Peugeot 208 battery not charging? Alternator packed in? This may be your fix

[@chrismartin5772]

Great video I’ve been trying for weeks to find why my battery not charging have just bought a new battery today will do what you did tomorrow 👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@nothingmuch.3014]

Peugeot have an official recall for this. It should involve a free software update, if the vehicle is on their list

[@attackrabbit712]

Of course I find this after ordering a new alternator. Bit late this evening but going to try this tomorrow and if it works send the new alternator back when it arrives :)

[@TheTeabag40]

Had same problem on our 208 1.2 65 plate, got software updated today which sorted it and it was free.

[@lees4486]

They are now offering this as warranty claim recall (free or charge) mines booked in for 14th this month video helped alot diagnosing the problem thanks.

[@sarabojarska1458]

Where I can finds information about this recall? As my salon is says there is no outstanding recalls

[@lees4486]

@@sarabojarska1458 depends on the yeah of your car from manufacturing are you having issues with your alternator

[@markmolloy1497]

Tried calling Peugeot today to get them to steak wirh this and they wont budge. They say 140 for diagnostics and the between 20 minutes to 2 days fir ECU software upgrade. So between 200 and 2000 quid estimate? ?

[@bryancomlor1435]

@@markmolloy1497 I believe this is a specific recall campaign with the 208 2015 1.2L models. Which peugeot do you have?

[@markmolloy1497]

@@bryancomlor1435 2016 1.2 turbo with 110 hp. petrol, 3 cylinder. I check with Peugeot and they were sure that there was no recall. My garage manged to get the cable out, and it has been ok ever since.

[@sallyrussell3921]

I dont normally write reviews or comment on things, but I had to about this. After 1 new battery and 2 replacement battery's by National tyres they did a quick alternator check which said not charging they suggested I had another alternator check by another garage which I did and yes sure enough they also said alternator NOT charging and needed a replacement alternator. I stumbled on this post and thought I would give it a try, so I purchased a multi-meter disconnected the cable as shown started the car by rolling it down a hill, ran it for about 30 minuets and guess what, it started. After leaving the car overnight I tested the battery today and was showing 12.3 V before I started it and 14.2V while it was running, so touch wood that is it. Thanks so much :)

[@only19r]

I was in a similar situation but went to Peugeot about it. They told me that the battery was dead. New battery and 2 weeks later, exact same problem. Told me it was the alternator. Did some digging and found that 2012 Ford fiestas use the same system and had the same problem. I have since sold the car and intend to stay away from Peugeot. As much as I enjoyed my 208 the service centers leave a lot to be desired. Glad to hear that you have hopefully got it sorted.

[@kytwright5451]

Thanks for this tip, worked a treat.😁

[@mrhingland6206]

I have a 3008 Hybrid, similar symptoms. The car has been sat on the drive for a year now battery dead, it was a new one 18 months ago as I thought the battery was at fault.

[@bryancomlor1435]

I had the exact same problem (208 2015 1.2L) so i called the peugeot dealer (NL) and they said since there is a recall order open you get the update for free. When i dropped my car off they called me and said i need to buy a new battery with at least 640A which costs €210. They refused to install the update unless i buy that battery from them. They said they can't install the update if the battery specs do not meet the car requirements (which is 640A). I think this is bullshit and a typical Peugeot money grab where they admit they have done something wrong but still try to grab money out of it. EDIT: The car doesn't even have a start-stop system

[@baz4x4r]

I have an issue that randomly I get a STOP battery not charging warning, although the battery seems fine. After a while the error disappears. I have just phoned Peugeot who say that they have had no recalls for my vehicle and no recalls have been done. They say that they have no records of any recalls for my 2013 1.6HDi 208. So next step will be to try your fix.

[@wgbalr8]

Were you able to start your car while having this issue?

[@BarryNevill]

@@wgbalr8 Yes I could. It was suggested that my alternator needs changing. They are very expensive. £960 for the part only. Not available from other sources.

[@BarryNevill]

Couldn’t try this fix. My alternator has only one 5 lead plug going into it apart from the main power lead.

[@wgbalr8]

@@BarryNevill I also have a 2013 208 1.6 but it won't start, it kinda makes a whining sound when I try to turn it on. The battery was dead at first but even after trying to jump start it and later on replacing it with a new battery it won't start. Don't know if it's because of the starter or the alternator or something

[@motologist1917]

brother i have ford fiesta 1.4 tdci my problem is that whenever i start the car battery warning light comes on the dash but if i fully press the throttle all the way to 5k rpm it starts charging and light goes offf , plz help me to solve this issue

[@donnajordan7887]

Fault code: P1A8D - reversible alternator restarting authorisation line

[@Bzrkology]

Thought i had the same issue but my alternator belt just snapped 🤦🏻‍♂️

[@bryancomlor1435]

I have a peugeot 208 1.2 from 2015 and have changed the battery 5 times this year. Exactly that click sound when you want to start the engine but no start. Dead batteries every 1/2 months. Now i want to try this but doesn't this overcharge the electrical system of the car? For me its a expensive car and i dont want to ruin it.

[@kopynd1]

av got the 2015 peugeot 2008 and my battery has just been replaced but gone flat so would this cure the problem its only has 37 k miles and i think it shouldn't be replaced yet,

[@jamesbarratt593]

not seeing the alternator clearly enough when paused as you pull the lead off. See B+ wire but if I am right you unplugged the wires from eco to the rotor. Well if theres no electro magnet from rotor being energised how the hell does the stator get its ac voltage to be converted through the diodes to DC when you unplug the wires which would feed the current to create the electro magnetic field to the rotor in the first place.

[@Vikrantdkrdkr]

I just had this issue today. The flickering sound while turning on the ignition. 2014 - Diesel. So should I just remove that plug and keep it hanging just like that? Please do reply.

[@zeez9053]

Top job well done

[@benilev6238]

exactly same issue on my 2016 peugeot 208. But i wonder - isnt the wire supplying the field current that is necessary for exciting the aternator? i tried to disconnect the wire only after the engine is turned on...

[@only19r]

No, that connector is just the ecu telling the alternator to run. Unplugging it causes the alternator to run permanently. The alternator has 2 additional connections that carry the power that it generates.

[@benilev6238]

@@only19r Strange, i have 1 main cable for main output and an addition single wire connector, which i guess is the field current supply. will try later to disconnect and see if i get any voltage at all out of the alternator

[@ataberkkeskisoglu3345]

Hi, When I use this medhod my motor cooling fans are reving at their highest speed. But this is the only solution I could have been found so far. Is there any solution suggestion for the cooling fans? I have 10 reg 308 CC. Thank you. I have my alternator replaced and now I have a fault code P1676 as well.

[@user-uv3vb3pu6y]

It is done men. but the acceretor do not function properlly after i stops for while & wanting to run. what is the solution for throttle stuck.?

[@markmolloy8647]

is there a danger that you will then 'overcharge' your battery once you have taken this cable out? What are the downsdies to taking out this connection? Pls. thanks.

[@nothingmuch.3014]

Peugeot do an official software update for this fault. It should be free if your vehicle is on their list.

[@deanobwfc44]

Is it safe to drive long term with the cable pulled out? Went today for the update but they said it’s already done, yet I’m still getting dead battery and clicking

[@edmondbytyqi4708]

Great.

[@benyaminreza]

So what was the problem at the end i didnt get it

[@craigfletcher4735]

I have a Peugeot 5008 (2010) could this also be the problem on this? A while back it had a tera clean as it was saying the anti pollution filter was faulty so the garage reset it. Could this fault occurred when they did this?

[@theplanesspotter]

Dude my 208 first error was ESP, then Engine Fault, then Brake system, now it wont even crank, all this after I installed 4 new LED headlamps, the light in the battery still green so its still good, what else can it be...Leds Canbus seems to have screwed up the cars ECU...so i have to keep the alternator plug always disconnected? Can't find this plug on mine thou?

[@telekimokgolane]

Hi, I have a same problem after installing LED light on the number plate. Have you found a permanent solution besides disconnecting the alternator?

[@theplanesspotter]

@@telekimokgolane a room mate made a jump from his car didnt worked to recharge my battery. Then a mecanic friend of mine made a jump with his Citroen C3 Diesel. It worked and thats how he scanned and found all those errors. The garbage insurance Ive hired didnt assisted me, so Ive quit them. 2 days later a bus crashed into my car, which now is written off, I was without insurance and the bus driver didnt assumed he crossed the redlight. TIll now I didnt received a coin from the bus company. thats the end of the history. Your LED plates should have CANBUS driver for compatibility even so my have and it showed up so many errors for me. Maybe because I removed a jumper inside the BSI ECU. Dont do that

[@kopynd1]

its not an easy task to replace the altenator on an 2008 the chasis leg is in the way have to jack the engine up so i guess an alt wouldnt give you problems, on 37 k its a 4 hour job, not like an mk 1 escort or pinto engine 20 mins

[@ronbouhbout9851]

Hey, great video! Been having the same issue with 2015 2008 pegeout. Disconnected the plug but it overloaded my AC system and burned the fan actuator. Any ideas?

[@nothingmuch.3014]

There is a common Peugeot issue with the a/c & blower not working. Whilst sitting in passenger seat (rhd) there is a plastic panel below your right knee, on the centre console. Behind this panel is an electrical connector for the a/c & blower system. The metal pins inside this connector melt. They are too small for the current they carry. Cut the connector out & join the wires with crimp connectors.

[@katebradley3819]

I have a 66 reg peugeot 208 and my alternator does not look like this! Having the same problem, on my 2nd battery in a month and car won't start.. Cannot work out which cable is to be disconnected, any help is appreciated!

[@markmolloy1497]

You might have the turbo version. I do. there is a bit of stuff in the way

[@Hornn]

Hello. I'm having the same problem but can't seem to pull the plug out at all, I'm applying plenty of force. Is there a certain method to do this? Thank you

[@only19r]

There is a small retaining clip on one side. If I can remember correctly it's on the underside. First time round I used a small flat head screwdriver to gently encourage the mechanism.

[@Hornn]

@@only19r I still can't seem to find the clip. If you still have the car could you take a quick picture of where the clip is. I'll send you my phone number so you can send me the picture, if not, email works too.

[@only19r]

@@Hornn I sold my 208 for a 03 BMW E46. Because apparently I like my cars to be a nightmare. If you have steam or discord I'm happy to chat through those.

[@motologist1917]

do u remove the plug

[@studio3356]

Hello mate hope you good, I'm a mechanic but new to European and Peugeot i been working in 2012 ,208 1.4 petrol, the customer state the fan is running constantly, i check it and there code's for temp sensor short to ground I check the wiring, change the sensor still the problem any idea,

[@lucjusz19]

I have same issue in my 308, did you managed to fix it?

[@markmolloy1497]

Just spent an hour trying to get that connector to unplug. It wont come out. Can anyone advise how to get it out?

[@AnonymousOldSchool]

Had the same problem there’s is a tiny retaining clip on the underside of it if u remove the plastic cap first it is easier to it, late reply but just incase anyone else is wondering

[@markmolloy1497]

@@AnonymousOldSchool thanks for the reply. In the end, I had my garage put it on teh ramp and disconnect. car seems to work great with the lead disconnected!

[@gplusgplus2286]

Just serviced the alternator (new regulator, old one was overcharging). Now with the cable plugged in voltage is at 12.6V, turned everything on lights, heated rear glass etc it stays at 12.6. If I turn the heating fan to full speed 6 voltage goes to 13.8V. Is this normal? Checked recalls and my vin doesn't have the recall. With the cable disconnected voltage is at 14.3V

[@donnajordan7887]

I have an alternator issue. I have today had the battery replaced and still showing error code being the alternator. Problem only started while in lockdown. Prior to this the car ran fine but it has killed a brand new battey in 12 months. Could this be the issue you are describing?? the car always started. Peugeot now want an arm and a leg to replace alternator. If the wire is taken off will the service light go off?

[@only19r]

I never had a service light prior with the issue that I had, however disconnecting the alternator from the ECU as I did has not given me any issues

[@donnajordan7887]

@@only19r thankyou for your reply

[@Mancs1000r]

hi, would this be the same for a 2013 208 gti? I'm having the same problem. I have had a look at the alternator and its not so easy to get at as the one in the video

[@only19r]

I can't say with absolute certainty however If I was a gambling man I would say that it's highly likely that Peugeot didn't do much to the ECU code between the 2013 and 2015 models so it's certainly worth a try. Just a note that if the battery has deep discharged either from lack of use over the winter or because the alternator hasn't charged the battery then the problem will present in same way. That being said, if you replace the battery, it will be fine for several weeks and if it dies again in a few weeks then you know the problem will be with the ECU / Alternator

[@Mancs1000r]

@@only19r thanks. I tried buying a new battery but it was still happening. I will try this idea if I can manage to get to it. You don’t have a guide for my 208 ?? Haha thanks

[@only19r]

@@Mancs1000r unfortunately not and I don't fancy buying one to find out! I actually sold my 208 at the end of 2020 because while it was mechanically solid, I had zero faith in the electronics when my speakers began popping in and out and the infotainment screen would randomly reboot Hope you get your gti sorted though, they do look quite smart

[@markmolloy1497]

My infotainment system randomly reboots as well. Did you find out the cause of that? Really annoying!

[@patzero927]

I have the same problem. Is ot the same for 2016 66reg? Thanks

[@only19r]

Probably If the ecu was never updated since since rolling off the production line

[@patzero927]

@@only19r ok ill disconnect the wire and try that cheers

[@only19r]

@@patzero927 I have had mine unplugged for the last 6 months and its done no harm. Passed it's MOT with nothing said

[@only19r]

@@patzero927 how are you getting on with your car?

[@patzero927]

Mine just needed a new battery

[@ryanrawlins4759]

Will the warning light and notification go away if I do this though?

[@only19r]

I never had a battery warning light that I can recall. If you have a OBD2 scanner you can see the error code and what is causing any warning lights.

[@thjkr5l]

I have a 2013 208 does the same apply

[@sheikhhassan4400]

Did you find out

[@thjkr5l]

@@sheikhhassan4400 yeah turns out I needed a new starter motor 208’s just stink in general

[@RodrigoChile]

¿Para qué sirve el botón que tiene el alternador?

[@photographe06]

That's not a button: it's a protective cap. Under that you have the + leading to the battery so that it can charge. Quite an important cable :)

[@RodrigoChile]

@@photographe06 muchas gracias.

[@callumyoung3238]

Do you plug it back in after you have jumped it?

[@only19r]

No, if you put the cable back in without having an ECU update then the alternator will continue not to charge the battery.

[@stephenlee2411]

Good stuff! It solved mine as well on a 2016 208. Just wondering if unplugging that could cause overcharging to the battery overtime? Or any risk to it? Thanks

[@only19r]

I never had any issues while I owned mine, speaking with the current owner they are reporting no issues. Someone mentioned that Peugeot have done a recall regarding this issue, probably worth having it fixed properly. Or don't... Nothing more permanent than a temporary solution 🤷‍♂️

[@benyaminreza]

Have you tried this ?

[@stephenlee2411]

@@benyaminreza Yes i did unplug it and the alternator starts charging the battery. Called into Peugeot dealer too and they fixed it FOC, it was part of a recall. Hope this helps

[@benyaminreza]

I put new batteries and jumplin from other car today. Its still not starting. I changed spar plugs as well. Still i didnt start

[@stephenlee2411]

@@benyaminreza I'd say buy a voltage meter and try identify which component has the issue. Have you tried jump start?

[@zeez9053]

You seem knowledgable would you know how to wire a car radio in a Peugeot so it works with ignition off and so the eco mode will never come on ?

[@only19r]

So this was something that I have looked at previously. It's possible in theory. So the radio is wired to ignition live and not constant live. If you was to wire it to constant live then you could keep the radio on. In theory at least. I never actually tried it and don't know of anyone that has. There's a wiring diagram floating around on some of the Peugeot 208 owners club websites you could try and track down that talk about this.