Segment:
Supermini / Subcompact Hatchback
Target Audience:
Designed primarily for professional technicians, but with sufficient detail for experienced DIY mechanics and owners with basic mechanical and electrical understanding.
Key Competitors 1989:
Ford Fiesta, Volkswagen Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Renault 5, Fiat Uno
Manual Advantage:
Provides factory-level information and step-by-step guidance, enabling informed maintenance and repair decisions.
Content Type:
Combines information typically found in factory service manuals and owner's manuals.
Engine:
Comprehensive coverage of all available gasoline and diesel engines for the 1989 model year, including maintenance, diagnosis, overhaul, and specifications.
Transmission:
Detailed procedures for manual and automatic transmissions, including clutch service, gearbox overhaul, and torque converter diagnostics.
Brakes:
In-depth coverage of hydraulic brake systems (front discs, rear drums), ABS (if equipped), parking brake, and component replacement.
Electrical:
Extensive electrical schematics, component testing, diagnosis of starting, charging, ignition, lighting, and accessory systems.
Suspension Steering:
Front MacPherson struts, rear torsion beam suspension, steering rack and pinion, power steering (if equipped), wheel alignment specifications.
Body Chassis:
Body construction, panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, corrosion protection, chassis components.
HVAC:
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system diagnosis and repair (if applicable to trim level).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks and top-offs, spark plug replacement, belt adjustments.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for all major mechanical and electrical components, including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, and reassembly.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common faults and performance issues.
Diagnostics:
Procedures for diagnosing engine performance, electrical faults, transmission issues, and chassis component wear.
Rebuilds:
Detailed overhaul procedures for engines, transmissions, and major mechanical assemblies.
Depth:
Comprehensive, suitable for professional technicians and advanced DIY enthusiasts. Covers detailed diagnostic procedures, component specifications, and complex repair operations.
Printability:
Full Printable
Digital Binding:
N/A (Digital Download)
Digital Paper Equivalent:
High-resolution PDF pages
Delivery Method:
Instant Download
Software Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent unzipping software)
Operating System Compatibility:
All Versions of Windows & Mac
Engine Variants Available 1989:
XV (1.1L), XY (1.4L), XU (1.6L Diesel), XU (1.9L Diesel), XU (1.9L 'Mi16' DOHC petrol), GTi variants (1.6L and 1.9L 8v/16v).
Typical Horsepower Range:
55 hp (1.1L) to 130 hp (1.9L 16v Mi16)
Typical Torque Range:
80 Nm (1.1L) to 175 Nm (1.9L 16v Mi16)
Fuel Delivery Systems:
Carburetor (e.g., Solex, Weber) for lower trims, Bosch L-Jetronic or Motronic fuel injection for GTi and higher performance models.
Ignition System:
Electronic ignition with distributor, or distributorless ignition systems on later models.
Body Styles:
3-door hatchback, 5-door hatchback, Cabriolet (by coachbuilder)
Length Approx:
3,700 mm - 3,920 mm (depending on variant)
Width Approx:
1,600 mm - 1,650 mm
Height Approx:
1,360 mm - 1,390 mm
Curb Weight Approx:
800 kg - 1050 kg (depending on engine and equipment)
Crash Test Performance Era:
Euro NCAP did not exist in its current form for the 205's launch; however, it was generally considered a safe vehicle for its class at the time, with a robust chassis design.
Active Safety Features Available:
Front ventilated disc brakes, rear drum brakes, optional Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) on higher-spec models.
Passive Safety Features:
Safety cell construction, energy-absorbing steering column, seat belts, optional side impact beams on later models.
Audio System:
Basic AM/FM radio and cassette player, often with optional upgraded speakers or brand-name units.
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited by modern standards. ABS was an option. No electronic stability control or traction control.
Connectivity Features:
None beyond basic radio reception.
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months (refer to manual for specific engine variant)
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial; typically every 80,000 - 100,000 km or 5 years (engine dependent, consult manual for specific engine).
Engine Oil Viscosity:
Commonly SAE 10W-40 or 15W-50 (API SG or equivalent), check manual for specific engine requirements.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze (e.g., Peugeot PSA B71 5100 or equivalent), typically a 50/50 mix with distilled water.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 (check reservoir cap or manual)
Transmission Fluid Manual:
GL-4 SAE 75W-90 or 80W-90 gear oil (check manual for specific gearbox)
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron II or III (or equivalent) automatic transmission fluid (ATF)
Common Problems General:
Rust in wheel arches, sills, and boot floor. Worn suspension components (bushings, ball joints). Carburetor tuning issues. Electrical gremlins, particularly related to aging wiring and switches. Cooling system leaks. Clutch slave cylinder issues.
Gti Specific Issues:
Head gasket failures on high-mileage 1.9L 16v engines. Worn engine mounts. Transmission synchromesh wear. Fuel pump issues.
Peugeot Brand Context:
Peugeot, a long-standing French automaker, aimed to create a modern, stylish, and practical hatchback with the 205, succeeding the Peugeot 104 and 204.
205 Development:
Designed by Gérard Welter, the 205 was a critical success, known for its excellent handling, distinctive styling, and the iconic GTI performance variant. The 1989 model year represents a facelift with updated styling and potentially minor mechanical revisions.
Production Years:
1983-1999 (with GTI and CTI variants continuing longer in some markets)
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily France (Sochaux, Mulhouse), also assembly in other countries.
Popular Press Awards:
Voted 'Car of the Year' by What Car? magazine in 1983. Highly acclaimed by automotive journalists worldwide for its driving dynamics, particularly the GTI model.
Motorsport Success:
Hugely successful in rallying, notably winning the World Rally Championship (WRC) Manufacturer's Title in 1985 and 1986 with the Peugeot 205 T16 (though this is a distinct, purpose-built rally homologation special).
