🏷️ Basic Information Identification Make: Peugeot Model: 309 Codes Chassis Codes: 309 👋 Introduction Market Position Positioning: The Peugeot 309 was positioned as a compact family hatchback, competing in a crowded segment against rivals like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Vauxhall/Opel Astra. Competitive Analysis Competition: The 309 offered a distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and a range of efficient and sporting engines, particularly the GTI variants, which were highly regarded for their handling and performance. Key Features Features: Notable for its shared platform with the Talbot Horizon and its unique asymmetrical dashboard design. Available in 3-door and 5-door configurations. 📋 Manual Details Coverage Areas Applicable Model Years: 1986-1993 (Estimated based on production run) Trim Levels Covered: All trim levels (e.g., GL, GR, GT, GTI, SR, SX, etc.) Page Count Estimated Page Count: Extensive (Typical for a comprehensive service manual, often 800-1500+ pages when printed) Manual Type Type: Service Manual / Repair Manual Language Language: English (Assumed, standard for most widely distributed manuals of this era) Format Digital Format: PDF 📖 Manual Coverage Systems Covered Engine Mechanical: Complete overhaul, diagnosis, repair, timing belt replacement, cylinder head, block, pistons, crankshaft, camshaft, lubrication system, cooling system. Fuel System: Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic, Bosch LE-Jetronic depending on model), carburetion (Zenith, Solex), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank and lines. Transmission Manual: Clutch system (master and slave cylinders, clutch disc, pressure plate), gear shift linkage, transmission disassembly, assembly, fluid change, torque specifications. Transmission Automatic: Automatic transaxle system, torque converter, valve body, fluid change and checking, diagnosis and repair (where applicable). Suspension Front: MacPherson struts, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, anti-roll bar, wheel bearing replacement, front wheel alignment. Steering System: Manual steering rack, power steering system (pump, hoses, fluid), steering column, steering wheel removal, tie rod ends. Brake System: Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (model dependent), brake calipers, pads, discs, wheel cylinders, brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake fluid flush and bleeding, parking brake. Body And Chassis: Body repair, panel replacement, door mechanisms, window regulators, glass replacement, seals, bumpers, hood, trunk lid, interior trim removal and installation. Supplemental Restraint System: Airbag systems (where applicable for later models), seat belt maintenance and replacement, SRS warning light diagnosis. Emission Control: Emission control systems, catalytic converters (for models so equipped), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems. Lighting System: Headlight aiming, bulb replacement, auxiliary lighting, interior lighting, combination meter illumination. Wiper And Washer: Front and rear wiper motor operation, wiper linkage, washer fluid reservoir, pump and nozzles, wiper switch operation. Instrument Panel: Instrument cluster diagnostics, gauge operation, warning lights interpretation, odometer and trip meter functions. Exhaust System: Exhaust pipe replacement, muffler and catalytic converter service, exhaust hanger inspection and repair. Body Repair Sheet Metal: Procedures for replacing body panels, rust repair techniques, welding specifications (where applicable). Fuel Tank And Lines: Fuel tank removal and installation, fuel line inspection and repair, fuel filter replacement. Ignition System Ignition System Coverage: Distributor, ignition coils, spark plugs, ignition timing adjustment, electronic ignition control modules. Suspension Rear Suspension Rear Coverage: Torsion beam axle (or independent suspension depending on variant), shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings, rear wheel alignment. Electrical System Electrical System Coverage: Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures. Climate Control Climate Control Coverage: Heater core, blower motor, ventilation system, air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, diagnosis - if applicable). Procedures Included Maintenance: Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement, lubricant specifications. Troubleshooting: Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable). Repair: Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements. Wheel And Tire: Tire pressure checking, wheel balancing, tire rotation, wheel nut torque specifications, tire pressure monitoring system (if applicable). Diagnostic Tools: Information on diagnostic connectors and basic diagnostic procedures, though limited compared to modern OBD-II systems. Technical Depth Depth: Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork. Special Tools: Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures, such as timing belt tensioner tools, clutch alignment tools, and bearing pullers. 📊 Manual Specifications File Format Format: PDF Print Quality Quality: High-resolution scans of original manuals, ensuring clear text and diagrams. Binding Type Binding: N/A (Digital format) Paper Type Paper: N/A (Digital format) ⚙️ Engine Specifications Primary Engine Engine Variants: Range of petrol engines: 1.1L (TU1), 1.3L (ET3), 1.4L (TU3), 1.6L (XU5M), 1.9L (XU9). Diesel engines: 1.9L (XUD7, XUD9). Performance Horsepower Range: Approximately 55 hp (1.1L) to 130 hp (1.9 GTI). Torque Range: Varies significantly by engine, with diesel engines offering strong low-end torque. Fuel System Injection...
The Peugeot 309 was positioned as a compact family hatchback, competing in a crowded segment against rivals like the Ford Escort, Volkswagen Golf, and Vauxhall/Opel Astra.
Competitive Analysis
Competition:
The 309 offered a distinctive styling, comfortable ride, and a range of efficient and sporting engines, particularly the GTI variants, which were highly regarded for their handling and performance.
Key Features
Features:
Notable for its shared platform with the Talbot Horizon and its unique asymmetrical dashboard design. Available in 3-door and 5-door configurations.
📋 Manual Details
Coverage Areas
Applicable Model Years:
1986-1993 (Estimated based on production run)
Trim Levels Covered:
All trim levels (e.g., GL, GR, GT, GTI, SR, SX, etc.)
Page Count
Estimated Page Count:
Extensive (Typical for a comprehensive service manual, often 800-1500+ pages when printed)
Manual Type
Type:
Service Manual / Repair Manual
Language
Language:
English (Assumed, standard for most widely distributed manuals of this era)
Fuel injection (KE-Jetronic, Bosch LE-Jetronic depending on model), carburetion (Zenith, Solex), fuel pumps, injectors, fuel pressure regulators, fuel filter replacement, fuel tank and lines.
Transmission Manual:
Clutch system (master and slave cylinders, clutch disc, pressure plate), gear shift linkage, transmission disassembly, assembly, fluid change, torque specifications.
Transmission Automatic:
Automatic transaxle system, torque converter, valve body, fluid change and checking, diagnosis and repair (where applicable).
Suspension Front:
MacPherson struts, coil springs, shock absorbers, control arms, ball joints, anti-roll bar, wheel bearing replacement, front wheel alignment.
Steering System:
Manual steering rack, power steering system (pump, hoses, fluid), steering column, steering wheel removal, tie rod ends.
Brake System:
Front disc brakes, rear drum or disc brakes (model dependent), brake calipers, pads, discs, wheel cylinders, brake master cylinder, brake booster, brake fluid flush and bleeding, parking brake.
Body And Chassis:
Body repair, panel replacement, door mechanisms, window regulators, glass replacement, seals, bumpers, hood, trunk lid, interior trim removal and installation.
Supplemental Restraint System:
Airbag systems (where applicable for later models), seat belt maintenance and replacement, SRS warning light diagnosis.
Emission Control:
Emission control systems, catalytic converters (for models so equipped), exhaust gas recirculation (EGR) systems, evaporative emission control (EVAP) systems.
Torsion beam axle (or independent suspension depending on variant), shock absorbers, coil springs, bushings, rear wheel alignment.
Electrical System
Electrical System Coverage:
Battery, charging system (alternator, regulator), starting system (starter motor), lighting system (headlamps, taillamps, interior lights), fuses, relays, wiring diagrams, diagnostic procedures.
Climate Control
Climate Control Coverage:
Heater core, blower motor, ventilation system, air conditioning system (refrigerant, compressor, condenser, evaporator, diagnosis - if applicable).
Procedures Included
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, oil and filter changes, air filter replacement, spark plug replacement, coolant flush, brake fluid flush, belt inspection and replacement, lubricant specifications.
Troubleshooting:
Diagnostic flowcharts for common problems, symptom-based troubleshooting, fault code interpretation (if applicable).
Repair:
Detailed step-by-step repair procedures for all major components and systems, including torque specifications, clearances, and special tool requirements.
Information on diagnostic connectors and basic diagnostic procedures, though limited compared to modern OBD-II systems.
Technical Depth
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to full engine and transmission rebuilds, advanced electrical diagnostics, and bodywork.
Special Tools:
Identification and usage of special tools required for specific repair procedures, such as timing belt tensioner tools, clutch alignment tools, and bearing pullers.
📊 Manual Specifications
File Format
Format:
PDF
Print Quality
Quality:
High-resolution scans of original manuals, ensuring clear text and diagrams.
Binding Type
Binding:
N/A (Digital format)
Paper Type
Paper:
N/A (Digital format)
⚙️ Engine Specifications
Primary Engine
Engine Variants:
Range of petrol engines: 1.1L (TU1), 1.3L (ET3), 1.4L (TU3), 1.6L (XU5M), 1.9L (XU9). Diesel engines: 1.9L (XUD7, XUD9).
Performance
Horsepower Range:
Approximately 55 hp (1.1L) to 130 hp (1.9 GTI).
Torque Range:
Varies significantly by engine, with diesel engines offering strong low-end torque.
Fuel System
Injection Systems:
Bosch K-Jetronic or L-Jetronic fuel injection for petrol engines, carburetion on earlier or lower-spec models. Diesel engines use Bosch rotary or inline injection pumps.
🔧 Transmission
Standard
Standard Transmission:
5-speed manual transaxle (BE1/BE3).
Optional
Optional Transmission:
3-speed automatic transaxle (ASR) on select petrol models.
Features
Transmission Features:
Front-wheel drive.
📐 Dimensions
Exterior
Length:
Approximately 4030-4050 mm (depending on variant).
Width:
Approximately 1690-1710 mm.
Height:
Approximately 1400-1430 mm.
Weights
Curb Weight:
Approximately 950-1150 kg (depending on engine and equipment).
🛡️ Safety Features
Ratings
Euro Ncap Rating:
Not applicable (Euro NCAP was established later).
Passive Features
Passive Safety:
Seat belts (front, rear), reinforced passenger cell, impact-absorbing steering column. Later models may have driver airbag options.
Active Features
Active Safety:
Four-wheel disc brakes on some performance models (e.g., GTI). Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) was a rare option on higher-spec models.
💡 Technology Features
Infotainment
Infotainment Features:
Basic radio/cassette player, analogue instrumentation, optional central locking and electric windows on higher trims.
Driver Assistance
Driver Assistance Features:
Limited to basic safety features; no electronic driver assistance systems like traction control or stability control were common.
Connectivity
Connectivity:
N/A (No modern connectivity features such as Bluetooth or USB were available).
🔧 Maintenance
Service Intervals
Oil Change Interval:
Typically every 10,000 km or 12 months, whichever comes first.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Every 80,000 km or 5 years, crucial to prevent catastrophic engine damage on interference engines (e.g., XU series).
Fluid Specifications
Engine Oil Specification:
API SF/SG or ACEA A2/B2, viscosity 10W-40 or 15W-50 depending on climate. Consult manual for specific engine requirements.
Coolant Specification:
Ethylene glycol based antifreeze, mixed with distilled water (50/50 ratio). Refer to manual for specific Peugeot coolant type.
Brake Fluid Specification:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 hydraulic brake fluid.
Transmission Fluid Manual:
SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 hypoid gear oil (e.g., Esso/Mobil ATF LT 71141 for some automatics).
Known Issues
Common Problems:
Rust on wheel arches and sills, electrical gremlins ( Lucas components), ageing suspension bushings, timing belt failure if not replaced on schedule, cooling system leaks.
📚 Vehicle History
Brand Heritage
Peugeot Heritage:
Peugeot, a French automotive manufacturer, has a long and storied history dating back to 1810, known for its robust engineering and sporting heritage.
Model Evolution
309 Evolution:
Launched in 1986 as a successor to the Peugeot 305, the 309 marked a departure with its hatchback design and a move upmarket. It was produced until 1993, with a facelift in 1989.
Production
Production Locations:
Primarily manufactured in Poissy, France, and Ryton-on-Dunsmore, England (for the UK market).
🏆 Awards & Recognition
Recognitions
Automotive Awards:
While the 309 itself didn't garner major awards, the performance variants like the 309 GTI were highly praised by automotive journalists for their dynamic capabilities and value for money.