1990 Peugeot 205 Rallye – Workshop Service & Repair Manual

1990 Peugeot 205 Rallye 1.3L FAQs: Common Issues, Solutions & Maintenance Tips

• Why might my 1990 Peugeot 205 Rallye (1294cc) with twin Weber carburetors run poorly or have a high idle?

  This is quite common. Your twin Weber 40 DCOM carburetors can be finicky. Poor running or a high idle usually points to them being out of sync, or perhaps an air leak. Sometimes a small part, like the idle ignition capsule, can break, letting too much air in. You'll want to check the flexible carburetor supports too; if they're cracked, they'll cause air leaks and affect the fuel-air mixture. A specialist who knows these Webers well can really help fine-tune them.

• I hear creaking from the rear and notice my 205 Rallye's back wheels have a strange angle. What could be the problem?

  Ah, this sounds like the classic 205 rear beam issue. Those roller bearings in the rear suspension arms tend to wear out over time. If they fail, they can damage the entire axle beam! The creaking and noticeable negative camber on your rear wheels are tell-tale signs. It's an expensive fix, often needing a full rebuild or replacement of the rear axle assembly, so get it checked soon to avoid more serious damage.

• My 1990 Peugeot 205 Rallye sometimes cranks but won't start, or cuts out when I'm driving. What usually causes this?

  That's certainly frustrating! For intermittent starting or cutting out, especially when braking, a common culprit is often the fuel pump relay. It’s a known weak point in these cars. You might also want to look at the distributor or check if any vacuum pipes are loose. Sometimes, ignition timing can be a bit off too, so having that checked could solve the issue.

• Where should I be particularly concerned about rust on my 1990 Peugeot 205 Rallye?

  Rust is a big one for older 205s. You'll definitely want to check the inner wings, especially around the washer bottle and where the jack sits. The floorpans, boot floor, and sills are also common spots, often exacerbated by leaky windows or tailgate seals. Don't forget the chassis rails; they can rust from the inside out. Under the back seat and around the fuel tank are sneaky places too. Get ahead of it, as it can be quite a task to fix properly.

• My 205 Rallye's gear changes feel loose, or it sometimes pops out of third or second gear. What might be going on?

  A sloppy gear change usually points to worn gear linkages, which is a fairly common fix. If it's specifically popping out of third or second gear, especially when you lift off the power, that often indicates a worn synchromesh in the gearbox. Engine mounts that are past their best can also contribute to this. It's worth getting the linkages inspected first, then consider the gearbox itself if the problem persists.