Diagnostic: Hard starting on Peugeot - Causes and Prices

Hard starting on a Peugeot (208, 308, 2008, 3008, 5008) shows as the engine taking a long time to start, idling roughly or only picking up after several turns of the key. Depending on whether your vehicle is BlueHDi (diesel) or PureTech (petrol), causes and costs vary.

Peugeot BlueHDi (diesel)

On 1.6 BlueHDi and 2.0 BlueHDi engines, hard starting is often linked to the battery (insufficient cranking current in cold weather), faulty glow plugs or the starter (solenoid, motor). Clogged or faulty injectors cause incorrect atomisation and laboured starting. An AdBlue or DPF issue can sometimes limit starting.

Peugeot PureTech (petrol)

On PureTech engines (1.2, 1.6), hard starting is frequently linked to the battery, starter or worn spark plugs and ignition coils. A clogged fuel filter or faulty injection system can delay starting. When cold, a weak battery or worn plugs worsen the problem.

What to do

Check the battery condition (voltage, age). If starting is mainly difficult when cold, glow plugs (diesel) or spark plugs (petrol) are common causes. An electronic diagnostic and starter check help pinpoint the cause.

Order of magnitude for costs

• Battery: about €90–220.
• Starter: about €280–650.
• Glow plugs (diesel): about €90–220.
• Spark plugs and coils (petrol): about €100–280.
• Diesel injector: about €280–550 per injector.

My Auto Check-up helps you prepare the diagnostic by gathering information (model, engine, symptoms) for an initial cost estimate.