Peugeot 308 II Bulb Replacement

Hello and welcome. In this post we look at bulb replacement on the Peugeot 308 II (2015-present). We'll cover the front lamps with halogen or Full LED headlamps, the rear lamps on the hatchback and SW, the number plate lamps, and which LED lamps to leave to a dealer or qualified workshop.

Quick Reference

Changing a bulb

Before you change any bulb, read these safety points.

• 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.
• Cleaning the lenses: the headlamps have polycarbonate lenses with a protective coating. Do not clean them with a dry or abrasive cloth, or with detergent or solvent products. Use a sponge and soapy water or a pH neutral product.
• High-pressure washers: on persistent marks, do not keep the lance pointed at the headlamps, lamps or their edges for too long, or you may damage the protective coating and seals.
• Avoid burns: only change a bulb with the ignition off, and wait several minutes after switching off the headlamp or lamp, as there is a risk of serious burns.
• Handling the bulb: do not touch the bulb with your fingers. Use a lint-free cloth.
• Bulb type: only use anti-ultraviolet (UV) type bulbs, so you do not damage the headlamp.
• Replacing: always fit a new bulb of the same type and specification. Replace bulbs in pairs to avoid uneven lighting.

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:

• Full LED technology headlamps.
• Daytime running lamps/sidelamps.
• Direction indicator side repeaters.
• Side spotlamps.
• Third brake lamp.
• Rear sidelamps.

If one of these needs replacing, contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop. Do not touch LED or Full LED technology headlamps, as there is a risk of electrocution.

Front lamps

The front bulb types depend on whether your 308 has halogen or Full LED headlamps.

Take care when you open the bonnet to reach the bulbs. If the engine is hot, there is a risk of burns. Keep objects and clothing away from the cooling fan blades, as they could get caught and there is a risk of strangulation.

Access to the front lamps (halogen model): to make the bulbs easier to reach, first move the headlamp assembly forward a few centimetres.

1. Release the connector: move the orange clip towards the rear, then press on the black part above the orange clip and pull on the connector.
2. Remove the screws: remove the two screws that hold the lamp unit in place.
3. Free the unit: disengage the rear pin, then the front centring piece.
4. Move the unit: move the lamp unit forwards.

Dipped beam and main beam headlamps (halogen model):

1. Remove the cover: pull the tab to remove the protective plastic cover.
2. Disconnect: disconnect the bulb connector.
3. Release the springs: detach the two springs by pressing them, then moving them towards the outside.
4. Change the bulb: pull out the bulb and replace it.

The area behind the right-hand lamp can get very hot because the degassing hoses are nearby, so there is a risk of burns.

Front foglamps:

1. Remove the trim: unclip the trim by pulling at the top (notch).
2. Remove the unit: unscrew the 2 screws to remove the unit from its housing.
3. Disconnect: disconnect the connector.
4. Turn the holder: unscrew the bulb holder ¼ of a turn.
5. Take out the holder: remove the bulb holder.
6. Change the bulb: replace the bulb.

Direction indicators (halogen model):

1. Turn the holder: unscrew the bulb holder ¼ of a turn.
2. Take out the holder: remove the bulb holder.
3. Change the bulb: replace the bulb.

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

Follow this procedure for the direction indicator bulb located below the front lamp:

1. Remove the trim: unclip the trim by pulling at the top (notch).
2. Turn the holder: unscrew the bulb holder ¼ of a turn.
3. Change the bulb: replace the bulb.

Rear lamps (hatchback)

These are the rear lamps on the 308 hatchback.

Reversing lamps and direction indicators (on the wings):

1. Open up: open the tailgate, then remove the access cover.
2. Disconnect: disconnect the lamp unit connector.
3. Remove the nut: remove the lamp fixing nut.
4. Take out the unit: carefully extract the lamp unit from the outside.
5. Change the bulb: unscrew the bulb holder ¼ of a turn and replace the bulb.

Foglamps (tailgate):

1. Open up: open the tailgate, then remove the large plastic cover.
2. Remove the covers: unclip the 2 access covers, left and right.
3. Remove the screws: unscrew the screws in each opening.
4. Release the trim: unclip the boot trim to reach the lamp unit connector.
5. Disconnect: disconnect the lamp unit connector.
6. Remove the nut: remove the lamp unit fixing nut.
7. Take out the unit: carefully extract the lamp unit from the outside.
8. Change the bulb: unscrew the bulb holder ¼ of a turn and replace the bulb.

Rear lamps (SW)

These are the rear lamps on the 308 SW.

Direction indicators (on the wings):

1. Open up: open the tailgate, then remove the access cover.
2. Remove the nuts: remove the 2 lamp unit fixing nuts. A pipe wrench is recommended.
3. Take out the unit: unclip the pre-retaining clip, carefully removing the lamp unit from the outside as you do so.
4. Disconnect: disconnect the lamp unit connector.
5. Remove the foam: remove the sealing foam.
6. Release the holder: unclip the bulb holder by pressing the 2 tabs.
7. Change the bulb: replace the bulb.

Reversing lamps and foglamp (tailgate):

1. Open up: open the tailgate, then remove the access cover.
2. Remove the nut: remove the lamp unit fixing nut.
3. Take out the unit: carefully extract the lamp unit from the outside.
4. Disconnect: disconnect the lamp unit connector.
5. Foglamp: unclip the bulb holder by pressing the 2 tabs, then replace the bulb.
6. Reversing lamp: turn the bulb holder ¼ of a turn, then replace the bulb.

Number plate lamps (W5W):

1. Insert a screwdriver: put a thin screwdriver into one of the cut-outs in the lens.
2. Unclip the lens: push the screwdriver outwards to unclip the lens.
3. Remove the lens: take the lens off.
4. Change the bulb: replace the faulty bulb.

To refit the lens, press it until it clips in.

Frequently Asked Questions

What bulb does the Peugeot 308 use for dipped beam headlamps?

With halogen headlamps, the dipped beam and main beam headlamps use H7 bulbs. With Full LED technology headlamps, they are LED and must be replaced by a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

Can I replace the LED lamps on my Peugeot 308 myself?

No. You must contact a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop to replace LED lamps, and you should not touch LED or Full LED headlamps because of the risk of electrocution.

Why is my Peugeot 308 indicator flashing fast?

Rapid flashing of a direction indicator lamp, left or right, means one of the bulbs on that side has failed.

Is condensation inside my Peugeot 308 headlamps normal?

Yes. In some weather conditions, such as low temperature or humidity, misting inside the headlamp and rear lamp glass is normal and disappears after the lamps have been on for a few minutes.

Changing most bulbs on your Peugeot 308 is a simple job once you know the right steps and bulb types. Always let the lamp cool down first, use the correct anti-UV bulb, and leave anything LED to a PEUGEOT dealer or a qualified workshop.

More Peugeot 308 Guides

If a lamp on your dashboard has caught your eye, see our guides to Peugeot 308 red warning lights, Peugeot 308 orange warning lights and Peugeot 308 green and blue indicator lamps.

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This is an independent guide, not an official Peugeot publication. Check your vehicle’s own manual before carrying out any work.

Related guides: Peugeot 308 model guides.

Cover adapted from a photograph by Guillaume Vachey from Chalon sur Saone, France — Wikimedia Commons, CC0 (AI edited).