🏷️ Basic Information

Make:

Peugeot

Model:

306

Production Years Covered:

1993-2002

Body Styles:

Hatchback (3-door, 5-door), Saloon (4-door), Estate (5-door), Convertible (2-door)

Chassis Codes:

Type 7D

👋 Introduction

Vehicle Segment:

Compact family car (supermini/small family car class)

Target Audience:

Affordable and practical transportation, appealing to families and individuals seeking a reliable daily driver.

Key Competitors:

Ford Escort/Focus, Volkswagen Golf, Opel/Vauxhall Astra, Renault Mégane, Fiat Bravo/Brava, Honda Civic.

Competitive Advantages:

Known for its comfortable ride, stylish design (especially the PH1 generation), good handling, and wide range of engine options. Often offered good value for money.

Design Philosophy:

Emphasized driver comfort, sophisticated interior packaging, and a blend of performance and economy.

Platform Sharing:

Shared underpinnings and some components with other PSA Group vehicles, facilitating parts availability and manufacturing efficiency.

📋 Manual Details

Regions Covered:

Primarily Europe, but relevant for global markets due to common engineering principles.

Page Count:

Hundreds (exact number not specified, implies a comprehensive volume)

Manual Type:

Service and Repair Manual

Language:

English (standard for international manuals, though original may vary)

Format:

PDF

📖 Manual Coverage

Engine Systems:

Engine mechanical (including cylinder head, block, crankshaft, pistons, connecting rods), fuel injection and delivery (petrol and diesel), ignition system, cooling system, lubrication system, exhaust system, emissions control.

Transmission Systems:

Manual transmission (gearbox internals, clutch operation, linkage), automatic transmission (torque converter, planetary gearsets, hydraulic controls), final drive and differentials.

Suspension And Steering:

Front and rear suspension (struts, shock absorbers, springs, control arms, anti-roll bars), power steering system, steering rack, column, wheel alignment specifications.

Braking Systems:

Hydraulic brake system (master cylinder, brake lines, calipers, wheel cylinders), ABS system (components, operation, troubleshooting), parking brake.

Electrical Systems:

Wiring diagrams, battery, starter motor, alternator, lighting (headlights, taillights, interior), fuses and relays, instrument panel, switches, power windows, central locking, basic ECU functions.

Body And Chassis:

Body panel removal and installation, door mechanisms, interior trim, glass replacement, corrosion prevention, jacking points, structural components.

Heating Ventilation And Air Conditioning:

HVAC system operation, components (compressor, condenser, evaporator), refrigerant handling, dashboard vents, cabin filter replacement.

Maintenance Procedures:

Oil changes, filter replacements, spark plug replacement, coolant flushes, brake fluid changes, air filter replacement, belt inspections and replacement.

Repair Procedures:

Engine overhaul, transmission rebuild, clutch replacement, suspension component replacement, brake caliper overhaul, steering rack replacement, alternator/starter replacement, body panel repair.

Troubleshooting:

Diagnostic fault finding for engine, transmission, braking, electrical, and HVAC systems; common problems and their solutions.

Rebuilding And Refurbishment:

Detailed steps for dismantling, inspecting, and reassembling major mechanical components.

Restoration Guidance:

Implied through comprehensive repair and refurbishment sections, providing a basis for restoration projects.

Depth Of Information:

Comprehensive, covering basic maintenance to complex component rebuilds and diagnostics.

Diagnostic Capabilities:

Includes diagnostic procedures and potential troubleshooting steps, likely referencing specific fault codes or symptom-based diagnostics.

📊 Manual Specifications

File Format:

PDF (Portable Document Format)

Searchability:

Likely text-searchable if professionally created PDF, allowing for quick access to specific topics.

Printability:

Designed to be printable, allowing users to create physical copies for workshop use.

Binding Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

Paper Type:

N/A (Digital PDF format)

⚙️ Engine Specifications

Engine Families:

Primarily PSA XU and EW (petrol) and XUD (diesel) engines.

Petrol Engine Variants:

1.1L (TU series, less common in 306), 1.4L (XU5JP, XU5M), 1.6L (XU7JP, XU7M), 1.8L (XU7PB, XU7), 2.0L (XU10J2, XU10J4 - including GTi-6/Rallye variants). Later models may feature EW series engines (1.6, 2.0). Specific codes like LFX (1.8 16v) and RFY (2.0 GTi-6) are important.

Diesel Engine Variants:

1.9L naturally aspirated (XUD7TE), 1.9L turbodiesel (XUD7TE, XUD9TE), 2.0L HDi turbodiesel (DW10TD). Direct injection (Di) and indirect injection (TDi) variants exist.

Horsepower Range:

Approximately 60 hp (1.1L) to 167 hp (2.0L GTi-6/Rallye).

Torque Range:

Varies significantly by engine, e.g., 1.4L petrol around 110-115 Nm, 2.0L HDi around 205 Nm.

Fuel Delivery Petrol:

Electronic Fuel Injection (MPI - Multi-Point Injection).

Fuel Delivery Diesel:

Rotary or inline injection pumps for older XUD diesels; Common Rail Injection (HDI).

Ignition System:

Distributorless Ignition System (DIS) or traditional distributor with coil pack depending on year and engine.

🔧 Transmission

Standard Transmission:

5-speed manual transmission (e.g., BE3, MA5).

Optional Transmission:

4-speed automatic transmission (e.g., AL4).

Clutch Type:

Hydraulically actuated dry single-plate clutch.

Gear Ratios:

Specific gear ratios would be detailed in the manual for each transmission variant and engine combination.

📐 Dimensions

Length Approx:

Hatchback: ~4030 mm, Estate: ~4215 mm, Saloon: ~4215 mm, Convertible: ~4005 mm

Width Approx:

~1690-1710 mm

Height Approx:

~1390-1430 mm (Hatchback), ~1440-1460 mm (Estate)

Curb Weight Range:

~1050 kg to ~1350 kg depending on engine and body style.

🛡️ Safety Features

Euro Ncap Rating:

Early Euro NCAP tests (if applicable for the covered years) would be relevant. The 306 generally performed moderately for its era, with improvements in later models. Specific ratings would need verification for the exact year.

Active Safety Features:

Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) - often optional or standard on higher trims. Power assisted braking.

Passive Safety Features:

Front airbags (driver and passenger - often optional or standard on later models), seatbelt pre-tensioners, reinforced safety cell, side impact protection beams.

💡 Technology Features

Audio System:

Factory fitted radio/cassette or CD player, often with steering wheel controls on higher trims. Speaker configurations varied.

Driver Assistance Systems:

Limited by modern standards. ABS was the primary advanced system. Some models might have had basic trip computers.

Connectivity Features:

Basic connectivity, primarily through the audio system. No Bluetooth or USB as standard.

🔧 Maintenance

Oil Change Interval:

Typically 6,000 - 10,000 miles (10,000 - 16,000 km) or 12 months, depending on engine type and oil used. Refer to manual for specific engine/oil recommendation.

Timing Belt Replacement:

Crucial for interference engines (most XU and EW petrols, XUD diesels). Generally every 60,000 - 80,000 miles (100,000 - 120,000 km) or 5 years. Failure can cause catastrophic engine damage.

Engine Oil Type:

Depends on engine. Common specifications include: PSA Grade 4 (10W-40, 15W-50) for older XU/XUD, and various API SL/SM or ACEA A3/B3/B4 specifications for later EW engines. Refer to manual for exact grade and viscosity.

Coolant Type:

Ethylene glycol-based antifreeze, typically a blue or purple/pink long-life coolant. PSA specific coolant types might be recommended. Capacity approx. 7-8 liters.

Brake Fluid Type:

DOT 4 brake fluid.

Transmission Fluid Manual:

GL-4 specification gear oil, typically 75W-80 or 75W-90. Capacity around 2.2 - 2.5 liters.

Transmission Fluid Automatic:

Specific ATF fluid (e.g., LT 71141 for AL4) - critical to use the correct type. Capacity around 5-6 liters for a full change.

Common Faults:

Rear axle beam pivot bearings wear out, causing alignment issues and a knocking noise. Suspension drop links, ball joints, and bushes can wear. Electrical gremlins (window motors, central locking) are not uncommon. Radiator fan issues. Clutch slave cylinder leaks. Engine management issues on some petrol variants.

Hdi Engine Issues:

Glow plug issues, turbo wear, injector sealing problems, some variants can suffer from oil pump drive wear.

Petrol Engine Issues:

Uneven idling (throttle body issues), oil leaks, potential for head gasket failure on higher mileage engines, ignition coil pack failures.

📚 Vehicle History

Peugeot Legacy:

Peugeot has a long history of producing well-handling and comfortable small to medium family cars, building on the success of models like the 205 and 309.

Generation Details:

The 306 replaced the 309. It underwent two major facelifts: Phase 1 (1993-1997) characterized by sharp styling, and Phase 2 (1997-2002) with a softer, more rounded front end and revised interior. The convertible was introduced later.

Manufacturing Locations:

Primarily manufactured in France (e.g., Aulnay-sous-Bois, Mulhouse) and the UK (Ryton-on-Dunsmore).

🏆 Awards & Recognition

Industry Accolades:

While specific awards for the 306 aren't prominently recalled as headline wins, it was generally well-received by the motoring press for its handling and ride quality, often praised in group tests against its contemporaries.

Customer Satisfaction:

Customer satisfaction varied; while praised for driving dynamics, reliability issues in certain areas (like the rear axle) affected its perception compared to some rivals.