If you drive a Citroën like a C4, Picasso or a Peugeot like the 307, 308, 207, you may have already seen the message “Anti-pollution system faulty” which triggers the orange engine warning light.
What does the message “Anti-pollution system faulty” mean?
Why does it appear alongside the warning “Engine fault: have the vehicle repaired” and can you keep driving?
How can you identify the root cause of the issue and fix it?
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Anti-pollution system faulty – what does it mean?
The message "Anti-pollution system faulty" means your vehicle has an emissions-related issue. This kind of warning usually activates the engine warning light on your dashboard.
This message is only used on PSA Group vehicles (Peugeot / Citroën) such as:
- Citroën C4
- Peugeot 207
- Peugeot 308
- Peugeot 307
- C4 Picasso
- Citroën C3
- Peugeot 3008
- Citroën C5
- Etc.
Why does the message “Engine fault: have the vehicle repaired” appear?
What is an engine fault?
An engine fault is an electronic or mechanical failure, or a malfunction in the anti-pollution system of your vehicle.
This issue is detected by your vehicle’s Engine Control Unit (ECU). As soon as the ECU detects a fault, the orange engine warning light comes on. On Peugeot and Citroën vehicles, one of the following messages may appear:
- Engine fault: have the vehicle repaired
- Anti-pollution system faulty
The engine fault can originate from several components in your vehicle:
- Faulty oxygen sensor (lambda sensor)
- Clogged EGR valve
- DPF (Diesel Particulate Filter)
- Throttle body
- Etc.
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Can you keep driving with the anti-pollution warning light on?
When the “Anti-pollution system faulty” message triggers the engine warning light, the light can behave differently depending on the issue detected.
Depending on the fault, several operating modes are possible:
- Steady light: The ECU confirms a fault affecting emissions. The vehicle can still be driven...
- Flashing light: A fault has been detected that could damage some parts of the vehicle. In this case, it is strongly advised to stop the vehicle as soon as possible. The vehicle may also enter limp mode (limited power and RPM).
- Intermittent: A fault has been detected but not yet confirmed. The light will go off by itself if the fault does not persist.
How can you find the source of the “anti-pollution system faulty” message?
The message may be triggered by many different causes. There are many parts in your vehicle that can lead to an emissions issue.
The only way to know exactly where the problem comes from is to plug a Car Diagnostics Scanner into your vehicle. The scanner will run a full engine check and return a specific Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) (e.g. P0380: Glow plug circuit malfunction), which will help you identify the faulty component and fix the issue by replacing it.
You can also go to a garage, where a mechanic will connect a Peugeot or Citroën diagnostics scanner to identify the root cause. However, be aware that a diagnostics session may cost between €60 and €120 depending on the workshop or dealership.
Learn more
That concludes this article on the different reasons “Anti-pollution system faulty” or “Anti-pollution system to be checked” message may appear. If you have any advice or questions, feel free to share them in the comments.
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