406oc.co.uk

hi, im new here and looking at buying my first 406.

It's a bargain but has a problem - the dash says that there is auto transmission problem.

It seems to drive fine but cuts out every few minutes. It can be re-started after it cuts out.

any ideas on what the problem is?

Ryan

Is it a private sale or from a used car dealership?

If it's from a dealership I'd insist that they change the automatic transmission fluid (at their expense) as this is a common cause for auto-box issues - the fluid needs to be exactly the right type, and filled to a precise level.

If it's a private sale, I'd walk away - plenty of other 406s out there at bargain prices.

What are they advertising it for, how old is it, what engine is in it, and what trim level is it? L, LX, Rapier, GLX, GTX, S, SE, or Executive? Sometimes says it on the wings, just under the side indicator lights.

It's private , but only $500 , didnt think you could go wrong at that price.

It's a 3L v6. Not sure on trim level, but it does have a leather interior with climate control

is it normal for the engine to cut off if the auto trans fluid is low??

If it drives fine, perhaps it is just the level sensor?

V6 cars were typically given the works.

Hmm. If the car is flagging up an auto-gearbox issue and stalling, I'd have thought maybe the car was intermittently selecting the wrong gear? Not an auto-box expert myself, I've never driven an automatic - I've just heard that these boxes are very sensitive to the type and quantity of fluid. Even changing the fluid might help this problem; they're meant to be sealed for life, but that's not true - all kinds of grit and crap can get in and screw up the box. Coupe Club members have said that you really want to change the fluid periodically (80,000 - 100,000 miles or so) just to keep the complex and sensitive gearbox alive.

It might be coincidental though - the car is flagging up gearbox problems in addition to the cutting out issue. I'd recommend looking at the throttle body and the mass airflow sensor - the throttle body has a butterfly valve in it which may stick, and is connected to the inlet manifold with a gasket which is known to crumble; the mass airflow sensor can fail, registering the wrong air pressure, resulting in the wrong fuel/air mix. Problems with both of these parts can cause rough idling and cause the engine to cut out altogether (my own Coupe had the crumbly gasket; the engine was idling badly and cutting out - replacing the gasket sorted out the problem).

Either way, I'd be looking at finding another 406.

You mentioned a $ currency - is this in Australia or New Zealand?

australia
There aernt many 406's around, especially at this price!

Cool! There are a few people on here from Australia (STALLED, one of the moderators, for example).

The problem is that if the auto-box is knackered, it will cost a fair chunk of money to repair or to replace it - so the bargain price may signify the car is potentially a lemon.

What I'd do is ask the seller if you can take the car to a garage (they can come with you if they like), and you can ask the garage to give the car a quick check over, see if they can see anything simple that may be causing the engine to cut-out, or the gearbox to flash. The garage can also change the gearbox oil as well. If they come back with a ridiculous figure for repair costs, you can walk away. If they come back with a reasonable repair cost, use that as a bargaining chip with the seller (you'll buy it and repair it, but you want a bit off their asking price).

I think i will buy this car, it seems to run fine with the safety mode on so the gearbox can't be too bad. Might just need some fluid - can anyone tell me where the filler neck is?

oh yeah, and is normal fluid ok, or do i need special peugeot stuff? and how much? thanks guys

ryan1980 wrote:oh yeah, and is normal fluid ok, or do i need special peugeot stuff? and how much? thanks guys

AL4/4HP20 gearoil by ESSO

Yep!

$500 is pretty good buying - if it has a stuffed box. Have you tried one of the French car wreckers around, if they can price up a second hand box?

Which part of Australia are you in BTW?

perth mate