As a proud owner of a Peugeot 207, I have had my fair share of experiences dealing with various issues that may come up. One such issue is the “Depollution system faulty” warning. The moment your dashboard flashes this message, it becomes vital to dig deep into understanding what it means and how you can resolve it. In this article, I’ll be sharing my insights on what a depollution system entails, the common culprits behind the faulty indication, and the steps you should undertake to address the problem.
Chect our tips to know if you can drive with an Anti-Pollution fault in your Peugeot 207?
What Is a Depollution System?
A depollution system, popularly known as an exhaust emissions control system, functions primarily to minimize air pollution caused by exhaust fumes emitted from a vehicle’s engine. It achieves this through various components working together to decrease the levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx), carbon monoxide (CO), unburned hydrocarbons (HC), and particulate matter (PM) present in the exhaust gases. These components are designed to combat each pollutant before releasing the cleaned output into the atmosphere.
Main Components of a Depollution System
- EGR Valve: An Exhaust Gas Recirculation (EGR) valve plays a crucial role in decreasing NOx emissions. It does this by recirculating a small portion of the exhaust gas back into the combustion chamber to reduce cylinder temperatures. This process significantly minimizes the formation of NOx compounds.
- Catalytic Converter: A catalytic converter transforms harmful exhaust emissions like CO, HC, and NOx into less toxic products including water vapor, nitrogen, and carbon dioxide. They achieve this through catalysts such as platinum, palladium, and rhodium.
- Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF): DPF is a key component in a diesel vehicle’s depollution system. It traps the particulate matter or soot from the exhaust gases, preventing them from being released into the atmosphere. The trapped soot is then periodically burned off through a process known as “regeneration.”
Causes of Depollution System Faulty Warning on Peugeot 207
The appearance of a “Depollution System Faulty” warning message on your dashboard indicates an issue with one or more components that form part of the depollution system. To help pinpoint the cause, it’s crucial to understand several common factors that may trigger this problem:
Fault Codes and Mailfunctioning Sensors
Certain stored fault codes in your car’s computer system might be responsible for the faulty warning. These codes can result from malfunctions in sensors such as oxygen (O2) and camshaft dephasing sensors. Oxygen sensors monitor the levels of O2 in the exhaust fumes and alter fuel mixtures accordingly. While the camshaft dephasing sensor helps regulate the timing of your engine’s valves opening and closing. The presence of any fault code related to these sensors could lead to that dreaded depollution system warning.
Clogged Catalytic Converter
A clogged catalytic converter not only results in poor performance but also increases emissions. If your Peugeot 207 has been experiencing diminished power, reduced acceleration, excessive fuel consumption, or increased exhaust fumes, these could indicate a potential issue with the catalytic converter.
Faulty EGR Valve
An improperly functioning EGR valve can also trigger the “Depollution System Faulty” message. Such valves could result in excessive NOx emissions, poor engine performance, and even contribute to premature engine wear. A telltale sign of a faulty EGR valve might include competitive stalling and jerking motions when accelerating.
Blocked Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF)
A blocked or damaged DPF may directly cause the warning message in diesel variants of the Peugeot 207. Insufficient regeneration of the trapped particulate matter can lead to the filter getting clogged, potentially resulting in elevated backpressure levels, deteriorated engine performance, and higher fuel consumption.
Solving Depollution System Faulty Warning on Your Peugeot 207
Determining the root cause of the warning message is the first step towards resolving the problem. This section will discuss the various solutions to help rectify the depollution system.
Diagnosing and Addressing Error Codes
The initial course of action should involve connecting an On-Board Diagnostic II (OBD-II) Scanner to your vehicle’s OBD port. This scanner reads and diagnoses the fault codes stored in your car’s computer system. Be it sensor-related issues or any other malfunctioning components, addressing the detected fault code is crucial for tackling the root cause effectively.
Cleaning or Replacing Catalytic Converters
If your diagnostic tests suggest a clogged catalytic converter as the source of the problem, you may consider cleaning or replacing it based on its condition. The addition of specific catalytic converter cleaning additives into your fuel tank can help dissolve the built-up deposits and restore its functionality to some extent. However, in cases where the converter is excessively clogged or damaged, replacement becomes inevitable.
Inspecting and Fixing EGR Valves
When it comes to a malfunctioning EGR valve, cleaning or replacing the device is crucial. Before proceeding, thoroughly inspect the component for any leakages, blockages, or damages. After assessing its condition, decide whether to clean or replace the valve accordingly.
Cleansing or Changing Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)
If your diagnostic tests show a problem with the DPF, a professional cleanup could be in order. In some cases, forced regeneration can help burn off the trapped particulate matter. Otherwise, opt for specialized chemical treatments designed to clean DPF effectively. However, if the filter is severely clogged or damaged, consult a garage for a replacement.
Maintaining Your Peugeot 207 Depollution System
To avoid recurring issues with your vehicle’s depollution system, it’s essential to practice regular maintenance and follow specific guidelines:
- Ensure timely servicing of your car based on the manufacturer’s recommendations.
- Use high-quality fuels and lubricants that meet your engine’s requirements.
- Avoid frequent short journeys, as they deter the complete regeneration of DPFs in diesel vehicles leading to potential clogging.
- Periodically examine the components like catalytic converter, EGR valves, and DPF for visible signs of damage or wear.
- Monitor your vehicle for symptoms indicating depollution system faults, such as reduced power, increased fuel consumption, excessive exhaust fumes, or stalling.
By adequately addressing the “Depollution System Faulty” warning and adopting preventive measures to maintain your Peugeot 207’s depollution system, you can contribute towards a greener environment while enjoying an unhindered driving experience.
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.