Gear Slips and Traction Control

[will94117]

I own a Peugot 206 1.4 Litre engine, 2004 model. It has 180,000 km.

This is the model with the Triptronic System for gear shifting.

When I start the car, it frequently stalls unless I keep the accelerator pressed in for about 10 seconds. After a click - not sure what it is - the car stays on. This happened occasionally in cold weather when I bought it 2 years ago; but it is now every time.

When I drive, it has both manual and automatic and all 4 forward gears for about 1000 meters; then, it automatically switches to automatic - will not allow manual gears - and refuses to shift into what would be 4th gear or overdrive. On the highway, this means driving in 3rd gear at about 4,500 RPM - in the slow lane.

Just before dropping to 3rd gear and shutting off the manual gears; the car's traction control system warning light comes on (this is the S and snowflake lights together - which I am told is the traction control and possibly anti-lock brakes).

The car also turns on the headlights for a quick second when the ignition is turned with the key. And, the A/C button will not stay in without being wedged with a business card or paperclip.

The diagnostic test - not at a Peugot dealer, but with Peugot software - diagnosed a short at the pentometer and another at the A/C. I foolishly spent money to replace the pentometer; which accomplished nothing, and I think the A/C short was due to the switch being held in place with a paperclip at the time of the test. My mechanic did say the area near the pentometer was packed with carbon, and he wanted to clean it. He said he cleaned a little and thought it was improving the stall problems; but, I've asked him to wait until we know the full problem.

Does anyone have any idea what may be causing the traction control alert to come on and the triptronic manual mode to stop? Any idea why it drops into 3rd gear?

Part of me thinks this could be a small electrical problem coinciding with the need to have the gear box (or triptronic system) replaced. But, because the drop happens with the traction control every time, and resets after being parked, I am reluctant to replace the gear box without first solving the electrical.

Thanks for your help; and, thank you to all the people who reply to these posts.

[reap]

sounds like a fault with the multi function switch mounted on the top of the al4 gearbox. the sports and snow light represent a fault with gearbox.also maybe the very common pressure fault (borg warner solenoids)

[will94117]

I have now had three mechanics look at the car; and, all agree it is the gears; but, there is disagreement about whether it is the computer controlling the triptronics, or the transmission itself.

I found a salvage yard specializing in Pugeot that will sell me a new transmission for 2,800 dirham (about 475 pounds) and 400 dirhams for labor (about 68 pounds). But, this may not solve the problem if it is with the computer.

However, to convert the car to manual, I am told it would cost about the same - maybe a little less. Still, I am hesitant because it involves so many more parts than replacing the transmission. I trust the mechanics here (United Arab Emirates) to be pretty competent with many things; but, utterly incapable where electronics are concerned. Is there much electrical work involved in converting a car to manual? One mechanic says I will have a permanent check engine light on. Does anyone know if this is a fairly complicated or simple procedure? Is there much electrical work involved. Anything that is unique to a Peugeot?

Thanks for help.