Friday 11 March 2016

Appreciation of Peugeot 505 V6: Personal Experience



As early as 1979, Peugeot launched and commenced sale of Peugeot 505, a RWD Lion, designed by Pininfarina, which replaced Peugeot 504. The first series (phase 1) of 505 sold so well and massively that Peugeot thought of and decided to facelift or revised the car. In 1986, Peugeot introduced the facelifted 505 (phase 2) into the market, which was a big improvement on phase1 or pre-facelift. This time, Peugeot added a V6 engine in 505, known as ZN3J, hence, The 505 V6.


505 V6 was a remarkable and one of outstanding aggressive Lion Peugeot ever produced. The V6 engine was jointly produced by Peugeot, Renault and Volvo Car manufacturing companies. Hnece, the nickname PRV engine. The ZN3J was the first even-fire 90 degree V6 PRV engine in Peugeot cars, which succeeded the odd-fire PRV V6 engine in Peugeot 504 V6 & Peugeot 604 V6, produced in the '70s.

505 V6 interior was redesigned from pre-facelifted models, just like other facelifted inline-4 cylinder models. The door mats of V6 have door lights which lit as soon as doors are opened, apart from the standard inner lights mounted on roof liners. The front and rear door windows are electrnoically controlled and switches are mounted on centre console. The seats have option of Velourseat covers and leather which last forever. All 505 V6 have both front headrest and rear headrest, including front and rear seat belts.


The instrument panel design and illuminations were improved on from phase 1. You have option of electronically controlled Sun roof or fixed roof as well. The doors can all be locked with remote control or manually with ignition key. The climate control system was one of a kind, which would keep one warm and chilled, however you want it. The AC could be so chilling that you wonder how Peugeot perfected the system in those years. The Ac compressor brand was Sanden, same as the current brand in newer Lions. The external door rearview mirrors were electrically controlled. They also came with Armrests for each front seats and rear seats.





The 505 V6 had improved suspensions, different from inline-4 cylinder engine models, except the phase II Turbo Inline-4 models. majority of 505 V6 had ABS (Anti-Lock Braking System), the ATE Teves ABS which was electronically controlled, just like the modern Bosch ABS in newer Lions. The 4 wheels had brake discs and front brake discs were all ventilated, especially the ones with ABS. The front brake discs with ABS was about 28.3 mm in diameter and all had 8 holes arranged in 4 groups of 2 holes around the brake discs/rotors. The ABS in 505 V6 also had ABS wheel sensors. It was an integral ABS system. Like i pointed out earlier, not all 505 V6 had ABS. Those without ABS were equipped with LSD (Limited Slip Differential), same one in 505 GTI phase II. So, you get to enjoy whichever 505 V6 you choose, with ABS or without.

In engine bay, 505 V6 had 2.8 liter PRV V6 engine, known as ZN3J. 505 V6 had 2 versions: one that could produce maximum of  about 145 horsepower, while the other produces maximum of about 170 horsepower. By standard, all 505 V6 sold in USA and Canada were the 145 hp version.Their Ignition and Injection ECU part numbers were different. For the 145 hp, ignition ECU Bosch part number is 0 227 400 120, while the injection ECU is Bosch 0 280 001 506. For the 170 hp, the ignition ECU Bosch part number is 0 227 400 121, while Injection ECU is Bosch 0 280 001 507. The aggressive 505 V6 with 170 hp were mostly produced for European markets. The 170 hp version could sound so aggressive, even at low rpm.

Peugeot 505 V6 had Variable ratio steering. A unique power steering system introduced in Peugeot 505 V6 and phase II 505 Turbo, which Peugeot continued with in subsequent V6 Lions, such as the 605 V6, 406 V6, 407 V6, 607 V6, etc. on 505 V6, a transducer or sensor is attached on speedometer cable, which constantly transmit or feed steering ECU the vehicle speed, which the ECU would use to control oil pressure on steering Ram. Hence, the lower the vehicle speed or stationary, the softer or lighter to effortlessly steer or turn the steering wheel. The higher the vehicle speed , the heavier to turn the steering wheel, which makes it safer on top high vehicle speed.



The PRV V6 engine in 505 V6 is controlled or run by Bosch LH2-2 Jetronic system with two ECUs: Ignition and Injection ECUs. The Ignition ECU is also know as Calculator. One of the components of the Bosch LH2-2 System is MAF (Mass Air Flow) Sensor with Bosch part number 0 280 213 006. The MAF has IAT (Inlet Air Temperature) sensor inside, a 2-element IAT that senses Air temperature as they passed through MAF from Air filter box to Throttle Body, which automatically self-cleanse for few seconds after switching off engine. Other components for the system are one CTS (Coolant Temperature Sensor), Throttle Switch, Throttle Body, 2 Detonation sensors, Cylinder 1 reference sensor, Distributor, Distributor Cap and Rotor, 6 spark plugs and 6 leads, 1 Ignition Coil and lead, 1 ignition module, 2 fuel pumps (In-tank and main pump), 6 fuel injectors, 1 FPR (Fuel Pressure Regulator), 3 Relays, 1 oxygen sensor, IAC ( Idle Air Control Valve or Solenoid), RPM sensor, 1 Catalytic converter (optional), etc.

The CTS look similar to that of Peugeot XU engines, though connected differently. The 2 wires from engine wiring harness to CTS socket are all signal wires from injection and ignition ECUs. Both wires have figures 25 and 2 stamped on them. Wire 25 is from ignition ECU, while wire 2 is from injection ECU. You can test working of the CTS from the 2 wires. To check the voltage values CTS feed to the 2 ECUs, start the test when engine or coolant temperature is very low or cold, or before starting the lion for the first time early morning. Get a DMM (Digital MultiMeter), switch it to 20v, leave the CTS wiring socket connected to the sensor (CTS), switch on ignition switch, ground DMM black or negavtive lead/wire to battery negative terminal or any ground point or on engine, locate the wire 2 on the CTS socket hole and probe in DMM red or positive lead into the CTS socket hole with wire 2 with CTS still connected to its socket. The DMM should display about 1.98v (1.9v). Then remove the red DMM lead and probe into the 2nd socket hole of wire 25. The DMM should display about 3.80v (3.8v). These voltage values when engine is cold is an indication the CTS is working well. However, when engine starts running and starts getting warm and very hot, the voltage values from CTS to the ECUS will start dropping or reducing. If while carrying out the test and DMM diplays 4.5v to 5v, both cold and high coolant/engine temperature, then the CTS has failed and need replacement.

The 505 V6 engine has 2 head cylinders: Bank 1 and Bank 2. The bank 1 faces the distributor and battery. Bank 2 faces Air filter box. Each bank have 3 cylinders, 3 injectors and 3 spark plugs. Cylinders 1, 2 & 3 are located on bank 1, while cylinder 4, 4 & 6 are located on bank 2. Cylinder 1 is the cylinder nearest to gearbox and firewall on bank 1. Cylinder 3 is facing or closest cylinder to Distributor on bank 1, while bank 2 is in the middle of cylinder 1 & 3 on bank 1.. Likewise, cylinder 4 is cylinder closest to gearbox and firewall on bank 2. Cylinder 6 is cylinder closest or facing radiator on bank 2. While cylinder 5 is in the middle of cylinder 4 & 6 on bank 2.



The 505 V6 engine has V shape. And it's one of the best 90 degree V6 engine ever produced. It has balance shaft  on bank 2, which helps in eliminating vibrations from the engine, making it one of the smoothest V6 engine. The engine has 2 Timing Chains, one chain on each cylinder bank that could last forever, as long as quality oil is used and changed when due. The engine block and cylinder heads are all light Alloy and makes the engine weightless.

Originally, the engine was designed to be V8, but 2 cylinders were removed later. It's a short stroke engine. The engine has has 3 auxiliary belts: Alternator belt (part # Bosch 7640 or 1050 La), Power steering belt (part # 915 La or C-915) and AC compressor belt (part # 1400 La or A53).

Peugeot 505 V6 fuel economy is quite impressive, considering it was '80s production. On highway, it average about 24 mpg, even with AC running.

505 V6 was one of the best car ever produced on planet Earth and still is. The road handling and general character is very outstanding. Peugeot 505 V6 was a unique invention, not just technological innovation. On Acceleration, the loud aggressive impressive Roar from the engine made the Lion a unique one, The King of the Road! It's really an inspiring and a great fun car, when geared into action. The way the front end pulls up, the rear presses down and occupants thrown back to the seats when pushed hard, could be very thrilling. Peugeot 505 V6 was and still remain one of the blessings I have ever received; a gift!




Peugeot 505 V6 production ended in 1989, when Peugeot 605 V6 came into existence, with ZN3J successors: ZPJ & ZPJ4.

I know you might be wondering or wishing if you knew, you would have gone for such tool of happiness in its era. But then, good life and well-being abounds. Peugeot is rolling out wonderful aggressive new Lions that serve same good life experience 505 V6 did. I am talking about Peugeot 208 GTi, 308 GTi, RCZ R, 508, etc. Go forth and the good life which you deserve. Or you want to wait till I come back to tell my own story again? You deserve to tell yours too.


Ikenna, Lion King.





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