Positioning:
The Peugeot 505 was positioned as a large, comfortable, and robust executive car, competing in a segment that included vehicles like the Ford Granada, Opel Senator, and Citroën CX. It offered a blend of French refinement with a more traditional rear-wheel-drive platform.
Competitors:
Key competitors included Ford Granada, Opel Senator/Vauxhall Carlton, Citroën CX, Renault 25, and various German marques like BMW 5 Series and Mercedes-Benz W123/W124 during its production run.
Distinguishing Features:
Known for its durable chassis, spacious interior, comfortable ride, and strong build quality. Available in various body styles including saloon and estate. Offered a range of efficient gasoline and diesel engines.
Target Audience:
Owners seeking to perform DIY maintenance and repairs, independent repair shops, and automotive enthusiasts looking for in-depth technical information on the Peugeot 505.
Engine:
Detailed diagnosis, repair, and overhaul for all gasoline and diesel engines offered (e.g., XM7 series, XN series, XD series). Includes fuel injection, carburetion, ignition systems, cooling, lubrication, and emissions control.
Transmission:
Comprehensive coverage for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch systems, gearshift mechanisms, torque converters, hydraulic controls, and gearbox overhauls.
Drivetrain:
Front-wheel drive components, driveshafts, CV joints, differential, and rear axle assemblies for RWD variants (if applicable to specific 505 models). Includes bearing and seal replacement.
Suspension:
Detailed procedures for front and rear suspension systems, including MacPherson struts, wishbones, shock absorbers, springs, bushings, and wheel alignment specifications.
Steering:
Power steering system diagnosis and repair, steering rack, tie rod ends, steering column, and all associated hydraulic components.
Brakes:
Hydraulic brake system, including master cylinder, brake boosters, front disc brakes, rear drum/disc brakes, ABS (if equipped), parking brake, and bleeding procedures.
Electrical System:
Complete wiring schematics, lighting systems, starting and charging systems (alternator, starter motor), battery, fuses, relays, ignition switch, and accessory circuits.
Body And Chassis:
Body panel repair, door mechanisms, window regulators, sunroof operation, interior trim removal, body mounting, rust prevention, and chassis component repair.
Heating Ventilation Air Conditioning:
HVAC system diagnosis and repair, blower motor, evaporator, condenser, refrigerant handling (where applicable), climate control panels, and ducting.
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, timing belt/chain inspection and replacement, and general tune-up procedures.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides based on symptoms, diagnostic flowcharts, fault code interpretation (where electronic diagnostics exist), and component testing procedures.
Repair:
Step-by-step instructions for component removal, disassembly, inspection, repair, reassembly, and installation for virtually all vehicle systems.
Specifications:
Torque values, engine tolerances, fluid capacities, electrical specifications, valve clearances, timing marks, and other critical data for accurate repairs.
Wiring Schematics:
Detailed, model-specific wiring diagrams for all electrical circuits, including component location and wire color coding.
Depth:
Factory-level detail, covering everything from routine maintenance and minor adjustments to major overhauls and complex diagnostic procedures. Suitable for both DIY enthusiasts and professional technicians.
Engine Family Examples:
Peugeot's XM7 (1.8L), XN series (2.0L), XR series (2.2L), XD series diesel (2.3L, 2.5L). Specific engine codes like ZDJ, ZF, ZDJL, ZF, etc. would be detailed in the manual.
Horsepower Range:
Varies by engine, typically from around 70 hp (diesel) to 130 hp (larger gasoline variants). Turbocharged versions (e.g., 505 Turbo) could exceed 160 hp.
Torque Range:
Corresponds to horsepower range, with diesel engines offering higher torque for cruising.
Carburetion:
Solex, Weber, or Stromberg carburetors on many gasoline models, with specific jetting and adjustment procedures covered.
Injection:
Bosch L-Jetronic or K-Jetronic fuel injection on higher-performance gasoline variants, requiring specific diagnostic and calibration steps.
Cylinder Count:
Inline 4-cylinder, and potentially some V6 variants depending on specific market configurations.
Timing Drive:
Camshaft driven by a timing belt for gasoline engines, timing chain for some diesel engines. Detailed replacement intervals and procedures are critical.
Crash Test Results:
While formal Euro NCAP ratings as we know them today were not in place for the entire production run, earlier safety assessments by organizations like the IIHS and European bodies would be referenced in historical context. The 505 was considered a safe vehicle for its era, with a robust body structure.
ABS:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was available as an option on later models, with specific diagnostic and repair procedures detailed.
Traction Control:
Traction control was not a common feature on the 505 during its production span.
Seatbelts:
Standard three-point inertia-reel seatbelts in the front and often in the rear. Lap belts might be found in the center rear seat on earlier models.
Airbags:
Driver's side airbag became an option on later models, particularly in the US market. Passenger airbags were very rare if offered at all.
Head Restraints:
Adjustable front and rear head restraints for improved occupant safety.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 5,000-10,000 km (3,000-6,000 miles) or annually, depending on driving conditions and oil type. Manual will specify exact intervals.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial interval, often around 60,000-80,000 km (40,000-50,000 miles). Failure can lead to catastrophic engine damage. The manual will detail the exact interval and procedure.
Transmission Fluid Change:
Manual transmissions generally have longer fluid life, while automatic transmissions require fluid and filter changes more frequently, e.g., every 40,000-60,000 km (25,000-35,000 miles).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Common viscosities for the era include 10W-40, 15W-40, or 20W-50 for gasoline engines, and 15W-40 or 10W-30 for diesel engines, depending on ambient temperature. Manual will specify exact API/ACEA grades.
Coolant:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze/coolant, typically mixed 50/50 with distilled water. Manual will specify type and capacity.
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid, depending on the system specifications. Manual will confirm.
Rust:
Common for vehicles of this era, particularly wheel arches, sills, and chassis components. Rust prevention and repair methods will be covered.
Electrical Gremlins:
Age-related issues like degraded wiring insulation, faulty relays, and corroded connectors can cause intermittent electrical problems. The comprehensive schematics are vital for diagnosis.
Suspension Wear:
Bushes, ball joints, and shock absorbers can wear over time, leading to noise and poor handling. The manual details their replacement.
Peugeot Legacy:
Peugeot has a long history of producing robust and comfortable family cars, with the 505 representing a continuation of their '5' series executive line, succeeding models like the 504.
Development:
Developed as a successor to the highly acclaimed Peugeot 504, the 505 featured a more modern design by Pininfarina and a refined chassis. It retained rear-wheel drive for much of its life, a characteristic of its predecessors, before some markets saw front-wheel drive variants emerge later in its lifespan (though the manual focuses on the primary RWD platform).
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France (Sochaux), but also produced under license in other regions, notably Argentina and China, extending its market presence.
Sales Figures:
Over 1.3 million units were produced globally, signifying its success as a comfortable and reliable family car, particularly in Europe and specific export markets.
