Peugeot 208 fuel guide: tank capacity, low fuel warning, how to refuel, misfuel prevention and how to restart a Diesel after running out of fuel.
This guide explains how fuel works on your Peugeot 208. It covers the size of the fuel tank, what the low fuel warning lamp means, how to refuel safely, how the Diesel misfuel prevention device works and what to do if you run out of Diesel.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Section | In short |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank | Tank capacity, low fuel warning and refuelling steps |
| Misfuel prevention (Diesel) | Device that stops petrol being put in a Diesel |
| Running out of fuel (Diesel) | How to prime the Diesel fuel system after running out |
The fuel tank capacity depends on your engine:
If your car has Stop & Start, never refuel while the system is in STOP mode. Always switch off the ignition with the key first.
Low fuel level
When the fuel in the tank reaches the low level, the low fuel warning lamp comes on in the instrument panel. Approximately 5 litres of fuel remain in the tank at this point. If the lamp flashes, very little fuel is left. Refuel as soon as possible so you do not run out. If you do run out with a Diesel engine, see the Running out of fuel (Diesel) section below.
Refilling
A sticker on the inside of the fuel filler flap shows the type of fuel to use for your engine. Each time you add fuel, put in at least 5 litres, otherwise the fuel gauge will not register it.
You cannot remove the key from the filler cap until the cap is refitted. When you open the filler cap, you may hear a noise as air rushes in. This is completely normal and comes from the vacuum created by the sealed fuel system.
To refuel safely:
When you have finished refuelling:
If you have put the wrong fuel in your car, do not start the engine. You must have the fuel tank drained and filled with the correct fuel first.
Fuel cut-off
Your 208 has a safety device that cuts off the fuel supply in the event of a collision.
Depending on the country where your car was sold, a Diesel 208 may have a misfuel prevention device. This mechanical device stops you filling a Diesel tank with petrol, which avoids the risk of engine damage from using the wrong fuel. It sits in the filler neck and you will see it when you remove the filler cap.
Operation
If you put a petrol filler nozzle into the Diesel tank, the nozzle touches the device's flap. The flap stays closed and you cannot fill the tank. Do not force it: use a Diesel filler nozzle instead.
You can still fill the tank from a fuel can. To keep the fuel flowing well, do not let the nozzle of the fuel can touch the flap of the misfuel prevention device, and pour slowly.
Driving abroad
Diesel pump nozzles can be different in other countries, so the misfuel prevention device may make refuelling impossible. Not all Diesel vehicles have this device, so before you travel abroad, check with the PEUGEOT dealer network that your car is suitable for the fuel pumps in the country you are visiting.
On cars with HDi engines, you must prime the fuel system if you run out of fuel. For versions with a manual priming pump, see the underbonnet view drawing in the handbook. If your tank has misfuel prevention, see the Misfuel prevention (Diesel) section above.
If the engine does not start the first time, do not keep trying. Start the procedure again from the beginning.
1.5 BlueHDi (euro 6.2) engine
If the engine does not start, repeat the procedure.
1.6 BlueHDi (euro 6.1) engine
Other engines
Approximately 5 litres remain in the tank when the lamp comes on. If the lamp flashes, very little fuel is left, so refuel as soon as possible.
The noise comes from air rushing in when you open the filler cap. This vacuum is completely normal and is caused by the sealed fuel system.
Your car has a misfuel prevention device, and its flap stays closed when a petrol nozzle touches it. Use a Diesel filler nozzle instead.
Add at least 5 litres of Diesel, then prime the fuel system using the procedure for your engine. On the 1.5 BlueHDi (euro 6.2), switch on the ignition, wait around 1 minute, switch off and then operate the starter.
Refuelling your Peugeot 208 is simple once you know the steps, and keeping an eye on the low fuel lamp helps you avoid running out. If you ever put in the wrong fuel, do not start the engine and have the tank drained first.
To learn what the lamps on your instrument panel mean, see our guides to Peugeot 208 red warning lights, Peugeot 208 orange warning lights and Peugeot 208 green and blue indicator lamps.
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