Between 60,000 and 80,000 kilometres, many Peugeot 207 models start to develop problems with the electric windows, mainly due to faults in the motor or switch. This problem is particularly common with the 207 CC and has a major impact on day-to-day use. But why does this happen and how can you deal with it?
The Peugeot 207, produced between 2006 and 2014, regularly suffers from faulty electric windows. This is not an isolated issue, but a very common defect with this model. The cause usually lies in wear to components in the window lifter mechanism, moisture ingress or wiring that comes loose. For anyone who drives or is considering buying a Peugeot 207, it is useful to be aware of this problem and understand how to recognise and solve it.
Many electric window faults can be resolved yourself with the right approach. That is the good news. Often you do not need to call in a mechanic. It is, however, important to first track down the cause, because the symptoms range from windows that have completely stopped working to jerky movement or intermittent operation.
What causes faulty electric windows?
There are several causes that can make the electric windows on the Peugeot 207 misbehave. Most of them can be explained technically and are related to wear through use or exposure to moisture.
The electric motor in the door wears out through intensive use or because water leaks inside. This leads to jerky movement or total failure. The problem can occur on both the front and rear windows. The cables and wiring in the door loom also come loose or break, especially because of the frequent opening and closing of the door. The rubber seals sometimes tear, allowing moisture in and damaging the wiring.
In addition, dirty or faulty control switches on the dashboard or in the door can throw a spanner in the works. Fuse F32, a 30A fuse in the engine bay fuse box, regularly blows when overloaded. In some cases the Body Control Module is involved, the central computer that controls the windows. Software errors or corrosion then cause intermittent faults, sometimes with fault codes such as B1361 or U1000.
‘ This saves unnecessary costs and prevents you from going down the wrong path. ’
How do you determine what is going on?
Before you start replacing parts, it is sensible to systematically check where the problem lies. This saves unnecessary costs and prevents you from going down the wrong path.
Start with the fuses. Open the engine bay fuse box and test F32 and F10 with a multimeter. Replace any blown fuse straight away. Then test the switches by using a test lamp to measure whether there is voltage at the switch contacts. Clean the contacts with contact spray if they are dirty.
Then listen to the motor. Press the button and listen for clicking sounds coming from the door. This points to a motor problem. Also connect an OBD scanner to read any fault codes in the BSI. Reset the code and test whether the problem returns. Finally, measure the voltage at the motor connector with the door open and closed. There should be 12V present when you press the button.
Fix it yourself or go to a garage?
For many problems with electric windows, tackling it yourself is an option. With some basic hands-on skills and the right approach, a portion of the faults can be solved without a mechanic.
A temporary solution for a juddering motor is to lubricate the rails with silicone spray and gently tap the motor with a rubber mallet while operating it. This often restores operation temporarily. For a permanent solution, you replace the motor. Budget options are aftermarket motors costing between 20 and 50 euros. The original Peugeot part number for front windows is 8747.AT. Replacement takes about 1 to 2 hours per door.
Cable repairs are also quite feasible as a DIY job. Remove the door panel by undoing 6 screws and the clips. Inspect the flexible cable bundle and solder any broken wires. Wrap them with insulating tape and replace the rubber conduit if necessary. After replacing a motor or repairing cables, calibrate the window by holding the switch up for 10 seconds after fully closing, and repeating the same downwards. This resets the end positions.
Common problems and costs
- Motor defective: windows stop halfway, no sound when pressing the button – costs 30 to 80 euros
- Wiring damaged: works intermittently, voltage fluctuates – costs 10 to 20 euros if you do it yourself
- Switch dirty: no response to the button – costs 5 to 15 euros for cleaning or replacement
- BSI fault: all windows defective, fault code present – costs from 100 euros at a garage
When is a garage necessary?
If self-diagnosis and repair do not succeed, or if a BSI fault occurs, it is advisable to call in a specialist. The multiplex wiring is complex and sometimes requires specialist knowledge and equipment. Repair costs at a garage are between 150 and 300 euros per window, depending on the problem and the parts required.
Pay attention to the earth connection under the dashboard. According to many owners, cleaning corrosion at this point solves a large part of the problems. If you are in doubt between cheap and more expensive motors, be cautious with very cheap Chinese versions. These sometimes last only a few months. Reinforced aftermarket motors for around 40 euros have better bearings and last longer.
‘ With regular maintenance you prevent minor faults from developing into total electronic failure. ’
This is how you prevent it happening again
Prevention is the best remedy. With a few simple measures you can significantly extend the service life of the electric windows and prevent problems from escalating.
Park the car in the dry where possible so that moisture has less chance to get inside. Lubricate the rails annually with silicone spray to reduce friction. Replace door seals as soon as cracks become visible, as this prevents water ingress. Also regularly check that the windows are working properly and do not apply too much pressure to the switches if the window does not respond immediately.
With regular maintenance you prevent minor faults from developing into total electronic failure. The Peugeot 207 is a reliable car that will last a long time if looked after, but the electric windows do need attention.
The Peugeot 207 CC: an extra point of attention
The 207 CC, the convertible version with a folding hard-top roof, suffers from window faults even more often than the hatchback. This is because the roof construction puts extra pressure on the window mechanisms. The wiring in the door loom is also more at risk with this model due to the more complex design.
For CC owners it is even more important to recognise symptoms early and take action straight away. A juddering or sticking window also affects roof operation on this model, because the windows have to drop slightly automatically when the roof is opened.
Want to know more about the Peugeot 207?
Electric windows are just one of the points to look out for on the Peugeot 207. On the Carnews website you will find much more information about this model, from engine problems to maintenance tips and experiences from other owners. Discover more about what you can expect from this popular compact car and how to keep it in top condition.
Frequently asked questions
Start with the fuses (including F32 and F10 in the engine bay fuse box) by measuring them with a multimeter; replace any blown fuse immediately. Then test the window switch with a test lamp and, while operating the window, listen to whether you can hear the motor in the door clicking or turning; no sound often points to a motor or power supply problem. Next, measure whether 12V is reaching the connector on the window motor when operating it; if there is voltage but no movement this indicates a defective motor/mechanism, while no voltage points to a broken wire or a switch/BSI fault. If it remains unclear or all windows fail at the same time, have the BSI (Body Control Module) read for fault codes using an OBD diagnostic tester.
The most common faults are a worn window motor, broken or kinked wiring in the passage between door and body, dirty or faulty window switches and sometimes a blown fuse (such as F32). You can recognise a defective motor from windows that move jerkily, get stuck halfway or stop working altogether, while you may still sometimes hear a click. Broken wiring often results in a window that sometimes works and sometimes does not, especially when moving the door. You can recognise a faulty switch by the fact that there is no response or motor noise when pressing the button, while fuses and power supply are fine.
Yes, you can repair the electric window mechanism of a Peugeot 207 yourself in many cases, especially if it concerns the motor, rails or (broken) wiring in the door. You will need at least: a set of Torx and Phillips screwdrivers, plastic trim/clip removal tools, a ratchet with sockets, pliers, insulating tape and, if necessary, a soldering iron with solder for cable repairs. Useful (but not strictly necessary) are also a multimeter or test lamp for measuring voltage and silicone spray to lubricate the window guide system. Do bear in mind that for BSI/electronics problems, a garage or specialist is often required.
The average costs for a professional repair of the electric windows of a Peugeot 207 at a garage are around €150 to €300 per window, depending on the exact cause of the problem and the parts used. This includes labour hours, diagnostics and replacement parts (such as motor or wiring).
Use the windows regularly, but avoid unnecessarily holding the button down once they have reached the end of their travel so as not to overload the motor. Keep the window rails and rubber guides clean once a year and lubricate them lightly with silicone spray so that the window moves smoothly. Check and replace worn door and window rubbers to limit moisture ingress at the motor and wiring. If possible, park in the dry or under a shelter to reduce moisture and corrosion in switches, connectors and the BSI.