Segment:
Compact family car (C-segment).
Key Competitors:
Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, Vauxhall/Opel Astra, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo/Brava.
Design:
Known for its distinctive styling, good ride comfort, and practical interior, often praised for its handling.
Manual Value Proposition:
Provides professional-level repair and maintenance information, enabling cost-effective DIY repairs and informed servicing decisions.
Applicable Years:
1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999
Engine Types Covered:
Petrol and Diesel
Estimated Pages:
Hundreds (Exact count not specified, but indicated as extensive)
Type:
Service, Repair, and Workshop Manual
Language:
English (Implied by product description)
Format:
Digital Download (PDF)
Engine:
Comprehensive engine repair, diagnostics, tuning, and overhaul procedures for both petrol and diesel variants.
Transmission:
Manual and automatic transmission service, repair, clutch replacement, and driveline components.
Brakes:
Detailed information on hydraulic systems, ABS, disc and drum brake servicing, and component replacement.
Suspension Steering:
Front and rear suspension systems, shock absorbers, springs, ball joints, steering rack, power steering.
Electrical Electronics:
Full coverage of the electrical system, including wiring diagrams, component testing, lighting, ignition, starter, charging systems, and ECU diagnostics.
Bodywork:
Exterior panel repair, door mechanisms, glass replacement, interior trim removal, and corrosion protection.
Climate Control:
Air conditioning system service, refrigerant handling, heater matrix, and ventilation.
Fuel System:
Fuel injection systems (MPI for petrol), diesel injection pumps, fuel filters, and fuel tank servicing.
Maintenance:
Routine servicing, oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug intervals, coolant flush, and lubrication points.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic charts and procedures for identifying and resolving common and complex faults across all vehicle systems.
Repair:
Step-by-step repair instructions for component replacement and rebuilding, from minor adjustments to major overhauls.
Diagnostics:
Fault finding based on symptoms, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs) where applicable, and component testing methodologies.
Installation:
Guidelines for installing replacement parts and accessories.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to full engine rebuilds, complex electrical diagnostics, and bodywork repairs. Designed for professional mechanics.
Compatibility:
Windows and macOS compatible PDF.
Print Ability:
Printable pages, allowing users to print single pages or the entire manual.
Digital Format:
No physical binding, digital access for life.
Digital Content:
High-resolution digital content with detailed photos and exploded diagrams.
Petrol Engines:
Various XU series engines including 1.4i (TU3JP), 1.6i (XU5JP/XU5M), 1.8i (XU7JP), 2.0i (XU10J2/XU10J4R - including 16v GTi).
Diesel Engines:
DW8 (1.9D) and XUD7T/XUD9T (1.8 TD/1.9 TD).
Example Hp Range:
Petrol: 75 hp (1.4i) to 167 hp (2.0i 16v GTi). Diesel: 64 hp (1.9D) to 90 hp (1.9 TD).
Example Torque Range:
Petrol: Approx. 110 Nm (1.4i) to 193 Nm (2.0i 16v GTi). Diesel: Approx. 120 Nm (1.9D) to 190 Nm (1.9 TD).
Petrol Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) for most models.
Diesel Injection Type:
Direct injection (XUD engines) or indirect injection (DW8) with rotary or inline pumps.
Ignition Type:
Electronic ignition, distributorless ignition system (DIS) on later models.
Manual Transmission:
Likely 5-speed manual transmission (e.g., BE3, MA5) for most variants.
Automatic Transmission:
Optional 4-speed automatic transmission available on some petrol models (e.g., AL4).
Clutch Type:
Hydraulic clutch operation for manual transmissions.
Manual Gearbox Oil:
Typically SAE 75W-80 or 75W-90 GL-5 (check specific model/gearbox for exact spec).
Automatic Gearbox Oil:
ATF Dexron III or equivalent (check specific model for exact spec).
Euro Ncap Rating:
Euro NCAP testing began in 1997. Early 306 models predate this or were tested to older standards. Later models may have achieved a 3-star rating.
Braking Assistance:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option or standard on higher trims/GTi models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on most models from mid-90s onwards. Passenger airbag optional or standard on later/higher trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioned front seatbelts.
Oil Change Petrol:
Typically every 10,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Oil Change Diesel:
Typically every 6,000 miles or 12 months for naturally aspirated diesels, potentially longer for TD models depending on oil type.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial maintenance item. For most XU and TU petrol engines, it's usually 60,000 miles or 5 years. For DW8 and XUD diesels, it's typically 70,000 miles or 7 years. **Crucially, failure to replace this belt can cause catastrophic engine damage.**
Coolant:
Peugeot recommends their own 'G30' type coolant or a 50/50 mix of antifreeze and distilled water (ensure it's OAT-compatible if applicable).
Brake Fluid:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid (check reservoir cap or manual for exact type).
Power Steering Fluid:
Usually a mineral oil based fluid or specific ATF, consult manual for exact type (often the same as automatic transmission fluid).
Rear Axle Bearings:
A common Peugeot issue from this era is wear in the rear torsion beam suspension bearings, leading to sagging rear ride height and uneven tyre wear. This is a complex repair requiring specialized tools.
Electrical Gremlins:
Can suffer from intermittent electrical faults due to aging wiring or failing components like the Body Control Unit (BCU) or fuse box connections.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
Some diesel XUD engines are prone to exhaust manifold cracking.
Heater Matrix Leaks:
Heater matrix can leak coolant into the cabin, a labour-intensive repair as the dashboard usually needs to be removed.
Engine Mounts:
Worn engine mounts can lead to excessive vibration in the cabin, especially noticeable at idle or under acceleration.
Peugeot Legacy:
Peugeot has a long history of producing reliable and driver-focused cars, particularly in the compact and family car segments.
306 Debut:
Launched in 1993 as the successor to the Peugeot 309. Featured a more modern and rounded design compared to its predecessor, the 306 was developed from the floorpan of the Citroën ZX and shares many mechanical components.
Facelift:
Received a significant facelift in 1997, featuring updated styling (particularly the front end with clearer headlights and new grille), improved interior materials, and revised suspension settings.
Production Years:
1993-2001 (with the end of the manual coverage being 1999).
Key Variants:
Notable variants include the agile 306 GTi-6 and the more powerful 306 Rallye (later called S16 in some markets), both featuring the XU10J4 2.0 16v engine and often lauded for their driving dynamics.