Peugeot 208 Bulb Replacement (2019-2023)

Hello and welcome. In this article we look at bulb replacement on the Peugeot 208 II (2019-2023). We will cover the precautions before you start, which lamps use LED technology, the front and rear bulb types, and how to reach and replace each bulb.

Quick Reference

Changing a bulb

Before you change any bulb, read these precautions from the handbook. They protect you and the lamp units.

• Misting: in some weather conditions, such as low temperature or humidity, misting on the inside of the headlamp and rear lamp glass is normal. It disappears after the lamps have been on for a few minutes.
• LED lamps: never look too closely at the light beam of an LED lamp, because there is a risk of serious eye injury.
• Burns: only change a bulb with the ignition off and after the headlamp or lamp has been switched off for several minutes. Otherwise there is a risk of serious burns.
• Handling: do not touch the bulb directly with your fingers. Use a lint-free cloth.
• Bulb type: only use anti-ultraviolet (UV) type bulbs, so that you do not damage the headlamp.
• Replacements: always replace a failed bulb with a new bulb of the same type and specification. Replace bulbs in pairs to avoid uneven lighting.

The headlamps have polycarbonate lenses with a protective coating, so clean them carefully:

• Do not use a dry or abrasive cloth, detergent or solvent products.
• Use a sponge and soapy water, or a pH neutral product.
• If you use a high-pressure washer on stubborn marks, do not keep the lance pointed at the headlamps, lamps or their edges for too long. This protects their coating and seals.

To refit a lamp unit, carry out the removal steps in reverse order.

Light-emitting diode (LED) headlamps and lamps

Depending on the version, these headlamps and lamps use LED technology:

• LED technology headlamps
• Full LED technology headlamps
• Offset daytime running lamps
• Direction indicator side repeaters
• Side spotlamps
• 3D rear lamps
• Brake lamps
• Third brake lamp
• Number plate lamps

To replace any of these, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. Do not touch LED or Full LED headlamps yourself, because there is a risk of electrocution.

Front lamps

The front lamp layout depends on the type of headlamps fitted. The numbers match the illustration in the handbook.

Model with Full LED technology headlamps

Model with LED technology headlamps

Model with halogen headlamps

You reach the front bulbs by opening the bonnet. Take care if the engine is hot, because there is a risk of burns. Keep objects and clothing away from the cooling fan blades, because there is a risk of strangulation. With halogen (Hx) bulbs, check that the bulb sits correctly in its housing for good quality lighting.

Main / Dipped beam headlamps

1. Cover: remove the protective cover by pulling the tab.
2. Bulb holder: pull the bulb holder backwards to remove it.
3. Old bulb: pull the bulb to remove it.
4. New bulb: fit the replacement bulb.
5. Refit: press the bulb holder into its housing until you hear a click, which means it is locked in place.

Daytime running lamps / Sidelamps

1. Cover: remove the protective cover by pulling the tab.
2. Bulb holder: pull the bulb holder backwards to remove it.
3. Old bulb: pull the bulb to remove it.
4. New bulb: fit the replacement bulb.
5. Refit: press the bulb holder into its housing until you hear a click, which means it is locked in place.

Direction indicators

If a direction indicator flashes rapidly on the left or right, one of the bulbs on that side has failed.

1. Cover: remove the protective cover by pulling the tab.
2. Bulb holder: turn the bulb holder anti-clockwise.
3. Remove: pull the bulb and bulb holder assembly backwards.
4. New bulb: fit the replacement bulb.

Amber bulbs must be replaced with bulbs of identical specification and colour.

Rear lamps

The rear lamp layout depends on the type of lamps fitted. The numbers match the illustration in the handbook.

Model with Full LED lamps

Model with halogen headlamps

Brake lamps / sidelamps / reversing lamps and direction indicators

If a direction indicator flashes rapidly on the left or right, one of the bulbs on that side has failed. Amber bulbs, such as the direction indicators, must be replaced with bulbs of identical colour and specification. You change these bulbs from inside the boot.

1. Boot: open the boot.
2. Access flap: remove the access flap on the side trim on the relevant side, so you can reach the lamp unit fixing.
3. Nut: slacken the fixing nut with a socket wrench.
4. By hand: finish undoing the nut by hand so you can recover it, making sure it does not fall.
5. Lamp unit: push the retaining clip outwards and remove the lamp unit from the back.
6. Fixings: unclip the four fixings around the bulb holder.
7. Bulb holder: remove the bulb holder.

With the lamp unit and bulb holder removed, the bulbs are 1 for the brake lamps/sidelamps, 2 for the direction indicators and 3 for the reversing lamps.

1. Bulb 1 or 2: turn the bulb a quarter turn to the left and remove it.
2. Bulb 3: pull the bulb to remove it.
3. New bulb: fit the replacement bulb.

When refitting, engage the lamp unit in its guides while keeping it in line with the centreline of the car. Tighten the nut without forcing it, so the lamp seals correctly and is not damaged.

Foglamp (P21W)

To reach the foglamp, pass your hand under the bumper on the left-hand side.

1. Bulb holder: turn the bulb holder a quarter turn to the left and pull it out.
2. Old bulb: turn the bulb a quarter turn to the left and pull it out.
3. New bulb: fit the replacement bulb.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Peugeot 208 indicator flashing fast?

Rapid flashing of a direction indicator on the left or right means one of the bulbs on that side has failed. Replace it with an amber bulb of identical specification and colour.

Can I replace the LED headlamp bulbs on my Peugeot 208 myself?

No. The handbook says to contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop to replace LED lamps, and not to touch LED or Full LED headlamps because there is a risk of electrocution.

What bulbs do the Peugeot 208 halogen headlamps use?

On models with halogen headlamps, the main beam uses an H9 bulb and the dipped beam uses an H18 bulb. The daytime running lamps/sidelamps use W21/5W and the direction indicators use PY21W amber.

How do I get to the rear foglamp bulb on a Peugeot 208?

Pass your hand under the bumper on the left-hand side, turn the bulb holder a quarter turn to the left and pull it out. The foglamp uses a P21W bulb.

Changing a bulb on your Peugeot 208 is straightforward once you know which lamps you can do yourself and which need a dealer. Wait for the lamps to cool, use the correct bulb type, and if your car has LED or Full LED lamps, leave those to a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

More Peugeot 208 Guides

If a warning lamp comes on, 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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For more on this model, visit our Peugeot 208 guides.

Cover adapted from a photograph by Harvey Bold: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0.