Peugeot 208 AdBlue Refilling (2015-present)

BlueHDi Diesel engines on the Peugeot 208 use AdBlue to clean up their exhaust gases. This guide explains what the SCR system does, how far you can drive on a tank of AdBlue, how to store and handle the fluid safely, and how to top up the tank yourself.

Quick Reference

AdBlue (BlueHDi engines)

BlueHDi Diesel engines are fitted with a system that combines SCR (Selective Catalytic Reduction) with a diesel particle filter (DPF) to treat the exhaust gases.

PEUGEOT chose this system to meet the Euro 6 standard and respect the environment, without harming the performance or fuel consumption of the Diesel engine.

SCR system

The SCR system uses AdBlue, a liquid that contains urea. A catalytic converter uses it to turn up to 85% of the nitrogen oxides (NOx) into nitrogen and water, which are harmless to health and the environment.

The driving range can vary considerably depending on your driving style. An alert comes on automatically once the reserve level is reached. For details of the warning lamps and alerts, see the warning and indicator lamp sections of the handbook.

When the tank is empty: a system required by regulations stops the engine from starting.

If the SCR system is faulty: your car's emissions no longer meet the Euro 6 standard, so the car becomes polluting. If the fault is confirmed, go to a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop as soon as possible. After 685 miles (1,100 km), a system is triggered automatically to stop the engine from starting.

In both cases, a range indicator shows you the distance you can still travel before the car is immobilised.

Freezing: AdBlue freezes below around -11°C. The SCR system includes a heater for the AdBlue tank, so you can keep driving in very cold conditions.

Supply of AdBlue

Top up the AdBlue as soon as the first alert tells you the reserve level has been reached.

To keep the SCR system working correctly:

• Use only AdBlue that meets the ISO 22241 standard.
• Never transfer AdBlue to another container, because it would lose its purity.
• Never dilute AdBlue with water.

You can buy AdBlue from a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. If your car's AdBlue tank is reached through the fuel filler flap, you can also use a service station with AdBlue pumps designed for private vehicles. Never top up from an AdBlue pump meant for heavy goods vehicles.

Storing AdBlue: AdBlue freezes below about -11°C and deteriorates above 25°C. Store it in a cool place, out of direct sunlight, and it will keep for at least a year. If it has frozen, you can use it once it has fully thawed at room temperature. Never keep bottles or containers of AdBlue in your car.

Handling AdBlue safely: AdBlue is a urea-based solution. It is non-flammable, colourless and odourless when kept in a cool place. Keep it out of the reach of children, in its original container or bottle.

• Skin contact: wash the area with soap and water.
• Eye contact: rinse the eyes with plenty of water or an eye wash solution for at least 15 minutes. Get medical attention if burning or irritation continues.
• Swallowed: rinse the mouth straight away with clean water, then drink plenty of water.
• Vapour: in some conditions, such as high temperatures, ammonia can be released. Do not breathe in the vapour, as ammonia irritates the eyes, nose and throat.

Before you top up:

1. Park level: park the car on a flat, level surface.
2. Check the temperature: in winter, make sure the car is above -11°C. If it is colder, the AdBlue is frozen and cannot be poured in, so park somewhere warmer for a few hours first.
3. Switch off: switch off the ignition and remove the key to stop the engine.

Never pour AdBlue into the Diesel fuel tank. If you splash AdBlue on the bodywork, rinse it off straight away with cold water or wipe it with a damp cloth. If it has crystallised, clean it off with a sponge and hot water.

Opening the tank through the boot (1.6 litre BlueHDi Euro 6.1):

1. Clear the boot floor: raise the boot carpet, then lift out the spare wheel and/or the storage box, depending on equipment.
2. Black cap: without pressing, turn the black cap a quarter turn anti-clockwise and lift it off.
3. Blue cap: turn the blue cap 1/6 of a turn anti-clockwise.
4. Remove: lift off the blue cap.

Opening the tank through the fuel filler flap (1.5 BlueHDi Euro 6.2):

1. Blue cap: with the car unlocked and the fuel filler flap open, turn the blue cap of the AdBlue tank 1/6 of a turn anti-clockwise.
2. Remove: release the blue cap.

Refilling: use one of these two methods.

1. From a bottle: check the use-by date on the AdBlue container or bottle and read the label instructions carefully, then pour the contents into the AdBlue tank.
2. At a pump: insert the AdBlue pump nozzle and fill the tank until the nozzle stops automatically.

To avoid overfilling the tank:

• With a bottle, add between 10 and 13 litres.
• At a service station, stop after the nozzle first shuts off automatically.
• If the tank is completely empty, confirmed by the alert messages and the engine not starting, or by the message "Add AdBlue: Starting impossible", you must add at least 5 litres.

Closing up through the boot (1.6 litre BlueHDi Euro 6.1):

1. Blue cap: refit the blue cap and turn it 1/6 of a turn clockwise, to its stop.
2. Black cap: refit the black cap and turn it a quarter turn clockwise without pressing. Make sure the mark on the cap lines up with the mark on the support.
3. Boot floor: put the spare wheel and/or the storage box back, depending on equipment.
4. Finish: refit the boot carpet and close the tailgate.

Closing up through the fuel filler flap (1.5 litre BlueHDi Euro 6.2):

1. Blue cap: refit the blue cap and turn it 1/6 of a turn clockwise, to its stop.
2. Finish: close the fuel filler flap.

Restarting after running out of AdBlue:

1. Wait: wait at least 5 minutes before you switch on the ignition, open the driver's door, unlock the car or insert the key.
2. Ignition: switch on the ignition.
3. Start: wait at least 10 seconds, then start the engine.

Do not put empty AdBlue bottles or containers in your household waste: use a suitable container or take them to your dealer.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much AdBlue does a Peugeot 208 hold?

The tank holds about 17 litres on 1.6 BlueHDi engines and about 15 litres on 1.5 BlueHDi engines. That gives a range of around 5,600 miles (9,000 km), depending on your driving style.

What happens if my Peugeot 208 runs out of AdBlue?

Once the tank is empty, the engine will not start. You must add at least 5 litres, then wait at least 5 minutes before switching on the ignition, and wait at least 10 seconds after that before starting the engine.

Can I use an AdBlue pump for lorries on my 208?

No. Never top up from an AdBlue pump reserved for heavy goods vehicles. Use a pump designed for private vehicles, or buy AdBlue from a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Can I top up AdBlue in freezing weather?

AdBlue freezes below about -11°C and cannot be poured in when frozen. Park your car somewhere warmer for a few hours before topping up.

Topping up AdBlue on your Peugeot 208 is simple once you know where the tank is and which cap to turn. Top up as soon as the reserve alert appears, use the right fluid, and you will avoid being caught out by a car that will not start.

More Peugeot 208 Guides

If an AdBlue or SCR alert comes on, check our guides to the Peugeot 208 orange warning lights and the Peugeot 208 red warning lights.

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