ACtronics investigates a common fault with the Peugeot 207’s anti-pollution system.
An ECU is a complex piece of equipment, comprising dozens, if not hundreds, of individual electrical components. In modern cars, the role of the ECU is even more intricate, but in its most basic form, it is responsible for monitoring and controlling the engine’s air/fuel mixture, ignition timing, and oxygen sensor circuits.
Despite the impressive technological advancements and capabilities within modern automotive systems, these parts are not infallible. When they fail, they can wreak havoc, a challenge that ACtronics is always ready to help resolve with their remanufacturing solutions.
An issue with the Peugeot 207
Produced from 2006 until 2014, the 207 is the natural successor to the 206. Built on a platform shared with the Citroën C3, the 207 was a commercial success, with over 2.5 million cars built by the end of its production run. However, the anti-pollution fault is an incredibly common issue that has plagued 207 owners for many years.
The warning, presented on the car’s information display, can be unnerving for drivers. In some cases, owners report that alongside these error messages, they experience rough running, stuttering, and hesitation, among other symptoms. In ACtronics’ experience, this fault is most common in 207s fitted with the 1.4 or 1.6 VTI petrol engines.
The anti-pollution fault can be triggered by numerous issues, many of which are connected, either directly or indirectly, to the engine ECU. Some common sources include:
- Incorrect air/fuel mixture
Rough running, poor fuel economy, or even failure to start can result from an incorrect air/fuel mixture. This could be due to something as simple as a failed sensor or a faulty fuel injector. However, if these components are functioning correctly, the ECU may be misinterpreting data from the engine’s sensors. - Lambda sensor failure
Lambda sensors are responsible for measuring the oxygen content in the exhaust gases. This data is fed back to the ECU to allow it to adjust fuel injection for optimal engine efficiency. A failed sensor could send incorrect data to the ECU, leading to rough running and triggering the “anti-pollution” fault. - Exhaust system failures
Blocked DPF and failing EGR valves, as well as deteriorating catalytic converters, can all contribute to the dreaded antipollution error. - Ignition issues
Often overlooked due to longer service intervals, simple and easily replaceable components can cause significant driving issues. Checking the condition of the ignition coils and spark plugs is a good starting point when diagnosing problems. - ECU Issues: software and hardware
Like any other electronic control system, the Bosch MEV17.4 ECU fitted to the 207 is susceptible to failure,which could result in the appearance of the antipollution fault.
Alongside other parts such as TCUs and ABS units, ACtronics provides remanufacturing solutions for a range of ECUs, including the Bosch MEV17.4 fitted in some Peugeot 207 models.
Common problems with the MEV17.4 ECU
- Fault in 5-volt circuit
This applies the correct reference voltage to various sensors, such as the throttle position sensor and oxygen sensor. A failure in this circuit can cause erratic sensor readings or total sensor failure, leading to rough running and the illumination of engine management lights. - Missing signal to ignition coils
This can result in misfires or a nonstarting engine, often due to internal ECU failures. Only a comprehensive remanufacture can resolve this fault. - O2 Sensor Faults (P0130, P0053, P0054)
Fault codes P0130, P0053, and P0054 often point to problems with the oxygen sensors. These may indicate a failure to receive signals from the sensor due to issues within the ECU’s internal circuits. - Earth connection problems
Poor earth connections within the ECU can lead to intermittent failures across various engine systems. - Fault in 5-Volt Circuit
Without an injector signal, the fuel injectors will not deliver fuel to enable combustion, causing misfires or a failure to start.
