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PSA/BMW 1.6 THP and 1.6 VTi (familia Prince, EP6)Urgency: Garage soon

Engine fault warning light (check engine) in the 1.6 THP engine: causes

In the 1.6 THP engine, 3 documented faults may be the cause: timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012), high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions and spark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THP.[1][4]

What to do now

Garage soon

If it stays on steadily, you can drive gently to a garage and ask for a fault code read-out. If it flashes or you notice a loss of power, slow down and get to a garage as soon as possible.

What it means

The orange engine-shaped warning light comes on when the ECU detects a fault affecting combustion or emissions. If it flashes, it usually points to misfires that can damage the catalytic converter.

Engine warning light: causes in all cars

12 sourcesHow we work

Engine faults that cause it

From most to least important. Under each fault, how the symptom shows up. Check the affected years and versions on each page.

  1. Source for the symptom[1]

  2. Source for the symptom[1]

  3. Source for the symptom[4]

Other common causes: engine warning light

Besides the documented faults of the 1.6 THP, these are the most common causes on any car according to the sources.

  • Faulty lambda sensor (oxygen sensor)[6][7]Common
  • Dirty or blocked EGR valve[6][8]Common
  • Deteriorated or blocked catalytic converter[6][9][10]Common
  • Spark plugs, coils or ignition leads in poor condition[6][11]Common
  • Faulty injectors[6]Possible
  • Blocked particulate filter[8]Possible

What to check first

  1. Note how the light behaves (steady or flashing; yellow, orange or red) and whether the car loses power, jerks, makes noises or gives off smoke. That decides whether you can carry on or must stop.[6][12]
  2. Check that the fuel filler cap is properly closed: a badly closed cap is one of the causes RACE cites and the easiest to rule out.[6]
  3. Have the codes read through the OBD port at a garage with a diagnostic machine: the error codes point to the part that is failing (sensor, EGR, injectors, ignition, catalytic converter).[6][10][11]
  4. Repair the cause and only then reset the light with the diagnostic machine. If you clear it without repairing, it will come back on.[6]
Complete guide: engine fault warning light (check engine)

Cars with the 1.6 THP engine

Open yours to see only the faults that affect it according to its years and versions.

Frequently asked questions

Engine warning light in the 1.6 THP: what could it be?

In the 1.6 THP engine, 3 documented faults may be the cause: timing chain and tensioner stretch (turbo versions, before 2012), high-pressure fuel pump (HPFP) failure on the turbo versions and spark plugs and ignition coils that wear out early on the 1.6 THP. Each fault has its own page with the affected years and versions, the cause and how to check for it.

Engine warning light in the 1.6 THP: is it serious?

Urgency: garage soon. If it stays on steadily, you can drive gently to a garage and ask for a fault code read-out. If it flashes or you notice a loss of power, slow down and get to a garage as soon as possible. The most serious fault that causes it on this engine has critical severity.

Sources

Every fact on this page links to its source. If you find an error, let us know.

  1. Prince engineWikipedia (inglés) · Other source · consulted 27 September 2026
  2. Distribution : les moteurs à problèmesFiches-auto.fr · Motoring press · published April 2025 · consulted 27 September 2026 · in French
  3. BMW Recalls Fuel Pumps. Mini Does NotMotoringFile · Motoring press · published 27 October 2010 · consulted 27 September 2026
  4. Fiabilité Peugeot 308 : pannes et avis des propriétairesFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  5. Fiabilité des 1.6 THPFiches-auto.fr · Reliability study · consulted 30 October 2026 · in French
  6. 7 razones por las que el testigo de fallo del motor se enciende en un cocheRACE · Motoring press · published 23 June 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  7. Sonda lambda o sensor de oxígeno: síntomas y averíasRACE · Motoring press · published 31 October 2023 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  8. Testigo de control de los gases de escapeRACE · Motoring press · published 11 June 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  9. Catalizador de un coche: ¿cómo funciona y qué síntomas de fallo puede dar?RACE · Motoring press · published 8 March 2022 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  10. Código de avería P0420 - guía paso a paso para su diagnóstico y resoluciónAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  11. Código de avería P0300 - guía paso a paso para su diagnóstico y resoluciónAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish
  12. Fallo del motor: guía completa de los símbolos y testigos amarillos en el cocheAutodoc Club · Technical documentation · published 9 September 2026 · consulted 2 October 2026 · in Spanish