Fuel tank capacity, the low fuel warning, how to refuel safely, Diesel misfuel prevention and priming after running out of fuel on the Peugeot 208 II.
Hello and welcome. In this post we look at fuel on the Peugeot 208 II (2019-2023). We'll cover the tank size, the low fuel warning, refuelling safely, the Diesel misfuel prevention device and what to do if a Diesel car runs out of fuel.
Scroll the table sideways.
| Section | In short |
|---|---|
| Low fuel level | Tank capacity, reserve level and the low fuel warning |
| Refuelling | Step-by-step refuelling and what to do with wrong fuel |
| Misfuel prevention (Diesel) | Device that stops petrol going into a Diesel tank |
| Running out of fuel (Diesel) | How to prime the fuel system after running dry |
Your 208's fuel tank and reserve hold the following amounts:
Scroll the table sideways.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity (Petrol) | Approximately 40 or 44 litres |
| Fuel tank capacity (Diesel) | Approximately 41 litres |
| Reserve level | Approximately 5 litres |
When the fuel reaches the low level, a warning lamp lights up on the instrument panel, together with a message and an audible signal. When the lamp first comes on, about 5 litres of fuel remain.
Until you add enough fuel, the lamp, message and audible signal appear every time you switch on the ignition. While you are driving, the message and audible signal repeat more and more often as the fuel level drops towards 0. Refuel as soon as possible so you do not run out of fuel.
A small arrow next to the warning lamp shows which side of the car the fuel filler flap is on.
Stop & Start: never refuel while the engine is in STOP mode. Always switch off the ignition first.
When you refuel, add at least 5 litres, otherwise the fuel gauge will not register it. You may hear a rush of air when you open the filler cap. This is normal and is caused by the sealed fuel system.
To refuel safely:
Wrong fuel: if you have put the wrong fuel in, do not start the engine. Have the fuel tank drained and filled with the correct fuel first.
Your 208 has a catalytic converter, which helps reduce harmful exhaust emissions. Petrol engines must use unleaded fuel, and the narrower filler neck only accepts unleaded petrol nozzles.
Depending on the country of sale, Diesel versions have a mechanical misfuel prevention device that stops you filling the tank with petrol. It sits in the filler neck and you can see it when the filler cap is removed.
If you put a petrol nozzle into the filler neck, it touches the device's flap. The flap stays closed and you cannot fill the tank. Do not force it: use a Diesel nozzle instead.
The device does not stop you filling the tank from a jerrycan, whatever the fuel type.
Travelling abroad: Diesel pump nozzles can be different in other countries, and the misfuel prevention device may make refuelling impossible. Before you travel, check with a PEUGEOT dealer that your car suits the fuel pumps in the countries you plan to visit.
If a Diesel engine runs out of fuel, you must prime the fuel system. Before you start, put at least 5 litres of Diesel into the fuel tank.
On non-BlueHDi versions, the fuel system components are in the engine compartment, possibly under a removable cover. The handbook's engine compartment section shows where they are under the bonnet.
1.5 BlueHDi engines:
If the engine does not start at the first attempt, do not keep trying. Start the procedure again from the beginning.
1.6 HDi engines:
The tank holds approximately 40 or 44 litres on petrol versions and approximately 41 litres on Diesel versions.
When the low fuel lamp first comes on, about 5 litres of fuel remain. Refuel as soon as possible.
Look at the low fuel warning lamp on the instrument panel. A small arrow next to it shows which side of the car the filler flap is on.
The fuel gauge only registers the new level if you add at least 5 litres.
A few simple habits keep refuelling trouble-free: switch off the engine, check the fuel type on the label inside the flap and stop at the third cut-out. If your Diesel 208 does run dry, add at least 5 litres and follow the priming steps for your engine.
To learn what the other lamps on your dashboard mean, see our guides to Peugeot 208 red warning lights, Peugeot 208 orange warning lights and Peugeot 208 green and blue indicator lamps.
Don't forget to follow us on Instagram for more Peugeot guides!
This is an independent guide, not an official Peugeot publication. Check your vehicle’s own manual before carrying out any work.
Related guides: Peugeot 208 model guides.
Cover adapted from a photograph by Vauxford — Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0 (AI edited).
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 s…
A flat 12 V battery is one of the most common reasons a car will not start. This guide explains how to reach the battery on your Peugeot 208, how to start the engine using another battery or a booster, how to c…
Your Peugeot 208 can warn you when one or more tyres lose pressure. This guide explains how the under-inflation detection system works, what to do when the alert comes on, how to reinitialise the system and whe…
