECU likewise require diagnosis by a specialist. In these cases, professional help is essential to prevent further damage and incorrect repairs.
Important points include replacing spark plugs and ignition coils on time, and keeping the fuel injectors and fuel filter clean to ensure a good fuel supply. In addition, make sure you change the oil regularly using the correct oil to prevent contamination and wear of engine and turbo parts, especially on diesel models. If you have starting issues, have the sensors (such as the MAF and lambda sensor) and the charging system (battery and alternator) checked using diagnostic equipment. Do not ignore fault messages about the anti-pollution system or engine faults, but have them read out and rectified quickly.
