Positioning:
A family car that offered good ride comfort, practical space, and distinctive styling, competing in the C-segment.
Competitors:
Ford Sierra, Opel Vectra/Vauxhall Cavalier, Volkswagen Passat, Renault Laguna, Citroën Xantia.
Design:
Distinctive Pininfarina-styled body, known for its aerodynamic shape and spacious interior for its class.
Ride Handling:
Renowned for its excellent ride quality and handling, often praised for its 'active suspension' feel and comfortable highway cruising.
Target Audience:
Professional technicians and knowledgeable DIY mechanics.
Value Proposition:
Provides factory-level repair and maintenance information, enabling owners to perform tasks typically reserved for authorized service centers.
Engine Coverage:
Petrol (XU series: XU7, XU9, XU10, DW8 diesel variants may be covered depending on specific edition, though emphasis is petrol)
Transmission Coverage:
Manual and Automatic transmissions
Chassis Coverage:
Front-wheel drive (FWD)
Estimated Page Count:
Variable, typically 300-700+ pages for a comprehensive factory-style manual
Type:
Service and Repair Manual (Workshop Manual)
Delivery Method:
Instant Digital Download
Compatibility:
Windows and Mac OS
Requirements:
Adobe PDF Reader, WinZip (or equivalent decompression software)
Engine:
Engine Mechanical (assembly, disassembly, overhaul), Engine Management (fuel injection, ignition, emissions), Cooling System, Lubrication System
Transmission:
Manual Gearbox (clutch, gearbox overhaul, selector mechanism), Automatic Gearbox (operation, overhaul, fluid service), Driveshafts and Differentials
Brakes:
Hydraulic System (master cylinder, lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), ABS System (if equipped), Parking Brake
Suspension:
Front Suspension (struts, control arms, ball joints), Rear Suspension (torsion beams, shock absorbers, bushings), Wheel Alignment specifications
Steering:
Steering Gear (rack and pinion), Power Steering System (pump, hoses, fluid)
Electrical:
Wiring Diagrams, Fuses and Relays, Battery, Charging System (alternator), Starting System (starter motor), Ignition System, Lighting System, Instrument Panel and Gauges, Power Accessories (windows, locks)
Body:
Body and Frame, Doors, Hood, Trunk, Bumpers, Interior Trim, Glass and Seals, HVAC System (heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
Maintenance:
Scheduled Maintenance (oil changes, filter replacements, fluid checks), Inspection Procedures, Lubrication Points
Repair:
Engine Overhaul, Transmission Repair, Brake System Overhaul, Suspension Component Replacement, Electrical Component Diagnosis and Repair
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting Guides, Fault Code Interpretation (OBD-I or specific Peugeot diagnostics if applicable), Diagnostic Procedures for Major Systems
Disassembly Assembly:
Step-by-step procedures for removal, disassembly, cleaning, inspection, reassembly, and installation of all major components.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering from basic maintenance to in-depth component overhaul and diagnostic troubleshooting.
Engine Code Examples:
XU7 JP4 (1.8L), XU9 (1.9L), XU10J2 (2.0L)
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 90 hp to 125 hp depending on engine variant.
Torque Range:
Approximately 140 Nm to 180 Nm depending on engine variant.
Injection Type:
Multi-point fuel injection (MPI) common on petrol engines.
Ignition System:
Electronic Ignition (Distributorless Ignition System - DIS - on some later models or specific engines).
Configuration:
Inline 4-cylinder, transverse mounting.
Timing Drive:
Timing Belt (requiring periodic replacement, a critical maintenance item).
Type:
5-speed Manual Transmission
Type:
4-speed Automatic Transmission (AL4 or similar PSA unit)
Manual Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific API GL-4 or GL-5 gear oil, viscosity grade (e.g., 75W-90 or 80W-90).
Automatic Fluid Type:
Refer to manual for specific ATF specification (e.g., Dexron III equivalent or proprietary Peugeot fluid).
Euro Ncap:
Euro NCAP ratings for this era are not directly comparable to modern standards. However, earlier 405 models typically performed moderately in front impact tests.
ABS:
Available on higher trims or as an option on certain models.
Airbags:
Driver airbag standard on many 1996 models; passenger airbag optional or standard on top trims.
Seatbelts:
Pre-tensioning seatbelts at the front.
Engine Oil Change:
Typically every 10,000-15,000 km (6,000-9,000 miles) or 12 months, whichever comes first. Refer to manual for specific interval based on driving conditions.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Critical interval, typically 60,000-80,000 km (36,000-50,000 miles) or 4-5 years. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Coolant Type:
Ethylene Glycol based coolant, typically a long-life OAT (Organic Acid Technology) type or a traditional G11/G12 specification. Check manual for exact Peugeot spec.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid. Always use fresh fluid and follow bleeding procedures carefully.
Power Steering Fluid:
Specific hydraulic fluid, often a PSF type. Refer to manual for exact specification to avoid damage.
Electrical:
Intermittent electrical issues, particularly related to dashboard lights, central locking, or window mechanisms. Wire harness degradation in some areas can occur.
Suspension Wear:
Wear in suspension bushings and ball joints, leading to knocking noises or imprecise handling. Rear torsion bar mounts can corrode and wear.
Engine Management:
Fuel injector issues, lambda sensor failures, and occasional ignition coil problems can affect performance and emissions.
Bodywork:
Corrosion, especially on wheel arches, sills, and around the rear suspension mounts, can be an issue depending on climate and care.
Heritage:
Peugeot has a long history of producing popular family cars, building on a reputation for comfort and engineering.
Generation:
The 1996 model falls within the first generation (1987-1996 in Europe, continuing longer in other markets). It received a facelift in 1992, incorporating minor styling updates and interior improvements.
Manufacturing Locations:
Primarily manufactured in France, with production also occurring in other countries through licensing or assembly plants.
Sales Performance:
The Peugeot 405 was a very successful model for Peugeot, selling millions of units worldwide and renowned for its robustness and refinement.