205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems

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Sun 13 May 2007 13:52
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - mishal
Honest John forum,

I have a huge problem! I have just purchased a 205 GTI 1.9. Its only got 72k on the clock with old MOT's to prove it.

Its just plagued with lots of faults.

List:
1) electrical problem. NO reverse lights, brake lights (i think they are the wrong bulbs) and when you press the brake when car is off, the off side side light comes on. also when the lights are on (side only) and the car is off. the whole dash instrument panel lights up like a x-mas tree. all gauges read.

2) exhurst spits gases out. petrol and oil smell.

3) engine rattel when at standing and you push the gas pedal (rev the engine). I have been told this the engine mount. needs the rubber replaced?

4) auto choke i believe is on the way out.

5) doors need painting as there is a miss match of paint due to fading.

6) no rear demist (i know why)


Now can any one suggest any solutions for electrical problems ? and also is it really worth putting this car back togather?


Many Thanks for your attention guys/gals!

Mishal
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Sun 13 May 2007 14:11
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - milkyjoe
sounds like a new lecky wiring circuit is looming ( il get me coat)
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Sun 13 May 2007 14:36
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - Screwloose
Mishal

What did you expect? This is an old French car - loads of go and character; an appreciating classic if it's not been too "got at" - but niggly electrical faults were there from new. There's an earth connexion fault in the rear - somewhere.

Don't like the sound of engine rattles on a newly-acquired car; it's fuel injection, so no auto choke - you'll need a grizzled old real mechanic to set that tricky EFI system up correctly.
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Sun 13 May 2007 19:09
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - autumnboy
If you are going to be a serious owner of one these cars and restore it as many have done and have more fun with it, more you can with most cars of today.

I suggest you join this forum who specialise in these cars with a host of info and friendship, more than some might do.

forum.205gtidrivers.com/

Good Luck

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Tue 15 May 2007 21:41
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - mishal
just an update, the engine mount has cracked so the engine is falling out the bottom. great news any ideas, should i keep this car? anyone had any smilier experiances ?

hard call this one>!
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Wed 16 May 2007 09:07
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - DP
should i keep this car?


A healthy 205 GTi 1.9 is one of the all time great drivers cars, but the best part of two decades won't have been kind to what was, at best, indifferent build and reliability when it left the factory.

The answer to your question depends on you. How badly do you want to drive a 205 GTi? At least this is a car you can buy parts relatively cheaply for, via specialist independents such as GSF and Neat Autos, and apart from the EFI system, it's a car you can work yourself with basic mechanical knowledge.

The question is, how badly do you want it?

The other thing to consider is that I wouldn't have thought you'd have too much trouble selling it on, faults and all, if that mileage is genuine and if it's tidy. Fully restored 1.9's fetch anything up to £2.5k, so you might be surprised what you'll get for it as it is. It's a car people buy with hearts rather than heads, as you're finding out.

Cheers
DP
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Tue 15 May 2007 21:45
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - mishal
I suggest you join this forum who specialise in these cars


Thank you for your help!
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Tue 15 May 2007 22:44
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - Hamsafar
Unless you are a 205 enthusiast with money to lavish, I would get rid of it.
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Wed 16 May 2007 08:42
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - Collos25
Why on earth did you buy it in the first place.
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Wed 16 May 2007 09:17
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - wayne1980
hi mishal,
this may not help on the technical side but if you feel it is too much of a project for you i have some one who will take it off your hands. he has one which is regularly used by peugeot for demo days. he has cash waiting! will need pictures though
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Wed 16 May 2007 12:52
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - mike hannon
>Why on earth did you buy it in the first place.<

Maybe he's a fellow member of the League Against Boredom.
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Wed 16 May 2007 13:58
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - bell boy
i would crush it
and buy something newer/better
nice little fiesta mk 4/corsa comes to mind
not worth all the hassle old pewgots in my opinion
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Wed 16 May 2007 15:49
205 GTI 1.9 Plagued with problems - pug3
Mishal

I have a 1990 1.6 205 GTi that I have owned from new, has been very reliable and I have carried out all the servicing and repairs. The car has only let me down once (failed fuel pump relay), I agree that with a car of this age the possible modifications and abuse carried out by previous owners can be a source of many problems.

It is best to deal with each problem separately.

1. Check or change the light bulbs that are suspect. If the problem persists check the earth connections.

2. Clean out all the engine breather pipes and the flame trap in the oil filler cap.

3. Replace engine mountings from GSF (German Swedish and French) or EuroCarparts, both have good web sites.

4. There is no choke. There is a supplementary air device (SAD) that increases the air flow when the engine is cold and a temperature sensor on the cylinder head that tells the fuel injection ECU that more fuel is required. The SAD is a common problem on 205s.

5. Have doors re-sprayed when more important problems have been solved.

6. Check the fuse and the connections to the element in the rear screen.

After trying the basic attempts at solving the problems register with the Peugeot forum

www.psooc.com/

There are some people very knowledgeable on 205GTis and will offer practical advice as many contributors carry out all of their own maintenance, modifications and repairs.

Good Luck!
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