As a proud owner of a Peugeot 207, I have experienced my fair share of challenges with this vehicle. One common issue that has often left me scratching my head is the dreaded “Anti Pollution Fault” warning light on the dashboard. This alert can be quite frustrating because it does not specify the exact problem, which makes identifying and fixing the issue much more complicated than it should be. In this article, I will delve into some of the common causes of the Anti-Pollution Fault in the Peugeot 207 and offer insights to help you navigate this perplexing problem.
The Role of the Emission Control System
Before we proceed, it’s essential to understand what the Anti-Pollution system is and why it matters. The emission control system in cars, including the Peugeot 207, works to reduce harmful emissions released by the engine. It achieves this by monitoring various aspects of the engine’s performance, such as fuel mixture, air intake, exhaust gas recirculation, and other emissions-related parameters. If the system detects an issue that may lead to increased emissions, it triggers the Anti-Pollution Fault warning light to notify the driver.
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Potential Causes of the Anti-Pollution Fault in Peugeot 207
Now, let’s examine some of the key factors that can trigger the fault warning and how to address them:
- Faulty oxygen sensors: These sensors monitor the level of oxygen present in the exhaust gases, providing feedback to the Engine Control Unit (ECU) to adjust the air-fuel mixture for optimal combustion. A failing sensor might give inaccurate readings, leading to improper fuel mixing or increased emissions, which can trigger the Anti-Pollution Fault light. Changing a faulty oxygen sensor is often a straightforward process that you can do with the right tools and some guidance from a mechanic.
- Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve problems: The EGR valve performs a crucial function in reducing nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions by recirculating some of the exhaust gases back into the engine’s cylinders. It helps lower combustion temperatures, which, in turn, minimizes NOx production. A clogged or malfunctioning EGR valve can cause poor engine performance, leading to higher emissions levels and triggering the fault alert. Cleaning or replacing this component is usually necessary to resolve the problem.
- Poor fuel quality or incorrect fuel type: Using substandard fuel or filling your Peugeot 207 with a wrong fuel type may result in incomplete combustion, causing an increase in harmful emissions. If you suspect that the Anti-Pollution Fault warning could be due to low-quality fuel or using the wrong type, empty the tank and refill it with the recommended fuel grade before resetting the fault code.
- Badly worn spark plugs or ignition coils: Damaged or aging spark plugs or ignition coil failures can negatively affect the combustion process, and might cause misfires, increasing emissions. Replacing these parts will likely resolve any related issues and clear the fault warning.
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Additional Factors to Consider:
- Air intake system leaks: Cracks or loose connections in the air intake system may allow unfiltered air to enter the engine. This ultimately alters the air-fuel mixture and can lead to higher emission levels. Inspecting and repairing any leaks in the intake system should address the problem.
- Malfunctioning fuel injectors: The fuel injectors deliver precise amounts of fuel into the engine for optimal combustion. Defective or dirty injectors might disrupt this process and result in increased emissions. Cleaning or replacing the affected fuel injectors may be necessary to rectify the situation.
- Fouled or clogged catalytic converters: A vital part of the emission control system, the catalytic converter transforms harmful exhaust compounds into less dangerous forms before they exit through the tailpipe. When a converter is damaged or heavily polluted, it can cause reduced engine performance, increased emissions, and potentially trigger the Anti-Pollution Fault light. Replacing the compromised unit will help eliminate related problems.
- Contaminated Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): Found only in diesel engines, DPFs trap soot particles from the exhaust gases preventing them from being released into the atmosphere. However, over time, these filters accumulate soot and need periodic regeneration (burning off of the trapped particles). If the regeneration does not occur due to various reasons—such as faulty sensors or frequent short trips—the filter gets clogged and needs cleaning/forceful regeneration or replacing entirely.
In summary, several issues may lead to the Anti Pollution Fault warning showing up on your Peugeot 207’s dashboard. While the fault code alone does not provide specific information, it usually indicates a problem with the vehicle’s emission control system. By taking note of the symptoms accompanying the alert, you should be able to narrow down the root cause of the fault and take appropriate action to fix it. However, since each case is unique, consulting a qualified mechanic remains the best course when faced with recurring or persistent fault alerts.
About the author
Marcus Brown is editor-in-chief of The FatMech and is a mechanic with ten years' experience based in London, UK. Having worked for major dealerships for many years, Marcus now works for a local independent garage and has experience working on nearly every make and model of car. Marcus also has a passion for writing and teaching, which is where the idea for The FatMech came from. In his spare time, Marcus enjoys playing golf, doing home renovations and gardening. He lives just outside London with his wife and son.