Sluggish, slow, engine low power

2003 PEUGEOT 307
120,000 MILES • 1.6L • 4 CYL • FWD • MANUAL
Avatar
BDRAW
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi,

I recently bought list car from an auction. The car has a lumpy idle and shakes ever so slightly like it has a misfire. It is under powered, sluggish and the throttle response is pretty shocking too. The car will struggle to hold a steady rpm. For example. I will take it up to 1,500 rpm and hold the throttle still, but the rpm will drop.

Earlier today I plugged in a code reader. It does not support Peugeot but I was able to access the live data. Eg: Rpm, oil temperature, coolant temperature etc. And noticed something called

LTFT (long term fuel trim)

and

STFT (short term fuel trim)

The STFT was fluctuating quite a lot with a wide range. I have no idea what it is, but googled what they should be. As far as I am aware the LTFT should be anywhere from 12% to 14% Where as the LTFT on my Peugeot is at a constant 0.78%.

I also read that the STFT should be 6% of the LTFT or something a long those lines. But instead it is all over the place constantly fluctuating on idle to and from 0.00%, 3.12%, 0.078%, 2.34%, -1.57%, -0.75%.

When the engine is revved the STFT jumps to 11.71% and the LTFT stays at a constant 0.78 when revved and on idle. It does not change.

As far and I am aware this means the car is compensating for something, creating a rich mixture. Am I right in thinking that it could be any of these?

Maf or O2 sensor fault, Intake gasket leaks, cracked inlet or split hoses, clogged or dirty fuel injectors, fuel delivery issues or exhaust restrictions such as a clogged catalytic converter?

Originally I thought I might have an inlet leak not only because its plastic, but because if you stab the throttle there is a fluffing sound from the inlet and then it revs immediately afterwards, but delayed. There is also a rich exhaust smell coming from the engine bay.

My theory was then ruled out when I read that if you hold the rpm at a steady 2500 and the STFT immediately decreases and goes down to an acceptable level and the LTFT starts to go down too, that, that means you have an air leak. Whereas my LTFT stays at 0.78 no matter what and the STFT rises a as high as 11.71%.

From this data could anyone please narrow down what it could be? I am stumped. I do not want to throw money at the car, going out and buying loads of different parts until I find the problem.

Thanks for your help and expertise.

Kind regards,
Ben.
Jul 24, 2017 at 3:16 PM
Advertisement
Avatar
STRAILER
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 53,854 POSTS
Hello,

It sounds like you have cylinder with low compression which will cause those readings. Here is a guide to help you run a test to confirm the problem.

If you do not have a gauge you can rent one from the auto part store for free.

https://www.2carpros.com/articles/how-to-test-engine-compression

Please run this test and get back to us we are interested to see what it is.

Cheers, Ken
Jul 25, 2017 at 2:07 PM
Avatar
JUBEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
My car is not going as fast as it should or as it normally does, even with my foot to the floor, however my revs arent affected. Initially I thought this was a clutch problem, however after reading so many articles online about clutches, Im now not so sure. My car isnt showing any other signs of the cluthc going eg slipping or smelling etc.HELP!! :-)
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Advertisement
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS
Ensure the floor mat is not restricting the limit of accelerator movement.

Is the MIL indicating?
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JUBEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
OMG.... It was my mat... I now feel like the biggest numpty EVER and cant stop laughing! I've been panicking about it being my cluthch and costing me a fortune!!! I am such aatypical girl :-) Thanks very much you have made my day!!! :-)
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KHLOW2008
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 41,814 POSTS


The thing just came to mind immediately when I saw your post so I don't know if it is yours or my lucky day, lol.

Have a great day.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JUBEZ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Thank you so much for your expertise! Lets class it as both our lucky days lol :-)
Thanks again!
:-)
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
XAERO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
Engine Performance problem
2002 Peugeot 307 4 cyl Front Wheel Drive Manual 60000 miles

hi, i have a 2.0 litre 110 hdi 307. when outside air temp is below 12 degrees and engine is cold (below 65 degrees) can only get 2000 rpm max. as soon as temps go above these levels engine runs normally. air mass and lambda sensors replaced to no avail. please help.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
PUGGIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've had the same problem for over 12 months now. dealer has had car in a while back for a full week reproduced fault, registered fault codes but has been unable to fix it.

Any suggestions would be welcome.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DRDINO
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Have you checked the coolant temperature sensor?
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
XAERO
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
coolant temp sensor is ok, guy at work took plug off top of air flow regulator to check it out and it runs ok without it but sluggish at bottom end(takes longer for turbo to spool up). as soon as it is reconnected it runs like a sack of spuds again.

even peugeot mechs can't work it out.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
PUGGIE
  • MEMBER
  • 2 POSTS
I've had an anti pollution fault and had the particulate filter replaced.

They found the differential pressure sensor was full of water when trying to reprogram.

Since then I've not had the problem, but it wasn't all the time and could still come back.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
KEANETRACIE
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Hi,

my car is loosing power randomly and begins to shake when standing in traffic. what are the possible issues with this?

Tracie
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
HMAC300
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 48,601 POSTS
we have no information on these cars as they are not sold in US, but you can get it scanned for codes and check fuel pressure with a gauge if you have one. also clean throttle plate on both sides with choke cleaner and iac hole. also check for a vacuum leak like a hose broken/leaking etc.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:07 PM (Merged)
Avatar
FRANK REMMER
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Performance problem
2002 Peugeot 307 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 110259 miles

My car is a 1.4 HDI, it runs perfect on a flat road but looses power on a incline, airvalve checked ok, turbo checked ok. Please can you help.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DAVE H
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 13,384 POSTS
start by replacing the fuel filter and adding a good fuel cleaner to the tank to clean the lines and injectors !
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DAVIDSPOG
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Performance problem
2001 Peugeot 307 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 55000 miles

car wont go over 30 and wont rev past 3000 rpm it is a 2litre diesel help being told egr valve
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DOCFIXIT
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 18,828 POSTS
Check fuel pressure
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JTJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
2006 Peugeot 307 4 cyl All Wheel Drive

When driving for a while, engine not response to acceleration,and then stopped
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
Will it re start straight away?

Mark (mhpautos)
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JTJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Yes, it re-start straight away after re-starting the engine immediately
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
I would be looking for a loose electrical connection with in the ignition system first.

Mark
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
JTJ
  • MEMBER
  • 3 POSTS
Where can I get electrical diagram for my Peugeot
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
MHPAUTOS
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 31,937 POSTS
Our data base does not cover Peugeot as yet so i have nothing to send you, after market work shop manuals are fairly cheap and they will have electrical schematics and fault finding tips as well, this may be a good cheap investment in your car.

Mark (mhpautos)
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
TUFTY
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
I have a peugot 307 51 reg. It has slowly been losing power and the engine light has come in but the message keeps changing from cat converter fault to anti pollution fault. I had the cat converter replaced just over a year ago. It's shuttering when I'm in the lower gears and needs a lot of revs to change gears. When I drive up a hill it losing a lot of speed and slows down
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DAVE H
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 13,384 POSTS
anti pollution filter and cat convertor are basically the same thing .. have the car plugged into a diagnostic computer to read the fault codes and repost with full codes for more assistance
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
ISSAM
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Performance problem
2007 Peugeot 307 4 cyl Four Wheel Drive Automatic

troulbe code 1152
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DAVE H
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 13,384 POSTS
you have a fault on the H02 sensor somewhere could be the sensor could be the wiring !
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
BUZZHANS
  • MEMBER
  • 1 POST
Engine Performance problem
2005 Peugeot 307 4 cyl Two Wheel Drive Manual 72000 miles

Hi, My 307 has the EGE valve disconnected and runs fine, but once its connected it runs very poor. Any suggestions will be highly appreciated. Thank you.
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)
Avatar
DAVE H
  • CERTIFIED EXPERT
  • 13,384 POSTS
replace the valve !
Jul 25, 2017 at 8:08 PM (Merged)